WOODCHIPPERS

Introduction

Learn how to operate this powerful machine safely and confidently with our one-day course. This is a hands-on course that delivers both practical skills and health and safety as well as demonstrating that you and your employer have completed sufficient training to meet the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER).

Overview in brief

Woodchippers are popular pieces of equipment used in industries from arboriculture to
woodland preservation. They’re powerful tools that have the potential to cause injury if used incorrectly. This makes training essential. Our course will teach you how to operate a woodchipper safely and with confidence.

The finer details

This is an integrated training and assessment
course. You’ll receive a certificate of training once it is completed. We’ll use a balanced mix of theory and practical sessions to guide you
through the process. You’ll learn all the key health and safety issues. Routine maintenance tuition will follow. Practical work will include chipping and removing blockages. Worth noting: Inexperienced operators might need more time to fully master all the elements of
our course.

Who should attend?

Any person employed in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, landscaping and grounds
maintenance who is or will be required to operate woodchippers.
Inexperienced members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied. People involved in; arboriculture, forestry, utilities, estate management, woodland industries, local authorities, conservation, horticulture, land-based industries.

What will be covered?

By the end of the course, you’ll be able to:

· Produce a site-specific risk assessment for wood chipping operations.
· State the principles of Health and Safety Executive legislation and safety guidelines for using a woodchipper.
· Select the appropriate personal protective equipment and state the maintenance
requirements.
· Carry out operator checks and identify the safety features of a woodchipper.
· Carry out routine operator maintenance.
· Inspect and identify defects on the blades.
· Prepare machine prior to operation, start the machine, carry out safety checks and stop machine.
· Prepare a work area and a range of materials for chipping and identify hazardous
materials not to be chipped.
· Use approved techniques to chip woody brash and both short and long sections of timber safely and effectively.
· State the procedure for removing blockages.
· State the safety and environmental factors associated with the disposal of woodchips and the various end uses of woodchips.