Method Statement: Chipper

Staff or volunteers employed in these tasks on behalf of the local council need to apply their training, manufacturer's instructions and the outcome of any risk assessment before undertaking work. The following method statement is to be seen as general advice only.
 

Resources for Activity

• Chipper
• trained operators
• hearing protection
• head protection
• full face visor

Recommended Work Sequence 

1. All operatives using Chippers must be trained on their safe operation and have an operator's manual to refer to for use and maintenance purposes.
2. All operatives must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment, eg hard hat, visor, hearing protection, safety boots, gloves, hard hat, long sleeved reflective clothing, waterproof clothing.
3. All machines must have safety checks carried out before use with all defects reported to the supervisor before leaving the yard and all must be fuelled prior to start of works.
4. Machinery must not be used where there are safety guards missing or damaged or any fuel leaks, these must be reported immediately to your supervisor.
5. Traffic Management to be set up in accordance with the procedures set out in the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991, Chapter 8.
6. Ensure the chipper is parked to allow operators to pass without going underneath the exit chute.
7. Exit chute must be pointed away from the area where anyone is working.
8. Exit chute must not point into any water way.
9. All chippings must be spread out evenly.
10. Chipper must be switched off before moving to next area of work.

Tracked chipper

11. When using tracked chipper the area of works must be walked over and the ground checked for stability.
12. Do not use on gradients over 20 degrees when ground conditions are wet.
13. Do not operate on gradients over 35 degrees.
14. Remove traffic management upon completion.