Chipper Safety

Streyken · 24th April 2007, 11:37 AM

With a lot of attention here in BC on the new chipper regulations, (required bottom safety bar), and the resulting industry resistance to it, I began thinking of a system that would work for the regulators and the people using the machines. I came up with one idea, but don't you know it, the damn Aussies already have it well in hand! Electronic tagging.

http://www.indsafe.com.au/

Anyone have any information on this? If it can withstand the vibration and elements, I would use it.

oops - might want to move this to "Tree gear and machinery"

Ekka · 24th April 2007, 03:18 PM

http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publ...g_machines.htm

Quote:

The ruling states that reliance on training, instruction or supervision is not an acceptable alternative control to physical guarding of dangerous moving parts.

Remember!! Training of an operator in the safe method of using a machine does not make an unsafe machine safe for use.

http://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/wps/w...chine_guarding

Quote:

Consider installing an electronic activating mechanism that is activated by sensors worn by the operator.

http://www.courts.sa.gov.au/judgment...0-SASC-108.htm

Quote:

Following a hearing in the District Court, on 23 December 2005 the trial Judge found that Rivett, Arbor and WMC had breached duties of care to both Conor and Christopher. Conor?s damages were assessed at $1,084,451.53 and judgment was entered in that amount. Judgment was entered for Christopher in the amount of $20,000. No reduction was made for contributory negligence. The Judge apportioned responsibility - 70% against Rivett and Arbor and 30% against WMC.

JohN Dee · 24th April 2007, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Streyken

With a lot of attention here in BC on the new chipper regulations, (required bottom safety bar), and the resulting industry resistance to it, I began thinking of a system that would work for the regulators and the people using the machines. I came up with one idea, but don't you know it, the damn Aussies already have it well in hand! Electronic tagging.

http://www.indsafe.com.au/

Anyone have any information on this? If it can withstand the vibration and elements, I would use it.

oops - might want to move this to "Tree gear and machinery"

Streyken, I recall reading about the tag thingy in gloves on AS I'm not sure who posted it though? It was either your or oldtimer?

But yeah, with chippers if they had an active electromagnetic field say with in 10cm's of the rollers, then inserting the foil tags (like the ones in the shopping centres) to set it off would be great. Unfortunately the Chipper companies aswell as all other companies comply with the bare minimum to keep their business above board.

But for now, procedures & policies (on all of your equipt') with a sign off sheet is the best way to save your a$$.

Streyken · 24th April 2007, 07:09 PM

I missed that one on AS, and here I thought I had a good idea, but turns out to be old news. At least the chipper I'm planning on getting should be exempt from the new regulations due to its size ? will have to wait for Worksafe?s final revisions though.

Mike Poor · 25th April 2007, 01:01 PM

When I bought my last chipper (Vermeer 2000XL w/ bottom safety bar) I was concerned that the lower bar would be activated too often unnecessarily and slow production. I'm suprised how well it works though and it only occassionaly stops the rollers by accident. I think the sensors you thought of are a great idea! (the sensors & the lower bar shouldn't be relied on 100% though!)

arbor.com.au · 26th April 2007, 07:28 PM

yeah - couple of things i would specifically look for in chipper safety is

(a) bottom feed stop bar - add a sensitivity switch if you like so it is not triggered by accident

(b) safely packed machine - heavy duty steel

(c) big infeed opening - e.g. reducing chainsaw work

(d) good feed table height to reduce back strain etc

(e) brightly colored machine

(f) angle of the discharge chute - rotating away from operators

(g) safety chains for towing and electric brakes

(h) safety decals and manuals

(i) good operator training by the manufacturer or dealer when machine is bought...

Just my opinion... Cheers/

Ekka · 26th April 2007, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arbor.com.au

yeah - couple of things i would specifically look for in chipper safety is

(d) good feed table height to reduce back strain etc

I fed a chipper recently, a Bandit 15" I think, the table is low, too low, in fact it's friggin terrible! Does anyone know of this and I think there's a standard for table height in Australia.

TrevMcRev · 27th April 2007, 12:11 AM

Is the bottom stop feed bar something that can be/must be added to earlier model machines?

Is it a legal requirement for ALL chippers in use or just all NEW chippers on sale?

Streyken · 27th April 2007, 12:33 AM

It was set to be a requirement on all hydraulic fed machines. Then there was a big

by many of the tree services. The bigger companies banded together to talk with worksafe as well as people like myself phoning in and giving our opinion. In the end WorksafeBC decided put mandatory compliance on hold to review their decision, at least that's what I heard last week.

My chipper should be here early next week. Just got the frame for the box welded on my truck today.

24th April 2007, 11:37 AM	#1 (permalink)
Streyken Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 205	Chipper Safety With a lot of attention here in BC on the new chipper regulations, (required bottom safety bar), and the resulting industry resistance to it, I began thinking of a system that would work for the regulators and the people using the machines. I came up with one idea, but don't you know it, the damn Aussies already have it well in hand! Electronic tagging. http://www.indsafe.com.au/ Anyone have any information on this? If it can withstand the vibration and elements, I would use it. oops - might want to move this to "Tree gear and machinery" __________________ Trimmin' bush and caring for flowers is good 'n' all... but sometimes ya gotta let the big wood fly and pound the garden. Last edited by Streyken : 24th April 2007 at 11:40 AM. Reason: oops - might want to move this to "Tree gear and machinery"

24th April 2007, 07:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
Streyken Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 205	I missed that one on AS, and here I thought I had a good idea, but turns out to be old news. At least the chipper I'm planning on getting should be exempt from the new regulations due to its size ? will have to wait for Worksafe?s final revisions though. __________________ Trimmin' bush and caring for flowers is good 'n' all... but sometimes ya gotta let the big wood fly and pound the garden.

27th April 2007, 12:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
TrevMcRev Over mature heritage tree Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Posts: 734	Is the bottom stop feed bar something that can be/must be added to earlier model machines? Is it a legal requirement for ALL chippers in use or just all NEW chippers on sale? __________________ Melbourne Arborist, Total Tree Care, Pruning, Tree and Stump Removal

27th April 2007, 12:33 AM	#9 (permalink)
Streyken Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 205	It was set to be a requirement on all hydraulic fed machines. Then there was a big by many of the tree services. The bigger companies banded together to talk with worksafe as well as people like myself phoning in and giving our opinion. In the end WorksafeBC decided put mandatory compliance on hold to review their decision, at least that's what I heard last week. My chipper should be here early next week. Just got the frame for the box welded on my truck today. __________________ Trimmin' bush and caring for flowers is good 'n' all... but sometimes ya gotta let the big wood fly and pound the garden.

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25th April 2007, 01:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mike Poor Semi-mature vigorous tree Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Urbana, IL,usa Posts: 76	When I bought my last chipper (Vermeer 2000XL w/ bottom safety bar) I was concerned that the lower bar would be activated too often unnecessarily and slow production. I'm suprised how well it works though and it only occassionaly stops the rollers by accident. I think the sensors you thought of are a great idea! (the sensors & the lower bar shouldn't be relied on 100% though!)

26th April 2007, 07:28 PM	#6 (permalink)
arbor.com.au Sappling Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 5	yeah - couple of things i would specifically look for in chipper safety is (a) bottom feed stop bar - add a sensitivity switch if you like so it is not triggered by accident (b) safely packed machine - heavy duty steel (c) big infeed opening - e.g. reducing chainsaw work (d) good feed table height to reduce back strain etc (e) brightly colored machine (f) angle of the discharge chute - rotating away from operators (g) safety chains for towing and electric brakes (h) safety decals and manuals (i) good operator training by the manufacturer or dealer when machine is bought... Just my opinion... Cheers/