WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper

JohN Dee · 1st March 2008, 08:28 PM

Found this video on youtube... Pretty grusome, but informational = YouTube - Worker pulled through woodchipper

My thoughts/condolences go out to his family.

This is the reason why we don't let newbies run ANY of our gear until we fully induct and train them, then they are supervised for a set amount of time before we let them run the stuff by themselves. Ranging from our smallest saws, to our stumpgrinder to the chipper.

bigshea13 · 1st March 2008, 10:07 PM

the outfit we re working for now uses whispers. they are accidents begging to happen. no rollers no safety bars...just pure zing!

Phased1 · 1st March 2008, 10:31 PM

Tragic accident really

The B.C. (British Columbia) accident investigator talks about a lower "panic or bump" bar being "required".
Is this a requirement anywhere else?
I've never used a chipper with such a bar, has anyone else?
It looks like it would be easy to hit it with branches, pita maybe.....?

I'm interested as I'm looking to buy a used bush Bandit 90xp...... any leads?

I guess I should call the local dealer to see if it's required here and if so, can it can be retro fitted.

Thanks for the info.

Ekka · 1st March 2008, 10:33 PM

That would have to be one of the worst ways to go, poor bloke.

JohN Dee · 1st March 2008, 10:43 PM

This is a quote from our Code of practice: Amentity tree industry 1998.

Quote:

9.3.1 Wood chippers
Before using a wood chipper the operator should check that it has been properly maintained, that guards are securely in place, that
blades are sharp and secure and the safety trip works.
The operator should wear appropriate PPE such as head and eye protection and hearing protection. Loose clothing that could be
drawn into the machine should not be worn.
The feed chute or feed table of a wood chipper must have sufficient height on its side members to prevent the operator coming into
contact with the blades or knives during operation. The outer edge of the chute must be at least 1450 mm from any moving part in
which the operator could be entangled.
When using the woodchipper, the operator:
? must use the woodchipper according to the manufacturer’s specifications and instructions.
? must not expose the chipper rotor or disc while it is moving, for example by lifting the chute
? must not allow anyone to walk in front of the discharge chute while the disc or rotor is moving.
Wood chippers should be fed from the side of the centre line. The operator should immediately turn away from the feed table
when the brush is taken into the rotor.
WorkCover on Disk - Codes of Practice
Remember:
? Never use hands or feet to push material through the chipper. If necessary use longer timber to push material into the chipper.
? The disc or drum of a chipper can take several minutes to stop moving. KEEP CLEAR!

Nothing stated in the current one about the bumb bar, but I have heard in the 2008 code of practice (which is about to be released for feedback) that the bump bar is going to be in there.

Even though it isn't legislation yet, you can still get your nuts fried for it for lack of "duty of care".

Ekka · 1st March 2008, 10:53 PM

Up to the manufacturer at this point, Vermeer has it Bandit not.

I'm sure OHS is a state thing not Federal so there's inconsistencies between states.

If the machine is not fitted with it standard like Bandit then there's no troubles unless a law comes out telling everyone to fit one retrospective like they did with the "roll over protection bars" for tractors etc.

Yes, it is a PITA especially when you load with machinery as a bump doesn't take much. Also depending on the angle of the chute to the ground it can be bad when limbs/forks are going up hill. Like imagine when the driveway has a plateau then downhill and the chipper is sitting up the top and the branches really rub on that bar. Vermeer has a sensitivity button now, low or high, off is not an option but I'd prefer it.

Wait till you got a face full of crap trying to stuff it in the rollers on your own then the bloody light comes on and all stops. You have to let go of the load so it springs back out, go to the side, press the wretched button, then start again trying to stuff the shute. Trees that'll piss you off here doing that are, poinciana, fiddlewood, african tulip tree, pepper trees etc

Dont wear gloves, have a stick or rake handy, dont use your feet and have a bloody brain!

Lord help us what it will be like in 30 years time, ban the whole job!

penfold · 2nd March 2008, 10:16 AM

here in the uk we have bump bars on our chippers as well as an emergency stop button above the feed chute (well thats certainly the case on timberwolf chippers) and I find that if you load the chute fairly carefully but still getting a fair amount in the bar doesnt get triggered.

KidInTree · 4th March 2008, 04:10 PM

Now thats a brutal way to go. I have Worked with chippers that have bump bars and ones that dont. key thing is to pay attention with the newer chippers that have a bump bar but the old chuck and duck basically you have to toss the brach in and jump back or it doesnt take much to get slaped or have something to tug u towards the blades. just take your time and be safe with them and they are a great machine. lose respect for it and it doesnt take much for that thing to snip off a piece of you.

arbdog · 8th March 2008, 01:06 PM

As penfold said. here in the u.k everythink has a bump/stop bar and kill switch. Ive never used a machine without one! 90% sure its a legal requirement.

Bomensjaak · 13th April 2008, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phased1

Tragic accident really

The B.C. (British Columbia) accident investigator talks about a lower "panic or bump" bar being "required".
Is this a requirement anywhere else?
I've never used a chipper with such a bar, has anyone else?
It looks like it would be easy to hit it with branches, pita maybe.....?

I'm interested as I'm looking to buy a used bush Bandit 90xp...... any leads?

I guess I should call the local dealer to see if it's required here and if so, can it can be retro fitted.

Thanks for the info.

In the Netherlands this safetybar is required by law. You can find it on all new chippers.

TreeSpecialist · 14th April 2008, 12:52 PM

My new Bandit has a "fail safe" cable to pull if one is drawn into the chute. They're attached to the feed bar and will reverse the feed wheels if pulled in time.

Drum chippers continue to be exceedingly dangerous - there was talk about banning them several years ago in favor of slower disc chippers, but the line clearance industry loves them.

1st March 2008, 08:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
JohN Dee Astronaut Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 679	WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper Found this video on youtube... Pretty grusome, but informational = YouTube - Worker pulled through woodchipper My thoughts/condolences go out to his family. This is the reason why we don't let newbies run ANY of our gear until we fully induct and train them, then they are supervised for a set amount of time before we let them run the stuff by themselves. Ranging from our smallest saws, to our stumpgrinder to the chipper. __________________ Climber with slow climbing speed, must make up with mighty chainsaw roar. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Red : Green : Blue

1st March 2008, 10:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
bigshea13 Afterburner is shakin' Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: hiding Posts: 388	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper the outfit we re working for now uses whispers. they are accidents begging to happen. no rollers no safety bars...just pure zing!

1st March 2008, 10:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
Phased1 Newbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper Tragic accident really The B.C. (British Columbia) accident investigator talks about a lower "panic or bump" bar being "required". Is this a requirement anywhere else? I've never used a chipper with such a bar, has anyone else? It looks like it would be easy to hit it with branches, pita maybe.....? I'm interested as I'm looking to buy a used bush Bandit 90xp...... any leads? I guess I should call the local dealer to see if it's required here and if so, can it can be retro fitted. Thanks for the info.

1st March 2008, 10:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,669	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper That would have to be one of the worst ways to go, poor bloke. __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

1st March 2008, 10:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
Ekka Eric Frei Administrator - Brisbane L5 (Dip) Hort Cert III Arb + some Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Brisbane Posts: 5,669	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper Up to the manufacturer at this point, Vermeer has it Bandit not. I'm sure OHS is a state thing not Federal so there's inconsistencies between states. If the machine is not fitted with it standard like Bandit then there's no troubles unless a law comes out telling everyone to fit one retrospective like they did with the "roll over protection bars" for tractors etc. Yes, it is a PITA especially when you load with machinery as a bump doesn't take much. Also depending on the angle of the chute to the ground it can be bad when limbs/forks are going up hill. Like imagine when the driveway has a plateau then downhill and the chipper is sitting up the top and the branches really rub on that bar. Vermeer has a sensitivity button now, low or high, off is not an option but I'd prefer it. Wait till you got a face full of crap trying to stuff it in the rollers on your own then the bloody light comes on and all stops. You have to let go of the load so it springs back out, go to the side, press the wretched button, then start again trying to stuff the shute. Trees that'll piss you off here doing that are, poinciana, fiddlewood, african tulip tree, pepper trees etc Dont wear gloves, have a stick or rake handy, dont use your feet and have a bloody brain! Lord help us what it will be like in 30 years time, ban the whole job! __________________ Remember to use the "search" function, if you have answers/questions post them so everyone can benefit. Free Tree and Green Industry Link Directory Qualified Brisbane Tree Lopping Brisbane Tree Care, Consultations and Arborist Reports Forum Sponsors

2nd March 2008, 10:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
penfold Gettin' motoring Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: leeds, uk Posts: 15	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper here in the uk we have bump bars on our chippers as well as an emergency stop button above the feed chute (well thats certainly the case on timberwolf chippers) and I find that if you load the chute fairly carefully but still getting a fair amount in the bar doesnt get triggered.

4th March 2008, 04:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
KidInTree Gettin' motoring Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Orillia, Ontatio, Canada Posts: 10	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper Now thats a brutal way to go. I have Worked with chippers that have bump bars and ones that dont. key thing is to pay attention with the newer chippers that have a bump bar but the old chuck and duck basically you have to toss the brach in and jump back or it doesnt take much to get slaped or have something to tug u towards the blades. just take your time and be safe with them and they are a great machine. lose respect for it and it doesnt take much for that thing to snip off a piece of you.

8th March 2008, 01:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
arbdog Cruisin' Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: england Posts: 97	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper As penfold said. here in the u.k everythink has a bump/stop bar and kill switch. Ive never used a machine without one! 90% sure its a legal requirement.

14th April 2008, 12:52 PM	#11 (permalink)
TreeSpecialist Cruisin' Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Posts: 97	Re: WorkSafeBC investigation - Worker Pulled through Wood Chipper My new Bandit has a "fail safe" cable to pull if one is drawn into the chute. They're attached to the feed bar and will reverse the feed wheels if pulled in time. Drum chippers continue to be exceedingly dangerous - there was talk about banning them several years ago in favor of slower disc chippers, but the line clearance industry loves them.

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