This Wood Chipper Operation SOP (Safe Operating Procedure) gives operators a clear method for running engine or PTO-driven wood chippers and mulchers to reduce branches, prunings and green waste. It covers two-person operation, checking guards, feed controls and the emergency stop, exclusion zones, feeding butt end first, maximum branch size, clearing the discharge chute and safely isolating the machine before clearing jams. It's written by WHS specialists, aligned to Australian WHS legislation, and fully editable in Microsoft Word.
Who it's for
Arborists and tree services
Landscaping and garden maintenance businesses
Council parks and roadside crews
Utility vegetation management contractors
Farms, orchards and large property maintenance crews
Use it to
Train and induct workers in exactly how you expect the task to be done
Keep a clear reference at the machine, in the vehicle or on site
Record competency with the built-in sign-off
Show clients, insurers and auditors your safe work methods are written down
What this SOP covers
Entanglement in infeed rollers, chute or cutting disc causing amputation
Being pulled towards the infeed chute while feeding
Kickback and ejected chips or debris
Contact with moving parts if guards are removed or bypassed
Being drawn in while clearing a jam by hand
Cuts from blades or knives during clearing or cleaning
Crush from an unsupported disc, drum or flywheel
Noise, wood dust and airborne particles
Manual handling of branches, logs and green waste
Slips and trips around the machine, sunburn and heat illness
What's included
11 pre-operational checks, from two trained people on site to guards, feed controls, the emergency stop, blades, discharge direction and exclusion zones
A 14-step operating procedure covering start-up, the nominated operator, feeding position, branch size, foreign material, long branches and jams
Isolation and energy control for shutting down, disengaging the PTO, run-down of the flywheel and clearing jams without hands
7 shutdown, housekeeping and post-operation steps
Emergency actions for a person caught or entangled in the chipper and machine fires
PPE checklist and a list of related documents
Competency acknowledgement and worker sign-off
Space for your logo, SOP number, version and review dates
Why use this template
Saves hours compared with writing an SOP from a blank page
Written as clear, numbered steps that workers can follow on the job
Fully editable, so you can match it to your equipment, site and how your team works
The competency sign-off gives you a training record from day one
How it works
Buy online and download straight away. You'll also get an email with your link.
Add your logo, company name, SOP number and dates.
Check it suits your equipment and site, and edit anything you need to.
Train your workers and have them sign the competency acknowledgement.
Need more than one SOP?
This SOP is also included in the Ultimate Gardening & Landscaping SOP Bundle. At $197 for the whole bundle, it works out much cheaper than buying SOPs one at a time.
Common questions
Does it cover changing blades or knives?
No. Removing fixed guards, replacing blades or knives and other maintenance on the cutting disc, drum or flywheel must only be done by a competent person with the machine isolated.
Can one person operate the chipper alone?
No. The SOP requires at least two trained and competent people on this machine, with one nominated as the chipper operator who stays within reach of the feed control bar or emergency stop.
Can I change it?
Yes. It's a Microsoft Word file, so you can add, remove or change any step, check or hazard, and add your own logo and details.
Does it suit my state?
Yes. It's written to the model WHS laws and suits all states and territories, including Victoria under the OHS Act and Regulations.
What if it doesn't suit my work?
You're covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee if it isn't fit for purpose.
