Michigan Administrative Code
Department - Labor and Economic Opportunity
MIOSHA
General Industry and Construction Safety and Occupational Health Standards
General Industry Safety Standards
Part 52 - SAWMILLS
SPECIFIC EQUIPMENT
Section R. 408.15231 - Chippers and hogs

(1) A whole log chipper or a hog shall have the feed system arranged so that an employee does not stand in direct line with the chipper hopper.

(2) A guard shall be installed over the chipping or hog throat to prevent slab and wood particles from being discharged at an operator.

(3) To prevent an employee from falling onto a chipper or hog belt-type, feed-in conveyor, the belt-type conveyor shall be guarded for the entire length of the conveyor by an enclosure or guardrail system as prescribed in General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 2 "Walking-Working Surfaces," as referenced in R 408.15209.

(4) A safety belt and lanyard shall be used by an employee when feeding at or near the hopper of a drop feed chipper or drop feed hog. The lanyard shall be adjusted to prevent an employee from falling into the chipper or hog.

(5) A board chipper or hog shall have the feed spout enclosed not less than 40 inches from the blade to the opening or the operator shall wear a safety belt and lanyard. The lanyard shall be short enough to prevent any portion of the operators body from touching the blade.

(6) Where jam-ups cannot be cleared with a stick, the in-feed equipment shall be stopped and locked out and the employee clearing the jam shall be provided with, and use, a safety belt and lanyard, as prescribed in General Industry Safety and Health Standard Part 33 "Personal Protective Equipment," as referenced in R 408.15209, which is adjusted to prevent contact with the chipper blade before additional cleaning is done.

(7) A chipper on a head rig or edger shall be enclosed to protect the employee.