Operate a mobile chipper / mulcher – FWPHAR2208
Chippers/ mulchers are used daily to take care of environmental waste matter associated with forests and other plant life. Mulchers and chippers are powerful machines which are potentially dangerous if not operated correctly or with the skills required for safety.
This course gives you the skills and knowledge to safely operate a hand or machine fed mobile chipping or mulching unit to chip or mulch timber refuse.
Course Overview
FWPHAR2208 – Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to operate a hand-fed or machine-fed mobile chipping or mulching unit to chip or mulch timber refuse such as branches and other timber waste.
The unit applies to individuals who operate mobile chippers/mulchers as part of arboriculture, forestry, agriculture, conservation and land management, local government, emergency services and other government agency operations.
The course covers:
- Environmental protection practices related to wood chipping or mulching operations, including energy use, cleaning plant, tools and equipment and disposing of, recycling and reusing waste products
- Types of material suitable and unsuitable for chipping and mulching
- Types, purpose, features and operation of mobile chipping and mulching units
- Capacity of chippers and mulchers to cope with differing sizes and diameters of branch
- Feed rates at which material is fed into chippers and mulchers to optimise output without damaging or blocking machinery
- Feeding techniques to minimise operator exposure to injury
- Techniques for loading chipped/ mulched material into truck or transport vehicle
- Criteria and methods for checking cutting blade condition
- Operator maintenance procedures for fuelling, safety checks, cleaning, lubricating, operational adjustments and cutter inspection for wear or damage, replacement and disposal
- Common hazards associated with chipping and mulching operations and methods to minimise associated risks
- Workplace procedures specific to chipping and mulching, including workplace health and safety, with particular emphasis on equipment lock-out, use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safe manual handling
- Communication reporting lines
- Recording and reporting production outcomes and equipment faults.
The nationally recognised qualification FWPHAR2208 Operate a mobile chipper/mulcher, is delivered under a third-party agreement by V.E.T. Centre (QLD) on behalf of All States Training RTO #32577.
All States Training RTO #32577 is the Registered Training Organisation that issues certification upon successful completion of the accredited course.
Course Outcomes
It is expected that participants should acquire knowledge, skill and understanding of the following areas:
- Prepare for chipping or mulching
- Chip or mulch material
- Complete operator maintenance
Course Duration
This course takes 1 day of face-to-face classroom and practical training/ assessment.
What to bring on the day
Each person will need to bring the following:
- Steel cap work boots
- Long pants
- Helmet
- Ear and eye protection
- Safety gloves
- Sun protection
- Water bottle
- Lunch
Note: All chipping / mulching equipment is to be supplied by the client. If you are unable to access a mobile chipper / mulcher, we can hire one for an additional cost.
Why do this course?
Operating a mobile chipper/ mulcher is a potentially hazardous activity that carries the risk of injury. Chippers and mulchers are large machinery items which are powerful and potentially dangerous if not operated correctly or with the skills required for safety.
If you are using a chipper/ mulcher at work, you need to be able to demonstrate that you have been properly trained and formally assessed.
This course is necessary for workers who operate mobile chippers/ mulchers as part of their work routines.
