| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Underground utilities, trip hazards, rocks, nearby crew approaching grinder zone | Verify utility locates, inspect for surface hazards, remove loose debris, ensure crew stays clear of work zone |
| Inspect stump grinder | Damaged guards, loose belts, dull or cracked teeth, hydraulic leaks | Perform full equipment inspection, confirm guards are in place, inspect cutting wheel teeth, check controls and safety shutdown features |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, eye injuries, noise exposure | Wear all PPE before starting equipment |
| Position stump grinder | Machine rollaway, unstable footing, poor visibility | Park on level ground, engage parking brake, chock wheels if needed, maintain clear visibility to stump and surroundings |
| Start and test grinder | Unexpected movement, flying debris at startup | Start machine from safe position, test controls, verify emergency stop functions, confirm cutting wheel is clear before engaging |
| Establish exclusion zone | Crew or bystanders struck by debris or entering hazard area | Keep all personnel at safe distance, assign a spotter to watch for anyone approaching, direct discharge away from people or property |
| Begin grinding stump | Debris projection, tip over risk, hitting underground obstructions | Lower cutter wheel slowly, make shallow passes, maintain firm stance, monitor ground conditions, stop immediately if hitting hard object |
| Move grinder around stump | Loss of control, foot entrapment, slips or trips | Disengage cutter wheel before repositioning, walk machine slowly, maintain clear ground path, keep hands and feet away from moving parts |
| Maintain awareness of crew location | Crew wandering into hazard zone | Maintain communication, ensure spotter keeps area clear, stop grinding if anyone approaches |
| Shut down equipment | Contact with moving wheel, unexpected restart | Disengage cutting wheel, idle down, turn off engine, wait for wheel to stop fully before approaching |
| Clean up debris | Flying chips, lifting injuries, cuts | Use rakes or shovels rather than hands, wear gloves, lift with legs not back, dispose of chips properly |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when near roads or active equipment
Long sleeve shirt and long pants
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Chainsaw, Forestry, and Vegetation Management
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess the work area | Underground utilities, trip hazards, rocks, nearby crew approaching grinder zone | Verify utility locates, inspect for surface hazards, remove loose debris, ensure crew stays clear of work zone |
| Inspect stump grinder | Damaged guards, loose belts, dull or cracked teeth, hydraulic leaks | Perform full equipment inspection, confirm guards are in place, inspect cutting wheel teeth, check controls and safety shutdown features |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, eye injuries, noise exposure | Wear all PPE before starting equipment |
| Position stump grinder | Machine rollaway, unstable footing, poor visibility | Park on level ground, engage parking brake, chock wheels if needed, maintain clear visibility to stump and surroundings |
| Start and test grinder | Unexpected movement, flying debris at startup | Start machine from safe position, test controls, verify emergency stop functions, confirm cutting wheel is clear before engaging |
| Establish exclusion zone | Crew or bystanders struck by debris or entering hazard area | Keep all personnel at safe distance, assign a spotter to watch for anyone approaching, direct discharge away from people or property |
| Begin grinding stump | Debris projection, tip over risk, hitting underground obstructions | Lower cutter wheel slowly, make shallow passes, maintain firm stance, monitor ground conditions, stop immediately if hitting hard object |
| Move grinder around stump | Loss of control, foot entrapment, slips or trips | Disengage cutter wheel before repositioning, walk machine slowly, maintain clear ground path, keep hands and feet away from moving parts |
| Maintain awareness of crew location | Crew wandering into hazard zone | Maintain communication, ensure spotter keeps area clear, stop grinding if anyone approaches |
| Shut down equipment | Contact with moving wheel, unexpected restart | Disengage cutting wheel, idle down, turn off engine, wait for wheel to stop fully before approaching |
| Clean up debris | Flying chips, lifting injuries, cuts | Use rakes or shovels rather than hands, wear gloves, lift with legs not back, dispose of chips properly |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
High visibility vest when near roads or active equipment
Long sleeve shirt and long pants