Stump Grinder Operation Safe Work Method Statement

Stump grinder operation doesn't currently require specific High Risk Work Licensing in most Australian jurisdictions, but operators must demonstrate competency in safe operation appropriate to equipment type and work context. Competency verification includes manufacturer training specific to grinder model being used, understanding of machine controls and safety features, practical demonstration of safe operating techniques, and knowledge of hazard recognition and emergency procedures. Workers operating on construction sites must hold general construction induction (White Card) regardless of equipment licensing requirements. Many insurance policies require documented operator training and competency verification before coverage applies. Larger commercial grinding operations often implement internal competency assessment programmes requiring operators to complete supervised operating hours and pass written and practical assessments before independent operation. Training should cover pre-start inspection procedures, cutting wheel engagement techniques, terrain stability assessment, underground service awareness, and emergency response including cutting wheel jam procedures and machine recovery from unstable positions. Operators working with tracked grinders exceeding certain weights may require additional training in tracked vehicle operation and transport loading techniques. Refresher training is recommended annually maintaining operator knowledge particularly when introducing new equipment models or after significant operational incidents. Maintain training records documenting date of training, trainer qualifications, competencies assessed, and assessment outcomes as evidence of due diligence. Some manufacturers offer certification programmes completing which provides recognised credentials for resume purposes and may satisfy insurance requirements.

Identifying hidden rocks or metal before grinding commences prevents equipment damage and projectile hazards. Begin with visual inspection of stump examining for protruding nails, wire, or fence attachments commonly present where fences connected to trees. Check surrounding area for rock retaining walls, landscape borders, or paving that may extend into root zone. Ask property owner about historical use noting particularly former fence lines, building footings, or landscape features that may have incorporated the tree. Use metal detector scanning stump and immediate surrounding area identifying buried metal including wire, nails, or fence components. Some professional operators use ground-penetrating radar for high-value sites identifying both metal and stone inclusions. Begin grinding conservatively making shallow initial passes allowing observation of stump interior composition before aggressive material removal. Watch and listen during grinding - metal contact produces distinctive sparking, metallic scraping sounds, and sudden vibrations alerting operator to stop immediately. If metal is encountered, retract cutting wheel and investigate manually using hammer, chisel, or prybar to remove metal objects before proceeding. For extensive metal contamination (entire fence post encased in tree growth), consider alternative stump removal methods including excavation rather than grinding which will destroy cutting teeth. Rocks reveal themselves during grinding through sudden hardness increase, distinctive sound, and white or grey chips mixed with brown wood chips. When rocks are encountered, work around them gradually exposing rock perimeter, then remove rocks manually using bar or excavator bucket before completing grinding. Maintain supply of replacement cutting teeth on service vehicle as rock contact typically damages multiple teeth requiring replacement before continuing. Some operators specialise in difficult stump removal maintaining larger inventories of replacement teeth and accepting equipment wear as project cost. Price difficult stumps accordingly accounting for increased equipment wear and operating time.

Treated timber stumps pose chemical exposure risks from preservatives including copper, chromium, and arsenic (CCA treatment), copper azole, or alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) compounds used in modern treatments. During grinding, preservative chemicals release as dust and wood particles becoming airborne and potentially inhaled or contacting skin. Older CCA-treated timber contains arsenic compounds presenting particular toxicity concerns. Modern copper-based treatments are less toxic but still present respiratory irritation and sensitisation risks. Identify treated timber by visual inspection looking for greenish, brownish, or yellowish tinting of wood, manufacturer branding stamps or tags indicating treatment, distinctive preservative odour when freshly cut, or property owner confirmation of treated timber use. When grinding treated timber, implement additional controls including P3 respirators (rather than P2) providing higher filtration efficiency, chemical-resistant gloves preventing skin contact with contaminated chips, disposable coveralls preventing preservative dust accumulation on clothing and transfer to vehicles, and enhanced dust suppression using water spray reducing airborne dust generation. Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking during grinding treated stumps preventing hand-to-mouth transfer of contaminated material. Wash hands and exposed skin thoroughly with soap and water after completing work before eating or drinking. Remove and launder protective clothing separately from household washing. Manage treated timber waste separately from untreated wood chips as some jurisdictions classify treated timber waste as contaminated material requiring disposal at licensed facilities rather than general green waste. Property owners may want treated timber chips removed from site rather than used as mulch due to chemical leaching concerns particularly near vegetable gardens or children's play areas. Some waste facilities refuse treated timber requiring prearrangement of disposal before commencing work. Price treated timber stump grinding higher than untreated stumps accounting for increased PPE, waste disposal costs, and health risk compensation. Consider declining treated timber work if adequate controls cannot be implemented or disposal arrangements are uncertain.

Cutting wheel jams occur when wheel binds in stump material or contacts immovable objects causing sudden stoppage whilst engine continues running. When jam occurs, immediately release cutting wheel engagement control stopping hydraulic drive to wheel. Do NOT attempt to force wheel free by increasing hydraulic pressure or engine RPM - forced release attempts can damage hydraulic systems or cause sudden wheel release creating kickback hazards. Allow engine to idle while assessing jam cause from safe position behind machine controls. Never reach toward or approach jammed cutting wheel whilst engine is running even though wheel has stopped rotating. If jam cause is visible (large wood piece wedged against wheel, rock contact, or excessive chip accumulation), shut down engine completely and wait for cutting wheel to stop all rotation before approaching. Disconnect spark plug lead on petrol engines or battery on diesel engines providing additional assurance against inadvertent starting. Use long-handled tools including rake, shovel, or prybar to clear jammed material maintaining hands at safe distance from cutting wheel even when stationary. If metal object has jammed wheel, carefully work object free using hammer and chisel or cutting tools - do not apply excessive force that could damage cutting wheel or guards. After clearing jam, conduct inspection of cutting wheel checking for damaged or missing teeth, wheel body cracks, or guard damage from jam event. Check hydraulic system for leaks or damage from pressure spike during jam. If damage is found, do not resume operation until repairs are completed - continuing operation with damaged equipment creates serious safety hazards. If jam cause cannot be identified or safely cleared, or if equipment damage is suspected, cease operations and obtain maintenance support. For recurring jams, reassess grinding technique - excessive feed pressure, wrong cutting depth, or inappropriate tooth configuration for stump hardness may be contributing factors. Document jam events in machine log identifying causes and corrective actions taken - recurring jams indicate maintenance issues or operator technique problems requiring attention. Brief relief operators on jam history and causes preventing repeated incidents.

Environmental and property protection prevents damage claims and ecological harm during grinding operations. Conduct pre-work survey photographing and documenting existing conditions of adjacent structures, vehicles, paving, and vegetation providing evidence of pre-existing conditions if damage claims arise. Note particular concern areas including vehicle windscreens parked within 30 metres, windows in buildings near grinding location, delicate plantings or landscape features, and painted surfaces or finishes susceptible to chip marking. Install protective barriers using plywood sheeting, shade cloth, or tarps positioned between grinder and vulnerable features on prevailing wind side deflecting flying debris. For high-risk situations such as grinding near expensive vehicles or buildings with many windows, consider requiring removal of vehicles or installation of temporary protective screens before commencing. Verify property insurance covers grinding operations and potential damage before starting work - some policies exclude high-risk activities. For work near waterways, implement erosion and sediment controls preventing wood chips or disturbed soil entering streams or drains. Install silt fencing downslope of work area trapping sediment. Avoid stockpiling chips on steep slopes where rain can wash material into waterways. Some jurisdictions prohibit wood chip discharge into stormwater systems requiring chips to be contained on site or removed. For stumps of declared weed species or biosecurity concerns, verify disposal requirements through local council or biosecurity authority - some species require disposal at approved facilities preventing spread through chip dispersal. Protect existing tree roots near grinding operations - excessive soil compaction or root damage from machine trafficking can affect tree health. Use ground protection mats distributing equipment weight when working in root zones of retained trees. Restore ground surfaces after grinding matching original grades and contours - allow for settling of backfilled material over several weeks. If irrigation systems, lighting cables, or other landscape infrastructure are present near stumps, locate these features before grinding preventing accidental damage. Obtain property owner approval for tree removal particularly on rental properties where tenant may not have authority to remove established trees. Some local councils require permits for removing trees above certain sizes - verify permit requirements before commencing work avoiding regulatory violations.