Safe Use and Operation of Chippers

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It is with immense pride that we announce that Kate Mason has been awarded the Women in Agriculture Education and Training Woman of the Year award at the The National Women in Agriculture Awards 2026, and is the icing on the cake as she celebrates 40 years of working with and for Vale Training Services Ltd.

The event celebrated 13 exceptional women from across the UK farming sector during a ceremony held on 5 May at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms. Organised by Mark Allen Group and supported by sponsors including Nestlé UK & Ireland, Co-op, HSBC UK, NFU, Noble Foods, and Pig World where you can read the full report, the awards recognised outstanding contributions across the agricultural industry. 

Winners were chosen from an extremely competitive shortlist, highlighting the growing strength, influence, and visibility of women throughout the sector.

For more information visit the NFU online page.

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A one day course in the safe use and operation of mechanical chippers, designed for those employed in arboriculture, forestry, horticulture, landscaping and grounds maintenance who are required to operate Woodchippers. Inexperienced members may require longer than the stated guide times to fully utilise the information supplied.

Course prerequisite: None 

Certificating Body: Lantra or NPTC depending on your needs

Course Length: 1day

Course Times: 9.30am to 4.00pm or to suit client.

Instructor: Various

Cost: £250 + VAT per delegate - Day rate on application to suit client

Venue: Marsh Hill Centre, Marsh, Aylesbury. HP17 8ST or to suit client

Maximum Trainees: 4

The course will cover the following:

Course aims: 

  • Produce a site specific Risk Assessment for wood chipping operations 
  • State the principles of HSE legislation and safety guidelines for using a woodchipper 
  • Select the appropriate PPE and state the maintenance requirements 
  • Carry out operator checks and identify the safety features of a woodchipper 
  • Carry out routine operator maintenance · Inspect and identify defects on the blades 
  • Prepare machine prior to operation, start the machine, carry out safety checks and stop machine. 
  • Prepare a work area and a range of materials for chipping and identify hazardous materials not to be chipped 
  • Use approved techniques to chip woody brash and both short and long sections of timber safely and effectively 
  • State the procedure for removing blockages 
  • State the safety and environmental factors associated with the disposal of woodchips and the various end uses of woodchips 
  • Prepare machine for transport and storage The use of the manufacturer’s instruction book is stressed at all times to ensure maintenance and adjustments are carried out to manufacturers’ recommendations.

To book your place on a course, or for more information, simply contact us.

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Back to Landbased Courses