Three Ways To Approach Your Stump Removal Safely
Posted on: 15 February 2016
Renting a stump grinder is an ideal way to deal with the unsightly tree stumps left in your yard after you've cut down some trees. Given the risks of using this machine with its rapidly spinning cutting bit and the danger of wood flying off the stump at a high rate of speed, it's important to always make your safety a priority. Here are three important tactics that you can use to keep safe.
Dress For The Job
Stump grinding isn't something to perform in shorts and flip-flops. Before you think about starting the job, it's important to gather the right attire and safety equipment. Your clothing should be long and rugged to provide protection against airborne chunks of wood. It's also advisable to wear steel-toed boots or shoes, heavy gloves and goggles or safety glasses.
Don't forget earplugs, either, given the loud volume at which your stump grinder operates. Acquiring the necessary safety gear is the first step to getting the job done without injury. It's important to also ensure that if any family members are assisting you or simply watching from afar, that they're also dressed properly.
Prepare The Job Site
Before you start the grinding process, it's beneficial to grab a shovel and dig through the dirt around the stump as best you can. Removing dirt and other obstacles out of your way means there will be less for the cutting bit to pick up and "throw." If you don't do this job, the bit will hit small rocks in the dirt and possibly throw them right into your shins and cause you an injury. Devoting enough time to preparing the job site will reduce this injury risk.
Patience Pays Off
If you're in a rush to get the job done, you'll be increasing your risk of an injury. The key to stump-grinding success is to work slowly and methodically. The cutting bit is extremely sharp, so let it do the work for you by simply guiding into position, applying light pressure and watching the pieces of wood begin to come off the stump. If you make the mistake of forcing the bit against the stump in an effort to get the job done quickly, you're putting too much pressure on the tool and could cause the bit to snap off. The last thing you want is a sharp, spinning bit flying through the air at an extremely high rate of speed and injuring you. For more information or assistance with this project, contact a company like Green Shadow Tree Service LLC.
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