At Wood Chipper Training, we deliver accredited machinery training across the UK, supporting arborists, landscapers, grounds-maintenance teams, and organisations that rely on safe, compliant wood-processing operations.

Our courses follow PUWER and HSE guidance and provide practical instruction, expert supervision, and real-equipment assessments to build operator competence and maintain high safety standards across outdoor and commercial environments.

What Does Wood Chipper Training Involve?

Wood chipper training covers essential skills such as pre-use inspection routines, safe loading and feeding techniques, work-area risk assessments, and emergency stop procedures for both disc and drum-type chippers.

Participants complete classroom-based learning followed by hands-on practice with real wood chippers, gaining experience in identifying machine faults, managing blockages, and applying proper blade-care principles. Courses emphasise operator responsibilities under PUWER and practical methods to minimise kickback and other operational risks.

How Much Does Wood Chipper Operator Training Cost?

The cost of wood chipper training ranges from £150 to £275 per person depending on the training provider, certification type (LANTRA, NPTC), and whether it is delivered on-site or at a dedicated centre.

Fees generally include training materials, access to machinery, assessment time, and certification issued upon successful completion. Group bookings, council teams, and charity organisations may be eligible for discounted rates.

Contact Wood Chipper Training to receive a customised quote for your workforce.

Which Wood Chipper Training Modules Are Available?

Training centres offer structured wood chipper programmes designed for different operational needs, including:

• Hand-fed wood chipper operation – Covering disc and drum chippers commonly used in arboriculture and landscaping.
• Maintenance and fault-finding modules – Focusing on blade care, lubrication points, clearing blockages, and inspecting mechanical components.
• Advanced or site-specific chipper training – Addressing tracked, PTO-driven, or high-capacity chippers where required by the client.
• Combined machinery courses – Optional add-on training for brush cutters, stump grinders, or chainsaws for multi-equipment operators.

Do Employers Require Certification for Wood Chipper Operators?

Employers increasingly require staff to hold recognised wood chipper training certificates to meet health and safety obligations and demonstrate competence during audits.

Certification supports PUWER compliance, reduces liability, and is often requested by insurers, local authorities, and commercial clients. Many sites do not permit chipper operation without documented training due to the high-risk nature of the machinery.

How Long Does Wood Chipper Training Take?

A standard wood chipper training course typically takes one full working day, including theory instruction, practical operation, and final assessment.

Refresher courses are generally shorter and may take half a day, depending on operator experience. Multi-day combined programmes are also available for workers training on additional tools such as chainsaws or stump grinders.

Can Beginners Enrol in Wood Chipper Courses?

Wood chipper training is suitable for first-time users as well as experienced operators who require updated certification. No previous qualification is necessary for basic courses, and instructors tailor guidance to each delegate’s experience level.

Beginners receive structured coaching in safe feeding methods, machine awareness, and risk-prevention techniques before progressing to supervised, hands-on operation.

What Safety Standards Are Emphasised in Wood Chipper Training?

Wood chipper training reinforces critical safety expectations, including:

• PUWER compliance – Ensuring only trained and competent personnel operate machinery.
• Safe feeding practices – Techniques that reduce kickback, entanglement risks, and material recoil.
• Pre-use and daily checks – Inspecting blades, guards, infeed rollers, controls, and emergency-stop systems.
• PPE requirements – Proper use of helmets with visors, gloves, protective footwear, and hearing protection.
• Work-site assessment – Identifying hazards such as uneven ground, bystanders, traffic, and overhead obstructions.
• Environmental considerations – Managing noise, debris, weather conditions, and work-zone separation.

Are Weekend or On-Site Wood Chipper Training Options Available?

Wood chipper training providers offer weekend and evening availability to support teams working varied schedules or seasonal workloads.

On-site training is available for organisations with suitable outdoor space, allowing instructors to tailor the session to specific chipper models, work environments, and operational demands. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for local authorities, landscaping contractors, and arboriculture teams with ongoing training needs.

Contact Wood Chipper Training for a consultation on obtaining wood chipper certification for your team.

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Make sure you contact us today for a number of great wood chipper training services.

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