Working with machinery and hand tools

This page covers the machinery and handtools used in forestry or arboriculture.

There is separate guidance for chainsaws.

This can include:

  • woodchippers
  • brushcutters
  • stumpgrinders
  • flails and mulchers

While this type of equipment does not cause as many serious accidents as chainsaws, there are still accidents and risks that you need to assess and control.

What you need to do

Ensure that no-one uses this equipment unless they are trained and competent to do so.

Find out more

Mobile stump grinders AFAG 606

Arboriculture and Forestry Advisory Group (AFAG) content is now available on the Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA) website.

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2026-09-22