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Garden shredders and woodchippers

Garden shredders and woodchippers usage and safety

A garden shredder or woodchipper helps dispose of garden waste in an environmentally friendly, hassle-free way. But they can be dangerous pieces of machinery to operate.

Electric garden shredders and woodchippers are suitable for smaller jobs (petrol models are more common for heavy-duty use).

The cutting mechanism is either impact or roller/drum. Impact (or “rapid”) shredders use a high-speed blade or spinning disc to crush material and are effective for processing green waste, producing a fine mulch.

Roller (or “drum” or “quiet”) shredders use a slow-rotating drum with blades to draw in and chip material. Generally, they are quieter and better for large volumes of material.

Chipper shredders are often a hybrid, combining both impact and roller shredders. They can handle a wide range of garden waste from leafy green debris to woody branches.

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Key points

  • All garden shredders and woodchippers must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 

  • Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand tools. 

  • Wear a safety mask, goggles and gloves when operating a garden shredder or woodchipper. 

  • If using an outdoor socket, ensure it is splashproof or waterproof with an IP rating. 

Buying a garden shredder or woodchipper

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
  • Avoid buying second-hand leaf blowers and garden vacs as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
  • Safety features can include safety switches to prevent accidental starts, throttle locks, overheat protection, and nozzle interlocks that prevent operation without the proper nozzle attached.
  • Register your tool so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.

Using a garden shredder or woodchipper safely

  • Make sure the area is clear of hazards such as toys, large debris, and rocks before starting.
  • Don’t use either of these tools on a windy day or when it’s very wet underfoot. 
  • Tie back long hair and remove or tuck in any loose clothing or jewellery that could get caught.
  • Check the tool for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious.
  • It’s recommended to wear protective PPE, such as a full-face visor (rather than just goggles), gloves, sturdy shoes and long trousers. Noise-cancelling headphones are useful if your leaf blower or garden vac is particularly loud. 
  • Ensure other people and animals stay at least 50ft (15 metres) away from the area you’re working in. During operation, don’t blow debris towards people, pets, vehicles, or windows.
  • Don’t use a leaf blower or garden vac when stood on a roof or ladder.
  • Switch off the appliance and unplug it when not in use and when changing attachments or cleaning.
  • If your leaf blower or garden vac cuts out, unplug it before attempting to inspect it for any problems or blockages.
  • Store the tool in a cool, dry place, such as a shed or garage. If it's damp after using it, dry it properly before putting it away.
  • If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the leaf blower or garden vac off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
  • If you have to use an extension lead or cable reel, make sure it is suitably rated for outdoor use. Cable reels should be fully unwound and fitted with a thermal cut-out. Keep it away from any water or wet areas.
  • Sockets which supply equipment outdoors should be protected by an RCD (residual current device) to protect you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the product.

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.

  • Buy a known and trusted brand from a reputable retailer.

  • Register your shredder or chipper with the manufacturer.

  • Store the machine in a cool, dry place.  

     

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand or from third-party sellers online.
  • Removing the guards while the machine is turned on.
  • Using the tool if you spot any signs of damage.
  • Forcing material through or unblocking jams by putting your hand inside.
  • Placing an outdoor extension lead in a wet area. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

Don't ignore burn marks, ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) sounds, fuses blowing, circuit-breakers tripping, or if it feels hot to touch.

Unplug and contact the retailer, manufacturer, or a qualified repair technician. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks if a product is faulty.

If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the product is plugged in.

Fit smoke and heat alarms

Ensure there is at least one smoke or heat alarm per floor in your property. Fit enough alarms to cover all areas where a fire could start.

Test alarms at least once a month. Replace them every ten years or when the replace by date is reached.

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

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It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

Additional info

Mulch made from wood chips can help to improve soil quality, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. And wood chips can be added to compost piles to help break down other materials and create nutrient-rich compost.

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Has your electrical product been recalled?

Electrical products are recalled more regularly than you might think, but the response rate to a recall is often worryingly low. This means there are potentially millions of recalled electrical items still in UK homes.

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