Stump grinding can be extremely dangerous. Some of the dangers of stump grinding are roll overs, underground utilities, and foreign objects. You could easily become injured or worse if you don’t know what you are doing. Most people are not aware that stump grinding is highly dangerous and difficult. Let me explain what could happen.
Stump Grinding Roll Overs
One of the most common accidents that stump grinding can cause is “roll over” accidents. Because, they are top heavy machines they can tip easy. Roll over accidents occur when the back of the stump grinder is up while the front end is touching or resting on some type of an obstacle like a buried fence post, a guardrail, a small drain, a telephone line etc. and then the operator moves forward and the machine rolls over backwards and collapses on the operator. Usually this happens because the operator didn’t see the roll-over hazard or thought they could get past it. This type of accident usually occurs when the operator grinds too close to a fence, telephone pole, guardrail or other obstacles like trees and shrub
Underground Utilities
You should always consult your local utility companies if you intend to have a stump removed from the ground, so they can come and mark it. This can be done by dialing 811 and telling them about your project. Under the ground, there are buried utilities such as telephone, electrical and natural gas lines. In some cases, these lines will not be marked. For other jobs, there may be a warning marker posted.
In either case, it is your responsibility to find out if there are any utilities located near your stump. As the operator of the machine you must be extremely careful and aware of where any underground utilities may be. Because, there is a chance you could hit a utility line and damage your equipment, or worse, injury could occur.
Foreign Objects
Foreign objects buried or grown within the stump can pose a significant danger while stump grinding. Objects such as rebar and metal from supports in the trees youth can be in the ground and can grow into the stump over time. While grinding these object can become a projectile causing damage or injury. Proper grinding techniques can greatly reduce this risk and death.
The dangers of stump grinding decision
Now that you have learned some of the dangers of stump grinding, you must decides if this is something you would like to attempt on your own with a rental machine that you are unfamiliar with. Or, call the professionals at Stump Grinding Myrtle Beach. 843-450-8543.