Whether you’re building a fire or working on a landscaping project, a log splitter can help you chop up trees easily and efficiently. However, this heavy-duty equipment naturally comes with a few potential hazards. The experts at SuperSplitter in West Bridgewater, MA, share some advice on how to make safety a priority.

Log Splitter Safety 101

1. Be Fully Awake & Energized

If you’re exhausted from working outside all day long, you should put off splitting until the morning. Like a truck driver or construction worker, you need to be fully alert when operating your heavy machinery. When you start to feel fatigued, take a break, drink some coffee, and reassess whether you’re up to the job. 

2. Wear Protective Clothing

Never forget your safety glasses or goggles; they protect your eyes from flying wood. Avoid loose clothing, which can get caught in the log splitter. Instead, wear snug clothes that cover your body and thick, tight gloves. Wear protective footwear and take off all jewelry before firing up the machine.

3. Know Your Wood

From cedar to maple, different woods don’t react to the machine in the same way. Learn the basics of each unique type of wood before tackling your next project. If the wood is irregularly grained, prepare for it to split unevenly. Go slowly and always keep your hands on the sides of the log rather than the ends.

4. Stand Back

Only one person should use the log splitter at a time. When you’re using the machine, make sure others are far out of reach to avoid causing any harm.

5. Protect Your Back

If you’re not careful, splitting wood can lead to back pain, strain, and other injuries. Remember to bend at the knees rather than the waist, and consider choosing an electric log splitter that adjusts to your height.

If you’re interested in the safest, most advanced models on the market, look no further than SuperSplitter. The premium resource stocks dozens of cutting-edge models to meet every log splitting need. Learn more by stopping in or calling today at (508) 427-5800. For more on their selection of models and options, visit their website.