Man died after getting arm and neck trapped in a firewood processing machine

STV item

A Fatal Accident Inquiry found Andrew Sinclair died after his clothes became entangled in the machine, leading to arm and neck injuries. Read the STV news item below.

Firewood processors, including the smaller domestic log splitters have design features which prevent the operators from entering the risk zones while in operation. Unfortunately, operators may find a way of overriding these controls which can result in injuries or fatality 

FISA 607 Firewood Processors states "The machine must have either an interlocking guard or two-hand control system (hold-to-run type) to prevent access to the log splitting zone during operation."

HSE – safety alert 2011 Risks to users from firewood processing machines https://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/firewoodprocessors.htm  details the requirements of this type of equipment and includes

• Where the controls require two hands for operation users should ensure that:
  • both controls have to be operated together;
  • machines cannot operate with one control "jammed" open and the second allowing single-hand operation of a machine that was designed with the intention of two-hand operation;
  • it is not possible to start the splitting process inadvertently or to operate both manual controls simultaneously with one hand or arm or with other parts of the body;
  • the machine is only used by a single person as any second person eg who removes split wood, is not protected by the two-hand control