It may surprise many people to know that according to the UWSP, one out of every five (or 20%) of all homes in the United States partially heat their home from wood, with a further 4% using wood as their sole or primary heating source. Here's a few safety tips for those of you who use a firewood processor in your home.

Tip One: Protect Your Hearing

These processing tools are powerful and can be quite loud, particularly in a contained environment. Buy a pair of strong noise-canceling headphones and earplugs to minimize hearing damage.

Tip Two: Always Wear Gloves

Handling firewood and using a processor may wear down your hands and cause blisters or threaten you with cuts if you're not careful. Thankfully, a pair of strong gloves should make it easier to use this tool without a problem.

Tip Three: Always Wear Boots and Chaps

A strong pair of hip-high, steel-toe boots with chaps should protect you from most issues with your processor. They'll keep you from flying wood chips and also help if you drop a log on your toe. Most injuries with a processor occur in these ways.

Tip Four: Protect Your Head and Eyes

Your firewood processor may fling wood bits through the air as it cuts. While not common, this situation could cause a head or eye risk if you aren't protected. A helmet and a pair of goggles can protect you from this danger.

Tip Five: Make Sure You're Ready

Take the time to learn how to use your processor, reading the instruction manual to know its basic operation methods. Doing so helps to avoid injury or mistakes. Also, make sure you're comfortable and properly hydrated to avoid confusion.

Tip Six: Know the Emergency Turn-Off Procedure

Most processors should have a button or lever that automatically turns off the processor. You need to know where this device is and how to use it while using your machine. Doing so will minimize your danger.

Tip Seven: Have a Partner

Try to operate your machine with a second person helping you at all times. While you can use a processor yourself, a second person can help if you get tired or if any problems develop.

If you're careful with your firewood processor and follow these steps, you should have no difficulty cutting wood. See if the company selling your device has training steps you can follow to ensure you get the best results.