Snow Blowers
Snow blowers save backs and hearts, but they cause thousands of hand injuries every winter, mostly finger amputations when people reach into a clogged chute. The impeller can keep turning after the engine is shut off.
- Homeowners
Photo: clearing a snow blower chute with a plastic clearing tool, engine off
The most important rule
Never put your hand in the chute or auger, even with the engine off. Shut off the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop, disconnect the spark plug wire (or remove the key or battery on electric models), and use the clearing tool or a broom handle to remove the clog. Stored tension in the blades can spin them when the clog is released.
Before you start
- Manual read; you know how to stop the machine fast
- Area cleared of rocks, toys, newspapers, hoses and doormats
- Shear pins and parts in good shape; discharge chute aimed away from people, cars and windows
- Fuel added outdoors, with the engine off and cool
- Boots with good traction, eye protection, hearing protection and no loose scarves or drawstrings
Using it
- Start it outdoors, never in a closed garage. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide. See Carbon Monoxide.
- Keep kids and pets well away; the chute can throw ice and rocks hard.
- Go slowly and take smaller bites in heavy, wet snow to avoid clogs.
- Clear slopes up and down, not across, and watch your footing.
- Don’t leave it running unattended.
- Plug electric models into GFCI-protected outlets and keep the cord behind you.
If you’re shoveling instead
- Warm up first, and pace yourself; shoveling heavy snow strains the heart.
- Push snow rather than lifting it, and lift small loads with your legs.
- Don’t throw snow over your shoulder or twist.
- Stop and call 911 for chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.
Storage
Before storing it for the season, run the engine dry or add fuel stabilizer, and keep the machine and fuel away from water heaters, furnaces and other ignition sources.
Standards & references
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