Landscaping - Snow Blower

Do snow blowers eliminate risk for injury due to snow removal?

• context If you use a snow blower, it is important to recognize that this machine doesn't make snow removal either effortless or risk-free. While not as strenuous as manual shovelling (see OSH Answers Shovelling - Snow), using a snow blower remains a physical labour that is done outdoors in the snow and cold. Snow blowers have various degrees of effectiveness depending on their design and price. Snow blowers also cannot remove the build-up of ice under the snow.
• context There are many tips in other Landscaping OSH Answers documents.

How do I use a snow blower safely?

When using a snow blower, follow all safety practices in the owner/operator manual before starting and operating the unit, including regular maintenance requirements. Employers should make sure the procedures for the safe use of the unit are readily available and that you are appropriately trained. Make sure you understand the functions of all controls and how to operate them, and how to STOP in an emergency. Failure to follow instructions could result in personal injury and/or damage to the unit. To minimize the potential for discomfort, injury and any possible mishaps, follow the safety tips below: DO DO NOT

• context Operate a unit only when there is good visibility and light. Falling snow, fog, etc. can reduce vision.
• context Wear adequate winter outer garments and proper safety footwear to improve footing on slippery surfaces. See OSH Answers Cold Environments - Working in the Cold.
• context Wear adequate personal protective equipment, including safety glasses with side shields, appropriate hearing protection and protective gloves.
• context Avoid wearing loose clothing, scarves, jewellery, or anything that may get caught in rotating parts.
• context Take breaks as needed. Do not overexert.
• context Avoid awkward postures to prevent back injuries and other musculoskeletal injuries
• context Do not operate if you are not familiar or trained on how to use the machine safely.
• context Do not operate a unit during or after the use of medication, drugs or alcohol. Safe operation requires your complete and unimpaired attention at all times.

What should you do before starting the engine?

DO DO NOT

• context Keep children and people away from the operating area.
• context Clear area of operation of any unwanted objects and debris. Thrown objects such as small branches or rocks can cause injury or damage the machine.
• context Adjust runners to clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces safely.
• context Check fuel and oil levels before starting gas powered engines.
• context Disengage all clutches before starting an engine.
• context Use only approved extension cords and receptacles when operating an electric machine or when starting units equipped with an electric starter.
• context Inspect snow blower to make sure it is in good working oder, there is no visible damage, and that tires are properly inflated.
• context DO NOT connect electric starter cord to any wiring system that is not a three-wire grounded system.

What is the safe way of operating a snow blower?

DO DO NOT

• context Always allow unit and engine to adjust to outdoor temperatures before clearing snow.
• context Start a gas engine model outside, not in a shed or garage. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in enclosed spaces.
• context Use an outdoor extension cord for an electric model that is rated for your machine, and that is connected to ground-fault circuit interrupting (GFCI) protection. Be aware of the cord's location at all times.
• context Stay alert for any unexpected hazard.
• context Always be aware of traffic and pedestrians when operating along streets, curbs, or sidewalks.
• context Always be sure of your footing, especially when operating in reverse or leaving the operator's position. Walk, never run, during operation.
• context Avoid uneven and rough terrain. Be extra cautious while operating near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. Units can suddenly turn over if a wheel is over the edge of a cliff or ditch, or if an edge caves in.
• context Use extreme caution on gravel surfaces. Adjust runners so a scraper blade does not contact gravel.
• context Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
• context Use a slow speed to avoid stops or shifts on slopes.
• context Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
• context Slow down and turn corners slowly.
• context Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• context Disengage attachment drive when traveling from one work area to another.
• context Run the unit a few minutes after clearing snow to prevent freeze-up of attachments.
• context Do not operate unless proper guards, plates or other protective devices are in place and working properly.
• context Do not operate on steep slopes.
• context Do not clear snow across the face of slopes.
• context Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• context Do not park units on a slope unless absolutely necessary. When parking on a slope always block the wheels.
• context Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.
• context Do not operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always back up slowly.
• context Do not direct discharge toward persons.
• context Do not leave a running unit unattended. Always shut off engine and remove the key before leaving a unit.

What is the proper way to fuel snow blowers?

DO DO NOT

• context Fuel is highly flammable and its vapours are explosive. Inhaling vapours and getting on skin or in eyes can also be harmful. Handle with care . Use an approved fuel container.
• context Wait until the engine has cooled before refilling.
• context Refuel outdoors.
• context Remove the fuel cap slowly to release any pressure.
• context Replace a fuel cap securely and clean up spilled fuel safely.
• context Keep a portable fire extinguisher nearby when refuelling.
• context NO smoking, NO sparks, NO flames.
• context Do not fill a fuel tank when an engine is running, or when hot from operating.
• context Do not fill or drain a fuel tank indoors.