Snowblower Safety
Snow removal is more than just another necessary household chore. We here at the Bushkill Twp. Vol. Fire co. want you to use caution while using the snow blower during the winter season. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has received several reports of injuries with snow blowers including finger amputations. Injuries most frequently occur when users tried to clear the auger/collector or the discharge chute with their hands. People have also died after becoming caught in the machine. Others have died from carbon monoxide poisoning from leaving the engine running in an enclosed space. There are some simple safety steps below to keep you from being inured.
Facts
According to the 2013 US Consumer Product Safety Commission:
* Approximately 28,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that happened while shoveling or removing ice and snow manually.
* More than 6,000 people were injured using snow blowers.
* The most common injuries associated with snow removal include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders, as well as lacerations and finger amputations.
Safety Tips
* Stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow or debris from the machine. NEVER use your hands to unclog the snow blower.
* ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
* NEVER leave the engine running in an enclosed space.
* Add fuel to the tank outdoors and before starting. NEVER add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Always keep the gas can capped and store gasoline out of the house and away from ignition sources.
* If you have an electric-powered snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Use a GFCI outlet to plug into.
* Do not leave the snow blower running while unattended. Shut off the engine if you have to walk away.
* Stay clear of the front of the machine and direction of the discharge chute. Rocks and debris could be thrown and cause injury.
* Stay clear of the engine, it will become hot and could burn you.
* Use the pull-cord safely. To start a machine with a pull-cord, hold the cord firmly with your feet spread wide in a broad stance. If it does not move freely, do not force it. It could cause injury to your upper body or back.
* Never removes any safety devices, shields, guards or switches.
* Beware of the brief recoil of the motor and blades when the machine has been shut off.
* Never let children under 15 years old operate a snow blower.
* Read your instruction manual and understand how to operate your machine. Follow all safety guidelines.
Tips for Safe Snow Removal
* Dress appropriately; Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear the appropriate head covering and and thick, warm socks. Choose gloves or mittens that will keep your hands warm, dry, and blister-free. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
* Try to clear snow early and often--particularly if a large snowfall is expected. It is always best to begin shoveling/snowblowing when there is just a light covering of snow on the ground. Starting early will give you the best chance possible to avoid the potential injuries that come with moving packed, heavy snow.
* Be sure that you can fully see the area that you are shoveling/snowblowing. Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces.
* Clearing snow places a great deal of stress on the heart--so if you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, you should speak with your doctor before shoveling or snow blowing. You may also wish to consider hiring someone to remove the snow, rather than doing it yourself.
Tips for Snow Shoveling
* Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin this physical workout, warm-up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
* Snow shoveling and snow blowing are aerobic activities. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, stop the activity and seek emergency care.
* Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
* Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once--this is particularly important in the case of heavy, wet snow. Do it in pieces.
* Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
Facts
According to the 2013 US Consumer Product Safety Commission:
* Approximately 28,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries that happened while shoveling or removing ice and snow manually.
* More than 6,000 people were injured using snow blowers.
* The most common injuries associated with snow removal include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders, as well as lacerations and finger amputations.
Safety Tips
* Stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow or debris from the machine. NEVER use your hands to unclog the snow blower.
* ALWAYS keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
* NEVER leave the engine running in an enclosed space.
* Add fuel to the tank outdoors and before starting. NEVER add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Always keep the gas can capped and store gasoline out of the house and away from ignition sources.
* If you have an electric-powered snow blower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Use a GFCI outlet to plug into.
* Do not leave the snow blower running while unattended. Shut off the engine if you have to walk away.
* Stay clear of the front of the machine and direction of the discharge chute. Rocks and debris could be thrown and cause injury.
* Stay clear of the engine, it will become hot and could burn you.
* Use the pull-cord safely. To start a machine with a pull-cord, hold the cord firmly with your feet spread wide in a broad stance. If it does not move freely, do not force it. It could cause injury to your upper body or back.
* Never removes any safety devices, shields, guards or switches.
* Beware of the brief recoil of the motor and blades when the machine has been shut off.
* Never let children under 15 years old operate a snow blower.
* Read your instruction manual and understand how to operate your machine. Follow all safety guidelines.
Tips for Safe Snow Removal
* Dress appropriately; Light, layered, water-repellent clothing provides both ventilation and insulation. It is also important to wear the appropriate head covering and and thick, warm socks. Choose gloves or mittens that will keep your hands warm, dry, and blister-free. Avoid falls by wearing shoes or boots that have slip-resistant soles.
* Try to clear snow early and often--particularly if a large snowfall is expected. It is always best to begin shoveling/snowblowing when there is just a light covering of snow on the ground. Starting early will give you the best chance possible to avoid the potential injuries that come with moving packed, heavy snow.
* Be sure that you can fully see the area that you are shoveling/snowblowing. Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch for ice patches and uneven surfaces.
* Clearing snow places a great deal of stress on the heart--so if you have a medical condition or do not exercise regularly, you should speak with your doctor before shoveling or snow blowing. You may also wish to consider hiring someone to remove the snow, rather than doing it yourself.
Tips for Snow Shoveling
* Shoveling can be a vigorous activity. Before you begin this physical workout, warm-up your muscles for 10 minutes with light exercise.
* Snow shoveling and snow blowing are aerobic activities. Take frequent breaks and prevent dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other signs of a heart attack, stop the activity and seek emergency care.
* Use a shovel that is comfortable for your height and strength. Do not use a shovel that is too heavy or too long for you. Space your hands on the tool grip to increase your leverage.
* Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. If you must lift, do it properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent, and back straight. Lift with your legs. Do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it. Holding a shovelful of snow with your arms outstretched puts too much weight on your spine. Never remove deep snow all at once--this is particularly important in the case of heavy, wet snow. Do it in pieces.
* Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
