A snow shovel This is a reliable method for snow care, but it can be a tiring, difficult task to do all winter long. For this reason, many homeowners turn to snow blower To complete the work with minimum effort.
However, snow blowers are heavy machines that need to be handled properly to make your snow removal efforts effective and efficient. We spoke to a snow removal professional to learn several key snow blower safety tips you need this winter.
meet the expert
joe palumbo He is the president and operator of Ice Dam Guys, a company specializing in steam ice dam removal, snow removal and winter home maintenance.
Be aware of what surface you are working on
When you’re operating a snow blower, it’s important to pay attention to where you’re working.
“Don’t push the machine over anything that could involve additional hazards like rocks and landscape,” says Joe Palumbo, president and operator of Ice Dam Guys.
The heavy weight of a snowblower can cause damage to the underlying landscape and, since snowblowers are designed to collect snow and move it down a slope, it is likely to collect and throw gravel, stones, and other small debris, which could cause a snowstorm. Can also damage things. nearby.
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Keep children and pets away from the snow blower
If you have children or pets, you need to know how close they are to the snow blower and the area you’re working on.
“If animals or children are outside, make sure to house them elsewhere or move them inside temporarily,” says Palumbo. “You wouldn’t want a child or pet to accidentally get in your way.”
Aim the snow blower shoot in a safe direction
“Snowblowers also throw snow and any errant projectiles contained in that snow a considerable distance,” Palumbo says.
This means that if you aren’t careful about where you’re operating the snow blower you could inadvertently throw up stones, gravel, and other small debris. Even if the snow blower is only throwing snow, it is more efficient to have a planned location for collecting snow, so take time to aim the snow blower shoot before starting and make adjustments to the direction as you go.
avoid icy slopes
Snow blowers are highly effective at clearing snow, but they don’t do much for icy surfaces.
“Snow on slopes where there are many trails is dangerous,” says Palumbo. “Especially if you have a heavy machine going down the same icy slope in front of you.”
With this in mind, it is essential to operate slowly and carefully on icy surfaces. If possible, treat any icy slopes with de-icing solution to keep driveways and walkways clear of snow and safe for snow blower use.
Wear proper shoes and winter gear
When you’re working outside in the winter, it’s important to have proper shoes and winter clothing, not only to ensure you stay as warm as possible, but also to protect yourself from slipping or slipping while working.
“Wear rubber traction shoe cleats or spikes to maintain proper footing with grip,” advises Palumbo.
This is especially important when you are working on a steep driveway slope or operating the snow blower on a snow-covered surface.
Avoid carbon monoxide build-up in closed spaces
Another important tip to stay safe when operating a snow blower is to never use the machine in closed spaces.
“Beware of carbon monoxide, as will some innocent homeowners warm up the machine Or serve it in the garage rather than in cool outdoor spaces,” says Palumbo. ”This may cause problems with CO2, but proper ventilation, or ideally, simply going outside in appropriate winter attire, is best.”
Keep in mind that simply opening a door or window may not be sufficient for proper ventilation, as entrained air can force invisible and odorless CO2 gas back into the space. If you insist on working in an enclosed area, install one or more fans to direct exhaust out of the space.
Check and clean the snow blower before use
After storing the snow blower in the basement or garage for a long time, it is likely that dust and debris has accumulated inside the machine. Additionally, rodents can find their way inside snow blowers, where they tend to pile up flammable materials such as hair, leaves or grass.
Before starting the snow blower, check the machine and remove any debris to reduce the risk of fire.