There are more than 1,000 amputations and 5,000 hospital emergency-room-treated injuries per year associated with snowblowers. Injuries most frequently occurred when consumers tried to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with their hand. The resulting injuries caused by the rotating snowblower blade or auger usually left tissue so damaged and mangled that repair or reattachment was not possible.

According to university studies, there is a correlation between accidents and difficulty in moving while operating snow-removal equipment.

About one-fifth of the injury victims lost their footing and accidentally stuck their hands into the discharge chute while trying to steady themselves.

Also, about half the accidents involving snow-removal equipment happen to first-time users or those using the equipment for the first time each winter.

Other risks include being caught in chain drive sprockets, struck by propelled objects and burns from contacting mufflers and/or hot engine parts.

Safety tips:

*Inexperience causes accidents, review the operator’s manual before use.

*When necessary, stop the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine. Never use your hands to unclog a snowblower.

*Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.

*Never leave the machine unattended when the engine is operating. Shut down the engine if you must leave the machine for any length of time.

*Never leave the machine running in an enclosed area, such as a garage with the door closed.

*Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine. Don’t add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Always keep the gas can capped, and store gas away from ignition sources.

*If you have an electric-powered snowblower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Also begin nearest the electrical outlet and work outward to minimize the chance of running over the power cord.

*Maintain and properly use the “continuous-operator” or “dead-man” controls that allow the snowblower to operate only when a lever is continuously pushed by the operator.

*Plan a route before you start. Clear the area of any debris and rocks before you begin snow removal.

*When clearing a gravel area, don’t try to remove all the snow. Set up the snowblower so the blades operate about an inch above the gravel.

*Note manhole covers, stumps, banks, curbs, large rocks, small shrubs and other obstructions. Consider marking these obstacles with stakes or flags.

*Clear snow by operating the snowblower up and down the face of slopes, not across the face.

*Use extreme caution when changing direction on slopes.

*Do not attempt to clear anything steeper than a 35 percent slope.

*Shut off equipment and remove the spark plug wire before making repairs or mechanical adjustments.

Source: NATLSCO Loss Control Services


Additions from Forum members:

mrmom:
*Do not operate a machine while you are under the influence of alcohol. Not to mention some medications that may alter your decision making process as well as reaction times. Read the label!

Paula:
* Beware of loose clothing. Such as a scarf, a mitten can be grabbed, and lord knows boot laces are bound to get untied and tangled somewhere along the way...

Termy:
For all other accidents to avoid with outdoor power equipment including snowblowers, click the link below...
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/tools.html