While not as strenuous as manual shoveling, 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. 

GENERAL SAFETY NOTES FOR SNOW BLOWERS

DO

• Operate a unit only when there is good visibility and light. Falling snow, fog, etc. can reduce vision.
• Wear adequate winter outer garments and proper footwear to improve footing on slippery surfaces. 
• Wear safety glasses with side shields, appropriate hearing protection and protective gloves.
• Avoid wearing loose clothing, scarves, jewelry or anything that may get caught in rotating parts.
• Take breaks as needed. Do not overexert.

DO NOT 

• Do not operate if you are not familiar with how to use the machine safely.
• 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

• Keep children and people away from the operating area.
• Clear area of any unwanted objects and debris. 
• Adjust runners to clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces safely.
• Check fuel and oil levels before starting gas powered engines.
• Disengage all clutches before starting an engine.
• Use only approved extension cords and receptacles when operating an electric machine.

DO NOT

• DO NOT connect electric starter cord to any wiring system that is not a three-wire grounded system.

Safe Way Of Operating A Snow Blower

DO

• Always allow unit and engine to adjust to outdoor temperatures before clearing snow.
• Start gas engine models outside, not in a shed or garage. Carbon monoxide can accumulate in enclosed spaces.
• Always be aware of traffic and pedestrians when operating along streets, curbs, or sidewalks.
• Always be sure of your footing, especially when operating in reverse or leaving the operator’s position. 
• Avoid uneven and rough terrain. Be extra cautious while operating near drop-offs, ditches, or embankments. 
• Keep all movement on slopes slow and gradual.
• Use a slow speed to avoid stops or shifts on slopes.
• Avoid starting or stopping on a slope.
• Slow down and turn corners slowly.
• Always look down and behind before and while backing.
• Disengage attachment drive when traveling from one work area to another.
• Run the unit a few minutes after clearing snow to prevent freeze-up of attachment.

DO NOT

• Do not operate unless proper guards, plates or other protective devices are in place and working properly.
• Do not operate on steep slopes.
• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes.
• Do not make sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Do not park units on a slope unless absolutely necessary. When parking on a slope always block the wheels.
• Do not overload the machine capacity by attempting to clear snow at too fast a rate.
• Do not operate in reverse unless absolutely necessary. Always back up slowly.
• Do not leave a running unit unattended. Always shut off engine and remove the key before leaving a unit.

Avoid Troubles

• Abnormal vibrations are a warning sign. Stop the machine, then clean and inspect.
• Striking a foreign object can damage a unit. Immediately stop the unit and engine and inspect for damage.
• Before cleaning or inspecting
• turn off the machine
• remove key
• allow all moving parts to stop
• allow hot parts to cool
• remove wire from spark plug
• Always allow an engine to cool before servicing. Do not use your hands to remove materials. Use a small shovel, tool, or stick instead.

FINAL WORD

Simple maintenance and safety rules on the operation of snow blowers will make sure you get through another winter without equipment breakdowns or injuries. Snow blowers were designed to make snow removal easier.