Snow Blower Safety Training for single and two stage snow throwers.

1. By Owen Ahearn

2. Important Message!
 Please read the instruction manual and safety precautions
before attempting to start your snow blower.
 Your first priority is to read the manual and understand
how to work the snow blower effectively.

3. Types Of Snow Blowers
There are two basic types of snow blowers:
Single-Stage and Two-Stage.
 The Single-Stage snow blower spins the auger at a high
speed to cut and then throw the snow.
 The Two-Stage snow blower uses an additional auger for
throwing snow safely out of the path.

4.  Although two-stage blowers are usually better enclosed,
the augers on both machines can and will injure your
fingers and hands.
 All exposed belts, drive-trains and gears will cause injuries.

5. Common Sense
 To avoid a back injury, ask for
help if you must lift the snow
blower to and from its storage
place.
 Either before or during snow
blower operation do not
consume any alcoholic beverages
or medicine that may interfere
with the safe operation.

6. Before Operating
the Snow Blower
 Wear the appropriate recommended Personnel
Protective Equipment: weather proof gloves;
protective goggles; non-skid winter boots and
weatherproof gear.

7. Properly inspect the areas in which you are going to clear
snow. Remove all debris and any obstacles the snow
blower might catch and throw, as they might cause
personal injury or physical damage to the snow blower.

8.  If you hit anything while operating the snow
blower, stop the engine immediately, and then
check for equipment damage.
 Damaged equipment may increase the possibility
of personal injury during operation. Inspect the
snow blower every time before starting it.
 All damages must be repaired before operating
the snow blower. Contact your Foreman for
assistance.

9. Operating The Snow Blower
 Know how to stop the snow blower quickly and understand
the operations of all controls.
 Keep people away from the area of operation to avoid
injury from flying debris and contact with the snow blower.
 Never permit anyone to operate the snow blower without
proper instruction and training.

10.  If people suddenly appear in front of the snow blower
while it is in operation, immediately release the auger and
drive clutch levers. This action will stop the snow blower
and avoid possible injury from rotating auger blades.
 Never use your snow blower to clear snow from a gravel
driveway or road, as rocks may be picked up and thrown.
 Ejected rocks may cause serious personal injury to
bystanders and their property.
 If you damage personal property contact your Foreman
immediately.

11.  Keep the snow away from you when operating the snow
blower.
 Regularly adjust the discharge chute to avoid hitting
bystanders, vehicles, and windows.
 Keep hands and fingers clear of the snow discharge chute
while the engine is running.
 Do not use the snow blower when visibility is poor. Wait until
weather conditions improve.
 Under conditions of poor visibility, there is a greater risk of
striking an obstacle or causing injury.

12.  The snow blower may overturn on steep inclines
when not used properly causing injury to the
operator or bystanders.
 To avoid overturning, be careful when changing
the direction of the snow blower while operating
it on a hill.

13.  When the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop
the engine and use a wooden stick or plastic shovel to
unclog it.
 NEVER EVER put your hand into the snow discharge
chute while the engine is running; you can seriously
injure yourself.

14.  Never overfill the fuel tank. Make sure the filler cap is
closed securely after refueling.
 Always refuel in a well-ventilated area with the snow
blower engine stopped.
 Never run the snow blower engine in an enclosed or
confined area for any length of time.
 Exhaust fumes contain poisonous carbon monoxide
gas. Prolonged Exposure can cause loss of
consciousness that may lead to death.

15.  Be careful to never touch the muffler while it is hot.
 The muffler becomes very hot during snow removal
operation and remains hot for a long while after
stopping the engine.
 Always let the engine cool before storing the snow
blower indoors.

16. Final Review
 While operating the snow blower, hold the handle
firmly and walk. Never run.
 Always maintain our equipment in good working
order.
 Never remove factory guards and shields.
 Stay alert.
 Report all incidents or accidents immediately.