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How to stay safe while using a snowblower

Nothing beats a quality snowblower for clearing snow from driveways and sidewalks. However, snowblowers are powerful machines with many moving parts, capable of causing harm if you’re not careful. Here’s a guide to safe snowblower operation.

The dangers of snowblowers

A recent study in the United States explored types and causes of injuries sustained during snowblower operation. The most frequent causes were:

  • • Placing a hand into the snowblower shoot (44.5 per cent)
  • • Slips and falls (13.3)
  • • Medical events such as cardiac arrest (6.1)
  • • Projectiles thrown from a snowblower (1.3)
  • • Being run over by a snowblower (1.0)
  • • Other mechanisms (31.5)

Broken bones and lacerations accounted for almost half of the injuries.

Tips for safe snowblower operation

Despite the injuries listed above, a snowblower is generally a safe method of clearing snow from your property. Follow these tips:

Read the manual. Before using a new snowblower, read the owner’s manual and educate yourself on how the machine and the various safety mechanisms work. Learn to clear a clog in the impeller blades with an appropriate clearing tool, never with your hands or feet.

Clear the scene. Before starting your snowblower, check the property and ensure no hazards are hidden under the snow. Dog leashes, kids’ toys, doormats and newspapers can get caught in the blades and do some significant damage.

Dress appropriately. Dressing for cold weather is essential, but you must wear snow boots with good traction to avoid slipping on an icy sidewalk or driveway. Avoid wearing loose clothing, such as scarves, that can get caught in the moving blades. Safety glasses or goggles will protect your eyes from flying ice and debris. Finally, wear hearing protection like earplugs if you have a noisy gas-powered snowblower.

Keep children and pets away. Snowblowers eject snow, ice and other debris at high speed and pressure. Ensure your kids and pets are well away from where you’re working. Your best bet is to keep them indoors.

Start and stop outside. Never start your gas-powered snowblower inside your shed or garage, even with the doors open, as the engine can produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. If you have an electric machine, use an extension cord rated for your model and plug it into a GFCI outlet.

Your trusted snowblower and snowplow dealers in the GTA

At Hitch City, we have all the tools and accessories to make operating your snowblower as safe as possible. We also carry truck accessories such as towing hitches, car mats and truck caps. To learn more about our snowplow and snowblower selection, contact us today at our dealers in Scarborough, Mississauga and Barrie.

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