Snow Thrower Safety Tips: Keep Best Practices in Mind This Winter

ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) reminds users that clearing snow and ice from driveways, sidewalks, and parking lots is no small job. Many rely on outdoor power equipment, and keeping safety in mind is essential. The OPEI offers safety tips on its website, opei.org.

“Weather today is unpredictable. You need to have your snow thrower serviced and ready to power up,” says OPEI President and CEO Kris Kiser. “Review your owner’s manual to use your equipment safely,” Kiser says preparation is key and that home and business owners should consider the following:

Review your equipment’s owner’s manual for safe operation. If the manual cannot be found, look it up online and store a copy on your computer so it’s available for reference in the future. Review how to operate controls. Be able to shut off equipment quickly.

Check your equipment. Snow throwers should be powered off when being inspected. Adjust all cables and check the auger.

Maintain and charge batteries. Locate the batteries for your snow thrower and charge them fully before it snows.

Purchase the correct fuel for equipment. Be sure to use the proper fuel recommended by the equipment’s manufacturer. For most gasoline-powered snow throwers, that is E10 or less. Fuel stations are often closed after a storm, so buy gasoline before storms. Fuel that is more than 30 days old can have phase separation causing operating problems. For more information on fueling properly visit http://www.opei.org/programs/ethanolwarning/.

Store and use fuel properly. Place gasoline in a proper fuel container and label it with the date purchased and the ethanol content. Store fuel safely and out of the reach of children. Fill the fuel tank outside before starting the engine and while the engine is cold. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine.

Snow can sometimes hide objects. Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, boards, wires, and other debris should be removed from areas to be cleared. When run over by a snow thrower, these objects may harm the machine or people. 

Prepare appropriate clothing and safety gear. Locate safety gear ahead of time and place it in an accessible closet or location. Wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces when operating the snow thrower. 

Key safety tips:

Never put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean out tool to unclog snow or debris from the snow thrower. Your hands should never go inside the auger or chute.

Turn off the snow thower to clear clogs. If you need to remove debris or unclog snow, always turn off the snow thrower. Wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs or debris.

Always operate snow throwers and other clearing equipment in good visibility and light.

Never throw snow toward people or cars. Keep children or pets inside and away from your snow thrower when it is operating. 

Use caution when changing directions on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes. 

If using an electric powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. Avoid tripping.