Snow Removal

In the northern hemisphere, the snow season has commenced recently. Several million households and businesses will require snow removal from their properties. Be careful. Think before you operate the snow removal equipment. Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man provides the following snow thrower safety tips with the goal of preventing any accidents.

Snow Throwers Safety Tips

Read the snow thrower equipment owner's manual thoroughly and understand all recommended operating and safety procedures before turning on the snow thrower.
Clear the intended snow removal area of potential flying objects, such as stones or toys, before you begin throwing snow; loose objects can project out of the snow thrower and hit nearby people and objects. Be aware of objects hidden under the snow.
Never smoke when filling the gas tank. Avoid gasoline spills (be good to Mother Nature.)
Never put your hands in the snow thrower chute for any reason. When the snow is wet, the snow thrower chute may become clogged. When this happens, turn off the snow thrower engine and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop. Then, with a cleanout tool, clear the chute. If repair is needed, be sure to turn the engine off first and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.
Never allow children to operate the equipment. Keep children indoors and under supervision.
Never throw snow toward people or cars.
Never allow anyone in front of the equipment.
Keep the snow thrower in good working order. Maintenance. Maintenance. Maintenance.
Wear appropriate reflective clothing and footwear for the weather and activity. Avoid wearing loose fitting clothing. Wear safety glasses to protect eyes from thrown ice, stones, and other projectiles. Keep your hair away from the snow thrower.
Never disable safety features on the snow thrower equipment. Please refer to the snow thrower owner's manual for details.

Leading snowblower manufacturers indicate that the number one cause of operator injury comes from trying to unplug an iced up machine without turning off the engine (and consequently the snowblower). As elementary as it may seem, you should stress that unit be turned off, key removed and sparkplug wire disconnected prior to doing any service to the unit. Additionally, while smoking can shorten anyone's life span, filling the snowblower with gasoline while smoking a cigarette can shorten it even more. (Source: Professional Landcare Network)

Keep the snow white. Red snow is not a sign of safe snow. Also, Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man remains a Green Hero even in the white season. Keep it snow white safe!

Richard T. Mudrinich
Rescue Rick the Grass Cut Man
http://www.rescuerick.com