(NAPSI)—Clearing driveways, sidewalks and parking lots of snow is no
small job but home and business owners can keep safety in mind.
“Get your snow thrower serviced now, before repair shops are busy. Weather
is more unpredictable than ever so you want to be ready,” advises
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) president and CEO Kris Kiser.
“Review your owner’s manual so you can use your equipment safely,
and have the right fuel on hand. Remember, protect your power.
Gasoline-powered snow throwers should use E10 or less.”
These hints can help: Getting Ready
Have you read your owner’s manual? Read up for safe handling
procedures. If you lost your manual, you can look it up online (and store a
copy on your computer). Review how to operate the controls. Be able to shut
off your equipment quickly.
Have you checked your equipment
since storing it? Make sure equipment is completely powered off when
checking it over. If you forgot to drain the fuel before storing, drain the
gas tank. Adjust any cables and check the auger—again when the
equipment is powered off.
Did you put your equipment where
you can get to it easily? Move your equipment to a convenient and
accessible location.
Have you purchased the right fuel?
Be sure to use the correct fuel, as recommended by your equipment’s
manufacturer (for more information, see www.LookBeforeYouPump.com).
Place gasoline in a fuel container and label it with the date purchased and
ethanol content. Use only fresh fuel and make sure fuel is stored safely and
out of the reach of children.
Are you fueling safely? Fill up
the fuel tank on your snow thrower outside while the engine is cold. Never
add fuel to a running or hot engine.
Are batteries charged? If using
a battery or electric-powered snow thrower, make sure batteries are fully
charged.
Is the area you intend to clear
free of obstructions or hidden obstacles? Snow can hide objects.
Doormats, hoses, balls, toys, boards, wires and other debris should be
removed from the areas you intend to clear.
Are you dressed properly?
Locate your safety gear and place it in an accessible location. Plan to wear
safety glasses, gloves and footwear that can handle cold and slippery surfaces.
Operating Snow Throwers
Safely—Questions to Ask
Do you have a clean-out tool or
stick? NEVER put your hands inside the auger or chute. Use a clean-out
tool (or stick) to unclog snow or debris from your snow thrower.
Do you turn off your snow thrower
if you need to clear a clog? Always turn off your snow thrower and wait
for all moving parts to come to a complete stop before clearing any clogs or
debris.
Do you use your snow thrower in
visible conditions? Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility
or light.
Can you aim your snow thrower with
care? Never throw snow toward people or cars. Do not allow anyone to
stand in front of your snow thrower. Keep children and pets away from your
snow thrower when it is operating.
Will you use extreme caution on
slopes and hills? Do not attempt to clear steep slopes. Use caution when
changing directions on slopes or inclines.
Do you know where your cord is?
If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power
cord is at all times. Avoid tripping. Do not run over the power cord.
Learn More
For further safety tips and information, visit www.opei.org.
““Get your snow thrower
ready,” advises OPEI president and CEO Kris Kiser. “Review your owner’s manual so you can use your equipment safely,
and have the right fuel on hand. Gasoline-powered snow throwers should
use E10 or less.” http://bit.ly/2LeXMdq”
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)