Nothing takes the joy out of snow faster than an unfortunate experience like slipping, frostbite or injury. And while winter has its hazards, there are preventive measures you can take to help you stay safe during the season, so you can spend more time enjoying it rather than loathing it.
Regardless of the type and amount of snowfall your area receives, use these snow safety tips to keep you out of harm's way.
SNOW REMOVAL SAFETY TIPS:
- Clear snow before driving over it with your car. Paired with freezing temperatures, your vehicle's weight can compress snow and create ice that is extremely difficult to remove and dangerous to walk on.
- Shovel snow with caution. It's not uncommon to throw your back out when shoveling, as many individuals put unnecessary strain on their bodies by lifting heavy snow with shovels. Rather, push snow aside when clearing to prevent injury.
- Inspect sidewalks and driveways for rocks or other foreign objects - like newspapers - that could cause injury or damage to the machine and bystanders.
- Wear protective eyewear and gloves when applying salt to icy areas to protect yourself from any chemicals in the mixture.
- Consider using a snow blower to take the hard work out of clearing snow; saving you time and reducing any potential physical pains that come with shoveling.
SNOW BLOWER OPERATION SAFETY TIPS:
- Never point the snow blower chute in the direction of people or animals, as this can cause serious injury.
- Make sure bystanders or pets are at least 75 feet away from the snow blower while it's in use.
- Remove all newspapers, doormats, boards, wires and any other objects that could be tripped over or thrown by the auger.
- Refrain from wearing any jewelry, scarves or loose clothing that could be tangled in moving parts before operating.
- Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
- Factory settings are satisfactory for most conditions. If you need to make any adjustments, contact your Troy-Bilt®-authorized service center.
- Let the engine and machine adjust to the outdoor temperature by running it for a few minutes before starting to clear snow. The engine will not develop full power until it reaches operating temperatures.
- Never use a single-stage snow blower on an uphill slope. It will not have the gears and power steering to clear snow safely. If you have a steep driveway, it's best to go with a two-stage.
- Never use your hands to clear a clogged chute assembly. To properly clear a clogged chute, shut off the engine and remain behind the handles until all moving parts have completely stopped. The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fastened to the rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip. To use, simply take the shovel-shaped tool to break down, and remove ice and snow that have collected in the chute.
