Operating a Blower Safely (Landscape Safety Series)

BEFORE OPERATING THE BLOWER

• Read the owner's manual to familiarize yourself with the machine.
• Check over the machine carefully for loose, broken, or damaged parts. Repair or replace before using.
• Wear tight-fitting, sturdy clothing to avoid having it sucked into the machine. Avoid ties and clothing with chains or straps.
• Always wear proper personal protective equipment (see Figure 1). Protect your eyes from dust and flying objects with a face mask, screen or safety goggles. Wear a respirator or mask in extremely dusty conditions. Assistants and/or bystanders should wear similar protection.
• Do not operate the unit when tired, ill, upset, or under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication.
• Fill the fuel tank out of doors over bare ground with the engine cool. Do not smoke while handling fuel. Move at least 10 feet from the fueling spot before cranking the engine.
• Make certain there are no children or pets in the working area (at least 30 feet from the unit).

• Always start and run the unit in an upright position.
• Do not start or run the engine inside a closed building. Carbon monoxide kills!
• Never operate the blower without the tubing.
• Always direct the discharge of debris away from people, animals, glass, and solid objects that could cause material to ricochet (see figure 2).
• Do not use the unit for spreading or misting chemicals, fertilizers or other toxic substances that could result in serious personal injury.
• Do not use the blower from ladders, trees, rooftops, or other unstable surfaces.

OTHER SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Do not work on the unit without stopping the engine and disconnecting the spark plug wire.
• Store gasoline only in approved containers, never plastic jugs or glass bottles.

Publication #: 8831-A