Some days it feels like last winter just ended! However,
the white stuff will be back with us before long. It's a
good idea to prepare now for clearing up the first real
snowstorm of the season. Attention to the following details
should help snowblower operators minimize potential for
equipment breakdown or accidental injury.
Preseason maintenance of snowblowers is important. Make
sure all guards and shields are in place. Check bearings,
chains, U-joints, etc., and replace any damaged components.
Make sure that you have a good supply of shear bolts on
hand.
Remove all foreign objects from laneways and yards that
will have to be kept clear. Metal, stones and bits of wood
travel much further and faster than snow when projected
by a blower. Mark lane edges with posts if there is a significant
drop-off.
Before starting to clear snow, make sure that children
and pets are indoors. In fact, no bystanders of any age
should be allowed.
Keep the snowblower's cutting edge tilted up slightly
during the first pass. By leaving a thin "bed" of snow over
cleared areas after the season's first significant storm,
you reduce the chances of picking up foreign objects with
the snowblower. (You'll also be less likely to experience
freeze-up in underground water lines!)
Direct the plume of snow away from buildings and vehicles.
Plan snow clearing patterns to take advantage of the prevailing
wind. While this can be difficult on some days, snowblowing
is more efficient and visibility is greatly enhanced when
you blow with the wind.
Make it a policy to cut power to the snowblower before
you leave the tractor seat.
Disclaimer and Reproduction Information: Information in
NASD does not represent NIOSH policy. Information included in
NASD appears by permission of the author and/or copyright holder.
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