Snow Thrower Safety Tips

• Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.  Know how to stop the machines and disengage them quickly.
• Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate a snow thrower.  Children 14 and over should read and understand the instructions and safe operation practices that are described in your operator's manual.
• Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury.  Plan your snow throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material towards roads, bystanders and the like.
• Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone enters the area.
• Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.  Remove all doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by the auger/impeller.
• Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially when operating in reverse.
• Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect your eyes.  Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious injury to the eyes.
• Do not wear jewelry, long scarves, or other loose clothing which could become entangled in moving parts.
• Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle for all machines with electric start engines.
• Adjust collector housing height to clear gravel or crushed rock surfaces.
• Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
• Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is running, except where specifically recommended in the operator's manual.
• Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature before starting to clear snow.
• Do not use a snow thrower on steep slopes.  Use extreme caution when clearing snow from mild slopes.
• Never operate a snow thrower without good visibility.
• Never use your hands to clear a clogged chute assembly. Shut off engine and remain behind the handles until all moving parts have stopped before unclogging.  The chute clean-out tool is conveniently fasted to the rear of the auger housing with a mounting clip.