Alexandria, VA – November 17, 2008 – Snowblowers help make snow removal much easier than old-fashioned shoveling, but consumers should review all safety instructions and check to make sure all safety features are intact, recommends the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI).

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the most common injuries involve hands and fingers, and injuries most frequently occur when consumers try to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with their hands.

“Some safety rules apply to the operation of any power equipment, including reading the operator’s manual, clearing the area, wearing appropriate clothing and keeping children out of the way,” said Kris Kiser, Vice President, Public Affairs, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute. “But with snowblowers, consumers need to familiarize themselves with all moving parts and especially, how to clear the chute.”

According to the OPEI, consumers should consider the following safety tips when operating snowblowers:

1. Clear the area. This includes removing doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other debris that may be hidden by the snow. Be sure the area is clear of people, pets and children.

2. Stop the machinery. Before adjusting, cleaning, repairing, and inspecting the snowblower, and before unclogging the discharge chute, stop the engine, remove the key from the switch and wait for all moving parts to stop. Rotating rotor blades can injure fingers or hands.

3. Be careful with your hands. Never put your hands inside the snow blower chute for any reason. If the chute becomes clogged with snow (or another object), turn it off, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop and then clear the chute with a stick. Some blowers come with a stick to eliminate any blockages.

4. Walk, don’t run. Never run when using a snow blower. Only walk. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm grip on the handles.

5. Dress for the job. Wear boots for maximum traction on slippery surfaces, as well as wear warm clothing and a face mask in extreme cold. Protective goggles also should be worn. Don’t wear scarves or other loose clothing that could be drawn into the auger or the impeller while operating or servicing the machine.

6. Avoid distractions. Do not operate a snowblower when smoking or under the influence of alcohol, medication or other mind-altering substances. And, avoid distractions such as ear phones.

7. Have appropriate light. Don’t operate machinery without good visibility and light.

8. Store well. When storing the snowblower for more than 30 days, drain the fuel from the fuel tank to prevent a potential hazard. Remove the key from the ignition switch before storing.

9. Use it only outdoors. Do not run the engine indoors, except when starting it and for moving the snowblower in or out of a building.

10. Adults only, please. Only adults and mature teenagers should operate a snowblower, and even mature teenagers should have adult supervision.

For a wide range of consumer safety tips for outdoor power equipment, visit http://www.opei.org/consumer/index.asp. For background on different types of snowblowers and features, visit http://blogs.consumerreports.org/home/2007/11/snow-blowers.html.

About OPEI

OPEI is an international trade association representing the $15 billion landscape, forestry, utility and lawn equipment manufacturing industry. OPEI is committed to ongoing efforts to ensure consumer safety and access to outdoor power equipment in order to maintain and enhance outdoor landscapes. OPEI works with federal, state and local groups to ensure that equipment operates efficiently, safely and is fully emission compliant. OPEI is a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) in the development of safety standards. For more information on OPEI visit www.OPEI.org.

About a month ago I came across a landscape technician trimming an edge on a driveway. He was doing an alright job, and I noticed that he had taken his guard off of the trimmer…a big no no, but upon further inspection I noticed that he was not wearing any safety glasses! I couldn’t believe it. Has he not been educated properly, can he not afford PPE or does he just not care. Worried about him loosing an eye I approached him and let him know of my concern. He seemed thankful that I cared, but fired the trimmer back up and continued on his way. I am willing to help someone out, but I won’t hold him down and force him. So I carried on the rest of my day.

I still think now and then about that guy, wondering if he has both eyes still. It is funny on how some people need to learn the hard way (well not that funny). The following is some information I have found out there about ‘Eye Safety’ and what can happen if you don’t protect them.

Fun in the Sun

UV rays are invisible, high-energy rays of light that, if absorbed by your eyes, can cause or enhance several eye ailments. This happens because the UV light can cause a reaction in our eye tissue. And once it occurs, it cannot be reversed.

Researchers found that people who spent a lot of time in the summer sun in their teens, 30s, and after age 40 were twice as likely to develop an early form of age-related macular degeneration than those who stayed out of the sun.

However, the study also suggests that protective measures, such as wearing a hat and sunglasses, can dramatically reduce some of those additional sun-related risks.

Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older people, and few treatments are available for the disease. The condition leads to an abnormal growth of blood vessels and opaque deposits on the retina, the light-sensitive layer of cells located at the back of the eye. It also causes an increase in the amount of pigment in the retina.

Cataract – Clouding of the eye; causes blurring or dimming of vision – UV rays are the largest culprit in the formation of cataracts.

Pteryguim – Tissue growth on the whites of eyes; can block vision.

Skin cancer – Eyelids and facial skin can develop melanoma.

So make sure that you protect your eyes with safety glasses that also screen out ultraviolet rays.

Sticks and Stones

Power grass/weed trimmers can throw stones, sticks, and other objects. These objects can injure the eyes of operators and those nearby. I am not going to post any images on these injuries, as I can barely stomach them. If you want to see what your eye looks like after a stone has hit it going 100mph, google it.

When an accident involves the eye, you should get medical help immediately if there is pain or any question of eye or vision damage. Prompt, proper treatment of eye injuries can save vision. The most effective treatment for eye injuries is prevention.

*Some information gathered from www.webmd.com, www.womemfitness.net