Wheeled Blower Safety Tips

Overview of safe push blower operation

Blowersafety 10441706

Fall weather creates a big cleanup project as leaves cover the yard. On larger properties, the cleanup can be made easier with the help of a powerful push blower.

In operating these powerful machines, users need to keep several things in mind in order to maintain their safety and the safety of others around them. Following are some basic tips to ensure safety.

  • Wear ear, eye and breathing protection when operating blowers.
  • Do not operate equipment on any unimproved forested, brushy, or grass covered land unless a spark arrester is installed on the muffler and is in good working order.
  • Do not run engine in an enclosed area. Exhaust gases contain carbon monoxide, an odorless and possibly fatal poison.
  • Do not run equipment indoors or in any poorly ventilated area.
  • Do not check for spark with spark plug or spark plug wire removed. Use an approved spark tester.
  • Do not operate engine without a muffler. Inspect muffler periodically and replace if necessary. If equipped with muffler deflector, inspect deflector periodically and replace if necessary.
  • Do not operate engine with grass, leaves or other combustible material near the muffler.
  • Do not touch muffler, cylinder, or cooling fins when hot. Contact with hot surfaces may cause severe burns.
  • Do not leave equipment unattended while in operation.
  • Do not park equipment on a steep grade or slope.
  • Do not operate equipment with bystanders in or near the work area.
  • Do not allow children to operate this equipment.
  • Do not operate equipment with guards removed.
  • Do not operate equipment near hot or burning debris or any toxic or explosive materials.
  • Do not operate equipment on slopes greater than specified in the manual.
  • Always remove spark plug wire when servicing equipment to prevent accidental starting.
  • Always check fuel lines and fittings frequently for cracks or leaks. Replace if necessary.
  • Always keep hands and feet away from moving or rotating parts.
  • Inspect machine work area and machine before operating.
  • Make sure that all operators of equipment are trained in general machine use and safety.
  • Under normal conditions, operate at minimum throttle to accomplish your current cleaning task.
  • Using two people to lift machine is recommended. Lift holding the handle and handle brace. Secure in place during transportation.
  • Do not use the front grill as an anchor point when securing the unit for transport.
  • Never lift the machine while the engine is running.

Refueling and Fuel safety

  • Refueling outdoors is recommended.
  • Do not refuel equipment while the engine is running.
  • Allow engine to cool for at least two minutes before refueling.
  • Do not store gasoline near an open flame.
  • Do not remove gas cap while engine is running.
  • Do not start or operate engine if strong odor of gasoline is present.
  • Do not start or operate engine if gasoline is spilled. Move equipment away from spill until gasoline has completely evaporated.
  • Do not smoke while filling the fuel tank.
  • Always store fuel in approved safety containers.

Read your safety manual! This is just a quick overview of basic safe operating procedures. As always—read, understand and follow the instructions in your safety instruction manual, along with the various safety symbols and warnings that appear throughout the manual and on the product itself.

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