Winter Safety Tips: Safely Operate Cordless Electric Snow Blowers

Winter storms can dump several inches or even feet of snow at a time, making snow removal a daunting task.

Cordless electric snow blowers provide an efficient and environmentally-friendly way to clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other areas.

However, cordless electric snow blowers can also pose safety risks if not used correctly. This applies to all types of snow blowers, whether gas, electric corded or cordless.

In this article, we will discuss essential safety tips and best practices to ensure a safe and efficient snow removal experience.

Choose The Right Cordless Snow Blower

Not all cordless snow blowers are created equal when it comes to power and run time. Consider the size of the area you need to clear, as well as the typical snowfall in your region. More powerful blowers with longer run times will be able to handle deeper snow over larger areas on a single charge. Additionally, look for a cordless snow blower with handles that adjust to your height to avoid back strain.

Read the Instruction Manual Thoroughly

Before ever turning on your new cordless snow blower, carefully read the entire instruction manual. This will familiarize you with important safety features and operating procedures so you can use the equipment properly. Pay close attention to sections on safety gear, avoiding obstacles, maintaining control, and recommended clearing techniques. Keep the manual handy as an ongoing reference.

Dress for Safety

Be sure to wear appropriate winter weather gear when using your cordless snow blower. Thick, insulated boots with good traction provide stability on slippery, snow-covered surfaces. Layered, water-resistant gloves and jackets allow freedom of movement while protecting you from the cold and snow. Eye protection such as safety goggles prevents eye injuries from kicked up snow or ice chips. Do not wear jewelry or loose clothing that could get caught in moving parts.

Clear the Area of Obstacles

Before beginning snow removal, walk through the area and remove any sticks, toys, decorative lawn items, or other debris that could be hidden under the snow. Identify any bumps or irregularities in the ground that could cause the blower to catch if concealed by snowfall. Mark sprinkler heads and pipes you want to avoid. Check for any electrical cords or hoses that may cross your clearing path.

Maintain Control of the Cordless Snow Blower

Once you power up your cordless snow blower, maintain a firm grip with both hands on the handles at all times. Walk at a measured pace, resisting the temptation to rush through the job. Be prepared for the torque of the motor when it engages packed snow. If you need to momentarily release one hand, first turn off the blower. Avoid using excessive forward pressure which can cause you to lose control if the auger jams.

Keep Bystanders and Pets Away

The high-speed impeller blades on a snow blower can cause serious harm on contact. Before starting the motor, make sure children and pets are safely inside. Alert nearby neighbors you will be removing snow so they can avoid the area. Never point the snow blower chute in the direction of people or animals, even if you believe you are at a safe distance. Turn off the blower immediately if someone approaches.

Prevent Discharge Chute Clogs

Wet, heavy snow or ice can pack tightly into the discharge chute, leading to clogs. Prevent clogs by clearing light, powdery snow first before moving on to denser accumulation. Take narrower passes to reduce snow load entering the chute. Keep the auger housing clear of built up snow. Avoid pushing the blower into piles or banks which can jam the impeller.

If the snow blower gets clogged, resist the temptation to use your hands to clear it. Turn off the machine and use a tool (like a clearing stick) to dislodge the snow or debris from the auger. This prevents the risk of injury to your fingers or hands.

Stay Alert for Foreign Objects

Snow can easily obscure solid objects that could damage your blower or cause injury if flung towards you. Stay vigilant for items such as newspapers, mailboxes, or even tree stumps hidden in the snow. Sudden contact with a buried object can cause you to lose control. Turn off the motor immediately if the impeller strikes something and inspect for damage before resuming work.

Watch for Snow Blower Distress Signals

Cordless electric snow blowers are designed for optimal performance and safety, but sometimes problems still occur. Watch for signs of motor or mechanical distress such as vibrating, grinding, slowing, smoking or failure to discharge snow. These issues indicate it is time to power down the blower and troubleshoot the problem before continuing. Catching problems early can often prevent extensive repairs.

Work Safely on Slopes and Inclines

Remove snow from slopes and inclines with extra caution. Walk up and down rather than across, maintaining stability with your feet squarely under your shoulders. Keep a firm, two-handed grip and engage the snow at gradual angles rather than straight on to avoid uncontrolled slides. Avoid sudden stopping or turning on slopes which could cause you to trip or fall.

Take Breaks to Prevent Fatigue

Clearing heavy snow with a cordless blower taxes muscles and stamina. Take regular breaks to recharge your battery, rest your body, and drink water or a warm beverage. Fatigue leads to lapses in concentration and coordination that raise your risk of accidents. Stop work if you feel overtired or sore, and resume when you’ve fully recuperated your energy and focus.

Check Battery Charge Frequently

One limitation of cordless snow blowers is battery life. Keep a close eye on remaining battery charge by checking the indicator lights regularly. Make sure you have spare fully-charged replacement batteries on hand. If your current battery loses charge mid-job, swap it out immediately rather than trying to finish snow removal with a depleted battery.

Keep Hands and Feet Away from Moving Parts

The internal mechanisms of an electric snow blower are designed to grab in snow and debris then forcibly eject it through the chute. Any contact between your extremities and these moving parts can lead to serious lacerations or amputation injuries. Never reach into the auger or impeller area for any reason when the motor is on.

Practice Proper Maintenance

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for routine maintenance and off-season storage. Check and tighten any loose bolts or connections. Examine belts and cables for wear and damage. Lubricate according to specifications. When storing your blower at the end of winter, empty any remaining fuel, clean the exterior housing, and apply protective coatings if recommended. Proper maintenance keeps your cordless snow blower running safely and efficiently.

Conclusion

By taking smart precautions and handling your cordless electric snow blower responsibly, you can make quick work of winter storms without mishaps. Pay close attention to these winter safety tips for cordless snow blowers, and your snow removal experiences will be effective, efficient and incident-free all season long. Work slowly and steadily, remain alert, dress warmly, and listen for any signs of problems. Remember, safety is not an option but a responsibility for a hazard-free winter season!. With focus and care, you can operate your cordless snow blower like a pro.