Snow Thrower Safety Alert

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants you and your family to be safe when using snow throwers. In a recent year, there were approximately 590 finger amputations involving snow throwers. CPSC estimates that each year on average there are approximately 5,740 hospital emergency room-related injuries associated with snow throwers. CPSC has received reports of 19 deaths since 1992 involving snow throwers. Two people died after becoming caught in the machine. Five deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from leaving the engine running in an enclosed area.

Injuries most frequently occurred when consumers tried to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with their hands.

CPSC offers the following safety tips for using snow throwers:

Stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine. Do not use your hands to unclog a snow thrower.
Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
Never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.
Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine; don’t add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Always keep the gasoline can capped, and store gasoline out of the house and away from ignition sources.
If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.