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Winter
is closing in on us. In the Lincoln area we've been lucky
to have missed the large amounts of snow but the "big one"
could hit any time, so we must be prepared. If you haven't
already, dig out the shovel and snow blower and be ready for
snow removal.
Some
common sense guidelines to keep in mind and follow when using
a shovel are:
- Dress
for the occasion.
- Use
a lightweight shovel made of aluminum that has a Teflon
coating.
- Use
a shovel of modest size.
- When
lifting the shovel, use the entire body, letting the back
and legs share the work.
- Don't
keep working to the point of exhaustion.
Prevent
accidents when using a snow thrower or blower by practicing
safety and observing the following precautions:
- Inexperience
causes accidents, so review the operator's manual before
use.
- Never
allow children to operate the machine and make sure adults
who operate the snowblower have proper instruction.
- Coming
in contact with the turning blades inside the discharge
chute is the most common cause of injuries associated
with snowblowers.
- Accidents
occur most often when the discharge chute clogs with wet,
heavy snow.
- Stop
the engine before cleaning foreign objects or snow from
the equipment.
- Proper
clothing and footwear are essential.
- Maintain
and use the "continuous operator," or deadman controls.
- Clear
the area of any debris before you begin snow removal.
- Plan
a route before you start.
- Always
clear snow up and down the face of slopes, not across
the face.
- Do
not exceed the snowblower's capacity.
- Shut
off equipment before making repairs or mechanical adjustments.
- Handle
gasoline with care.
- Clean
off excess slush and lubricate the drive-train prior to
storage.
- Remove
the key as a safeguard against unauthorized use. If the
system doesn't have a key ignition, remove the spark plug
wire from the plug.
Remember
about half of the accidents involving snow removal equipment
happen to first-time users or those using equipment for the
first time each winter.
Heart
failure due to over exertion is the most common and serious
problem associated with snow shoveling.
Hopefully
the "big one" will miss us but if not remember your health
and safety are most important. Happy snow removal.
For
more information, See "Snow
Shoveling"
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