CPSC Warns of Hazards with Snow Throwers

 If you use a snow thrower, stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine, according to Chairman Ann Brown of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). ""Do not use your hands to unclog a snow thrower,"" Brown warned.

According to CPSC, you run the risk of suffering severe hand and finger injuries, even amputations, if you attempt to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with your hands. Some 6,000 consumers received hospital emergency room treatment in 1995 for injuries incurred while using snow throwers. Most of the injuries happened when people, thinking that the augers had stopped rotating, put their hands into the machine's auger/collector or discharge chute in an attempt to clear snow or debris.

CPSC offered the following safety tips for using snow throwers:

-- Always stop the engine if repairs or adjustments are to be made or if the discharge chute or auger needs to be unclogged. Remove snow with a push stick or similar instrument, not with your hands.

-- Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.

-- Never leave the machine unattended if the engine is operating; shut down the engine if you must leave the machine for any length of time.

-- 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.

-- Check the snow thrower each time you need to use it over the winter; always refer to the owner's manual for instructions on care and maintenance.