Every winter thousands of people are injured through improper or careless use of a snowblower. The following guidelines provide advice on how to avoid a snowblower injury.

First and foremost, read the instruction manual for the snowblower. Understanding how to properly operate the machine is an important safety measure.

Most injuries related to snowblowers occur when the operator is using his or her hands to clean the discharge chute. If the chute becomes clogged, first turn off the engine. Take a stick or other long tool and use it to dislodge the debris. Always keep hands and feet away from moving parts.

If a snowblower operator needs to check the machine for any reason, the engine should be turned off. Rather than walk away from a running engine, be sure to turn the engine off. If a snowblower is fitted with an operator presence control, do not disable the control. It is a safety feature that shuts off the snowblower when the operator releases the controls.

Before snowblowing, police the area to ensure no debris is present. If a snowfall is due, check areas that will need clearing and remove any debris. Keep in mind that anything the snowblower passes over can be thrown out of the chute. Objects other than snow can be thrown longer distances. Take care to watch where the discharge chute is aimed.

Gasoline-powered snowblowers, like any other combustion engine, give off carbon monoxide gas. Only run a gas snowblower outdoors. Build-up of carbon monoxide in a garage or shed can be fatal. Add fuel to a gasoline engine only when the motor is off and is cool to avoid having the fuel ignite.

When using an electric snowblower, be sure to mind where the power cord is located.

Whether using a gasoline or electric snowblower, remember that the engine can become very hot and cause burns.