Safety article for January 2026

Can't wait for spring!

7 Tips for Safe, Efficient Snow Blowing All Winter Long, According to Snow Removal Pros

Stay safe while you work with these essential snow blower safety tips

A snow shovel is a reliable method for taking care of snow, but it can be tiring, tough work to do all winter long. For this reason, many homeowners turn to snow blowers to get the job done with minimal effort.

However, snow blowers are heavy machines that need to be handled properly to make your snow removal efforts both effective and efficient. We spoke to a snow removal pro to learn several key snow blower safety tips you need this winter.

MEET THE EXPERT

Joe Palumbo is the President and Operator of Ice Dam Guys, a company specializing in steam ice dam removal, snow removal, and winter home maintenance.

Be Aware of What Surface You Are Operating On

When you are operating the snow blower, it's important to pay attention to where you are working.

"Don't push the machine over anything that could include additional hazards like rocks and landscaping," says Joe Palumbo, President and Operator of Ice Dam Guys.

The heavy weight of the snowblower can damage underlying landscaping and, since snow blowers are designed to gather snow and propel it from the chute, there is a potential to collect and throw gravel, stones, and other small debris, which can cause damage to anything nearby.

Keep Kids and Pets Away From the Snow Blower

If you have children or pets, you need to be aware of how close they are to the snow blower and the area you are working in.

"If animals or children are outside, ensure they're contained elsewhere or temporarily moved inside, " Palumbo says. "You do not want a child or pet to accidentally come into your path."

Aim the Snow Blower Chute in a Safe Direction

"Snowblowers also throw snow and any errant projectiles included with that snow at great distances," Palumbo says.

This means that you may unintentionally throw stones, gravel, and other small debris if you aren't careful about where you are operating the snow blower. Even if the snow blower is only tossing snow, it's more efficient to have a planned location to gather the snow, so take the time to aim the snow blower chute before you begin and make adjustments to the direction as you go.

Avoid Icy Slopes

Snow blowers are highly effective for clearing snow, but they don't do much for icy surfaces.

"Ice on a slope, which many driveways have, is hazardous," Palumbo says. "Especially if you have a heavy machine in front of you going down the same icy slope."

With this in mind, it's necessary to work slowly and carefully on icy surfaces. If possible, treat any icy slopes with a de-icing solution to keep the driveway and walkway clear of ice, and safer for snow blower use.

Wear Appropriate Footwear and Winter Gear

When you are working outside in the winter, it's important to have appropriate footwear and winter clothing, not just to ensure you stay as warm as possible, but also to prevent yourself from slipping or sliding while you work.

"Wear rubber traction shoe cleats or spikes to maintain proper footing with grip," Palumbo recommends.

This is especially important when you are working on a steep driveway slope or operating the snow blower on a surface coated in ice.

Avoid Carbon Monoxide Buildup in Enclosed Spaces

Another key tip to staying safe while operating a snow blower is to never use the machine in enclosed spaces.

"Be careful of carbon monoxide, as some innocent homeowners will warm up the machine or service it in the garage instead of the cold exterior spaces," Palumbo says. "That can cause a CO2 issue, but proper ventilation, or ideally, just going outside in appropriate winter attire, is best."

Keep in mind that simply opening a door or window may not be enough for proper ventilation, since the air entering may force the invisible and odorless CO2 gas back into the space. If you insist on working in an enclosed area, set up one or more fans to direct exhaust out of the space.

Check and Clear the Snow Blower Before Use

After a snow blower has been stored in a basement or garage for an extended period of time, it's likely that dust and debris has built up inside the machine. Additionally, rodents may find their way inside the snow blower, where they pile up flammable materials, like hair, leaves, or grass.

Before turning on the snow blower, check the machine and clear out any debris to reduce the risk of fire hazards.

From: The Spruce 

By TIMOTHY DALE Published on 01/13/25

Paul Ziegenhorn