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Snow Blower Safety
Quick answer: Never put your hands or feet into a snow blower's chute or auger, even with the engine off; stored tension can turn the blades. Stop the engine, remove the key, wait for parts to stop and use the clearing tool. Keep people and pets away, start gas engines outdoors, and follow your maker's manual and CPSC guidance.
Clogs: the biggest danger
Most snow blower hand injuries happen when someone reaches into a clogged chute. Even after the engine stops, the impeller can hold tension and rotate suddenly when the clog is released. Always turn off the engine, remove the key or packs, wait for all moving parts to stop, and use a clearing tool or a stick, never your hand. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) publishes safety guidance on this.
Before operating
Read the manual, learn the controls and stop methods, clear the area of objects such as newspapers, toys and hoses, and wear warm, non-loose clothing, boots with traction, and eye and hearing protection as appropriate.
While operating
- Keep children and pets indoors.
- Do not aim the chute at people, cars, windows or the road.
- Go slowly on slopes; clear up and down rather than across where advised.
- Never leave a running machine unattended.
- Do not disable the operator presence control.
Carbon monoxide and fuel
Start and run gas engines outdoors only. Refuel outdoors with the engine off and cool. Store fuel in an approved container away from heat.
Electrical safety
Use the correct outdoor cord, plug into ground-fault protected outlets and keep the cord clear of the auger. Inspect cords and plugs before use.
| Risk | Prevention |
|---|---|
| Clogged chute | Clearing tool, engine off |
| Thrown objects | Clear area, aim chute away |
| Carbon monoxide | Run outdoors only |
| Cord damage | Inspect, keep clear |
Physical strain
Take breaks, stay warm, and seek medical advice if you have heart concerns.
Why hands get injured
The impeller in a two-stage machine and the auger in a single-stage can store energy when snow packs around them. When a hand clears the packed snow, the blades can rotate suddenly, even with the engine off. That is why safety agencies repeat the same rule: never use your hand. Many machines come with a clearing tool clipped to the housing; if yours does not, buy one or keep a sturdy stick nearby.
Preventing clogs
Clear more often during storms so snow is not deep and dense. Run the engine at full throttle as the manual advises, slow your walking pace in wet snow, and take partial-width passes. A snow-release spray inside the chute may help if the manual allows. These habits reduce clogs but do not remove the need for the clearing tool.
Bystanders and pets
Thrown snow can carry hidden ice and stones at high speed. Keep others well away from the discharge, and stop the machine if someone approaches. Watch for children playing in snowbanks near the drive.
Slopes and footing
On slopes, keep firm footing and follow the manual on direction of travel. Wet snow and ice beneath can make the machine slide. Tracks or chains improve traction.
Fuel handling
Refuel outdoors with the engine off and cool. Wipe up spills. Store fuel in an approved container away from living spaces, heaters and pilot lights.
Hearing and eyes
Gas engines are loud; hearing protection is sensible for longer sessions. Eye protection guards against blowback and ice particles.
Visibility
Clearing before dawn or after dark needs lights. Wear reflective clothing near roads and be aware of plows and traffic.
Health and cold
Dress in layers, take breaks, and stop if you feel chest pain, dizziness or shortness of breath. Ask your doctor about exertion in the cold if you have heart conditions.
Teaching others
Show new users the controls, stopping methods, the clearing tool and the danger zones before they operate. Supervise until confident.
Official resources
Read your manual's safety section and the CPSC's snow blower safety information. Check for recalls on your model at the maker's site and recall databases.
Clearing clogs safely
Stop the engine, wait for all moving parts to stop and use the clearing tool. Never use hands or feet.
Children and pets
Keep children and pets indoors or well away while the machine runs. Thrown snow can hide ice and stones.
Slopes and visibility
Clear slopes up and down rather than across, wear bright clothing and use lights in the dark.
Before you start
Walk the area and remove doormats, newspapers, toys, hoses and stones that the auger could pick up and throw. Mark edges of walks and driveways with stakes before winter so you can find them under snow. Wear boots with good grip, eye protection and hearing protection for gas machines.
Fuel safety
Refuel only with the engine off and cool, outdoors, and never in a closed garage. Wipe up spills before starting.
Carbon monoxide
Never run a gas machine indoors or in a closed garage, even briefly. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which is odourless and deadly. Start and run it outside with the door open, and keep a working carbon monoxide alarm in the home.
Hearing and eye protection
Gas machines are loud enough that hearing protection is sensible on long sessions. Safety glasses guard against blown ice and debris. Wear warm gloves that still let you feel the controls.
After use
Shut down fully before leaving the machine unattended.
Roof and wall snow
Do not blow snow toward windows, roofs or people.
Worked example
Illustrative examples (2026-10-29), not quotes or guarantees.
Chute clogs with wet snow. Release controls, engine off, key out, wait 10 seconds for parts to stop, then use the clearing tool from the handle. Restart only when clear.
FAQ
Is it safe to clear a clog with the engine off?
Only with a clearing tool, never your hands.
Where can I learn more?
Your manual and CPSC resources.
Can kids use a snow blower?
Follow the manual's age and supervision guidance.
Related: Maintenance · Starting