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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SNOW THROWER SAFETY REMINDER: KEEP HANDS OUT OF DISCHARGE CHUTE

ALEXANDRIA, VA, October 2000 - It's that time of year again ... The leaves have fallen, the weather has turned cold, and soon snow will be falling. That means it's time to bring out the snow thrower. But before you start up this helpful equipment, remember that safety is a must. Sometimes a snow thrower's chute will become clogged while an individual is working to clear a path - especially when the snow is wet. When this happens, it's important always to turn off the snow thrower, wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop, and then, with a stick, clear the chute. NEVER put your hands inside the chute for any reason.

Another very important safety reminder: Most snow throwers manufactured since 1975 have an Operator Presence Control (OPC). An OPC causes the snow thrower to stop within five seconds after an operator lets go of the controls. This is an important safety feature designed to help protect users, so it is crucial that no matter how often your snow thrower may clog with wet snow, NEVER take steps to disable this feature.

In addition to keeping your hands out of the chute, and not over riding the OPC, OPEI recommends that before even turning on this equipment users should review and follow these important safety steps:

• Read your owner's manual thoroughly and understand all of the recommended safety procedures before turning on your snow thrower.
• Never allow children to operate equipment.
• Keep the area of operation clear of all people - particularly children - and pets.
• The snow can sometimes hide objects that might clog the chute, or otherwise cause damage. You should clear the area of doormats, sleds, boards, wires, and other debris.
• Be careful never to throw snow toward people or cars, and never allow anyone in front of your snow thrower.
• If you have to repair your machine, remove an object, or unclog built up snow from chute, always turn the snow thrower off and wait for all moving parts to come to a complete stop. Disconnect the spark plug wire, or for electric snow throwers, disconnect the cord.
• Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.
• Dress properly for the job. Be sure to wear adequate winter garments and footwear that will improve footing on slippery surfaces. Wear safety glasses, and avoid any loose fitting clothing that could get caught in moving parts. Be careful of long hair.
• Handle gas carefully. Avoid spillage by using non-spill containers with spouts. Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Store gas in clean, dry, ventilated area, and never near a pilot light, stove, or heat source. Never smoke around gasoline.
• Do not clear snow across the face of slopes. Use extreme caution when changing directions on slopes. Do not attempt to clear steep slopes.
• Never operate the snow thrower without good visibility or light. Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the handles. Walk - never run.

Don't be a flake. When it snows - think safety before you blow it.

OPEI is a trade association whose membership is primarily composed of U.S. manufacturers of powered lawn and garden maintenance products, components and attachment supplies, as well as industry related services. OPEIís domestic members manufacture in excess of 95% of the U.S. consumer retail market for gas and electric powered lawn and garden maintenance products. For further information on safety and other related industry topics, OPEI hosts a web site on the Internet at http://opei.mow.org.

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