Learning Center Safety

Safety is a priority at Chelan County PUD both for employees and for residents and visitors to Chelan County. We sponsor educational safety programs in schools, and we provide safety messages through the media. We emphasize safety around electricity and around water. Please heed these safety messages, and share them with others.

Snow Blowers/Throwers

We want you and your family to be safe when using snow blowers-throwers!   In 2010, there were approximately 590 finger amputations, and 5,740 hospital emergency room-related injuries associated with snow blowers-throwers. Please consider the following safety items!

Injuries most frequently occurred when individuals try to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with their hands. 

  • Stop the engine and wait 5 seconds to allow impellers blades to stop rotating and come to a complete stop. 
  • Use a clearing tool; a long stick or broom handle to unclog wet snow, ice and debris from the machine components. Never use your hands!
  • Keep all manufacture’s safety guards in place – do not remove them!
  • Don’t wear loose jackets, gloves, scarves or loose pants which can get pulled into the auger.  

Discharge Chute & Path

  • Always keep bystanders, children and pets a safe distance from your working area.
  • Snow being thrown can also contain debris and rocks – resulting in flying missiles and ricocheting off of other objects. Wear Eye Protection!
  • Always know where your discharge shoot is aimed. Treat it like a gun!
  • If you have snow covered objects such as electrical cords or other objects that the auger could come in contact with physically mark the objects with cones or other items that will stick up through the snow to alert you.

Traction Precautions

  • Expect slippery driveways and sidewalks surfaces.  Wear footwear that gives you maximum traction in slippery conditions!

Fuel Safety 

  • Add fuel to your snow removal tool before starting it, and never add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Allow the snow blower – thrower to cool down before refueling. 
  • Store your fuel can away from ignition sources. Don’t smoke or have open flames or sparks present when fueling your snow blower.

Carbon Monoxide

  • Never leave your snow blower running in an enclosed area such as a garage or shed.

Electric Powered Snow thrower

  • If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times. 
  • Use an outdoor extension cord and an outlet with ground-fault-circuit-interrupting protection.