Snowblower Safety

Snowblower Safety

Designing a Safe Snowblower

Your Honda snowblower is equipped with several significant safety features. Fully understanding each function is the key to safe operation.

It is important to familiarize yourself with your product and its features, design and operation before use, even if you have operated similar power products in the past.

Please read and fully understand your owner's manual and see the information below for proper controls on how to safely operate them.

Number one

Separate drive and auger engagement for more control and safer use

Number two

Variable Speed Hydrostatic Transmission offers safe and comfortable speeds for each individual operator on the HSS724A/HSS928A and HSS1332A series snowblowers.

Number three

Snow Drop Bar designed to safely and easily dislodge snow from a clogged chute

*Disclaimer: users are advised to check owner's manual to confirm available product safety features prior to use.

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A Few Words About Safety

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  • Your safety and the safety of others are very important.
  • This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
  • It is not practical or possible to warn you about all the hazards associated with operating or maintaining your Honda snowblower. You must use your own good judgement.
  • Your safety is your responsibility. A little time spent in preparation will significantly reduce your risk of injury.
  • Read and understand your owner's manual.
  • Know what the controls do and how to operate them.
  • Familiarize yourself with your snowblower and its operation before you begin using it.
  • Know how to quickly shut off your Honda snowblower in case of emergency.

Keep Your Snowblower In Safe Operating Condition

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  • Always perform a pre-operation snowblower check before each use.
  • Repair any damage and correct any malfunction before operation to prevent an accident or equipment damage.
  • Honda snowblowers are designed to give safe and dependable service if operated according to instructions.
  • Read and understand your Owner's Manual before operating the snowblower. Failure to do so could result in personal injury or equipment damage.
  • If you hit an obstacle while operating the snowblower, stop the engine immediately and check for damage. Damaged equipment may increase the possibility of injury during operation.
  • Never run the engine in an enclosed or confined area. Exhaust contains poisonous carbon monoxide gas; exposure can cause loss of consciousness and may lead to death.
  • The exhaust becomes very hot during operation and remains hot for a while after stopping the engine. Be careful not to touch the muffler while it is hot. Let the engine cool before storing the snowblower indoors. 
  • Stop the engine and let it cool before removing covers for inspection and other services.
  • Moving parts may cause injury, stop the snowblower before you proceed with any maintenance or repair.

Keep Yourself Safe

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  • Know how to stop your snowblower quickly and understand the operation of all controls.
  • Never permit anyone to operate the snowblower without proper instructions.
  • Do not use the snowblower when visibility is poor, due to greater risk of striking an obstacle or causing injury.
  • Be careful when changing the direction of the snowblower while operating it on a slope to avoid overturning and causing injury to the operator or bystanders.
  • Do not use the snowblower to remove snow from roofs.
  • Be alert. Operating this product when you are tired, ill or under the influence of alcohol or drugs may result in serious injury.
  • Use precautions when using a snowblower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as rocks may be picked up and ejected. They may cause injury to bystanders.
  • To avoid tipping the snowblower over, stay off slopes too steep for safe operation.
  • Be aware, the risk of snowblower upset is even higher when the surface is loose, wet or uneven.
  • Gasoline is extremely flammable and is explosive under certain conditions.
  • Do not smoke or allow flames or sparks in the area where the engine is refuelled or where gasoline is stored.
  • Do not overfill the fuel tank (there should be no fuel in the filler neck). After refuelling, make sure the tank cap is closed properly and securely.
  • Honda recommends using gasoline without ethanol in your Honda snowblower.
  • Refuel in a well-ventilated area with the engine stopped.
  • Carefully check the area before backing the snowblower up or while working in reverse.

Keep Safety Of Others In Mind

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  • Before operating the snowblower, inspect the area in which you are going to clear snow. Remove debris and other obstacles the snowblower might strike or throw, as that may cause injury or damage to the snowblower.
  • Clear the area of children and pets. Their safety is your responsibility. 
  • Turn engine off when not in use.
  • If you need to leave the snowblower unattended for any reason, always turn the engine off.
  • Use precautions when using a snowblower to clear snow from a gravel road or driveway, as rocks may be picked up and ejected. They may cause injury to bystanders.
  • Adjust the snow discharge chute to avoid hitting the operator, bystanders, windows and other objects with ejected snow. Stay clear of the snow discharge chute while the engine is running.
  • Never permit anyone to operate the snowblower without proper instruction. If people or pets suddenly appear in front of the snowblower while it is in operation, immediately release the auger and drive clutch levers to stop the snowblower and avoid possible injury from rotating auger blades.
  • If the snow discharge chute becomes clogged, stop the engine and use a snowdrop bar or a wooden stick to unclog it. Never put your hand into the snow discharge chute while the engine is running; serious personal injury could result.
  • For your safety and the safety of others, do not operate the snowblower during darkness unless it is equipped with a headlight.

Important Message To Parents

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  • Lawn mowers are tools, not toys. As with any equipment, bad judgment can result in serious injuries.
  • Please ensure you are familiar with local laws, and have carefully read and reviewed your owner’s manual, before making any decisions with respect to the operation of your lawn mower by a minor

Occasional Users

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  • Before you ask anyone to operate your snowblower, you need to determine whether the person is old enough and strong enough to safely handle and properly control the snowblower.
  • If you decide to let someone else use your snowblower, make sure the occasional user reads and understands all instructions and warnings in the owner's manual and on the labels before operating the snowblower.
  • Allow adequate time for hands-on training, and personally supervise practice sessions until you feel sure the person is ready to operate the machine.
  • Also be sure the person wears proper clothing and have eye protection and any other gear that may be required by local ordinances or your insurance company.
  • Remember that you are responsible for keeping the Honda snowblower properly maintained and in safe operating condition for occasional users.
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