Operating Leaf Blowers

July 16, 2021

Key Point

Leaf blowers are time-saving tools for cleaning leaves, grass clippings, fertilizer granules and small debris from driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other lawn and landscape sites. Leaf blowers have largely replaced brooms, rakes and water hoses for these tasks, and, according to most landscape industry estimates, cleaning
These power tools do, however, pose safety risks that are often overlooked. Leaf blowers can turn rocks, sticks, mulch, grass particles, pieces of glass and other debris into projectiles that can cause cuts, lacerations and eye injuries. Operators also are subject to hearing loss, ergonomics-related injuries and electric shock.
Common safety-related mistakes include inattention, failure to wear the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) and using leaf blowers for unintended purposes.

Employers’ and supervisors’ checklist

Comply with federal, state and local regulations. Federal OSHA standards most likely impacting leaf blower use are those associated with PPE, particularly hearing, eye and respiratory protection, and with the General Duty Clause (for ergonomic and repetitivestress hazards).
Ensure employees wear the right clothing and appropriate PPE. For crew members operating leaf blowers, this usually includes pants and long-sleeved shirts, hearing protection (ear plugs or earmuffs), goggles or face shields, heavy-duty work gloves, sturdy work boots with nonslip soles, and a respirator or mask, in dusty conditions.
Provide newer, quieter leaf blowers, if possible. A typical leaf blower produces 90–100 decibels of sound. Some newer machines are rated at or below 70 decibels at 50 feet and full throttle. Federal OSHA requires a hearing-protection program for employees when noise exposures equal or exceed an eight-hour, time-weighted average sound level of 85 decibels.
Train crew members to operate the specific leaf-blower models they will be using
Instruct employees to inspect leaf blowers and wires, plugs and extension cords before each use and bring damage/wear to your attention. Repair or replace damaged tools, wires or plugs. Tag “DO NOT USE” until the repair can be made, or the defective device is discarded.
Create a schedule that allows crew members to take frequent breaks from repetitive-motion tasks and rotate to other duties. Also, have them alternate between chores that require gripping tools with those that don’t.
Provide backpack-style leaf blowers or equip/buy handheld leaf blowers with shoulder harnesses or straps — and make sure employees use them. These devices are very effective at preventing pulled and strained muscles and muscle fatigue.
Make sure electric leaf blowers are plugged into ground-faulted outlets or are used with ground-fault-circuit interrupters (GFCI’s).
Provide fuel containers with self-closing lids and screen arrestors. These cans have springmounted spout caps that automatically open when vapor pressure builds up inside, preventing rupture or explosion. The mechanisms also cause the spout cap to close automatically if filling or pouring is finished or if the can is dropped. A wire-mesh flame arrester prevents flashbacks from reaching the liquid in the can.

Employee dos and don’ts
Do:

Inspect leaf blowers and any wires, plugs and extension cords before each use and bring damage/wear to your supervisor’s attention. Check the condition of the leaf blower muffler and air intakes (clear any debris) and air filter; check and tighten nuts, bolts and screws, and ensure controls, parts and safety devices are not damaged and are working properly.
Wear all necessary PPE, which usually includes pants and long sleeves, hearing protection (ear plugs or earmuffs), goggles or a face shield, heavy-duty work gloves, sturdy work boots with nonslip soles and a respirator or nuisance mask, if you are working in dusty conditions.
Clear the work area of bystanders, including other operators and pets. People and animals should be at least 50 feet away.
Stop blowing if someone steps inside the 50-foot boundary.
Wet down dusty areas before using a leaf blower.
Start with the nozzle close to the ground and then raise it to a height where it does not generate dust.
Pay attention at all times. Never point the nozzle or blow debris toward people, pets, vehicles, or open windows or doors.
Use caution while working on steps.
Remove any loose debris (trash, tree limbs, rocks, etc.) before you start.
Wear the shoulder harness or strap on hand-held leaf blowers. Adjust the strap to the best fit for you. These devices are designed to take pressure off your back and arm and greatly reduce muscle fatigue and pulled muscles.
Keep your back straight while operating the leaf blower.
Use the correct fuel/oil mix. Check the operator’s manual for fuel requirements.
Refuel before you start the engine. If you must refuel during work, turn off the engine and allow it to cool. Loosen the cap slowly to relieve pressure in the tank.
Start the leaf blower at least 10 feet from the fueling source.
Make sure the spark-plug boot is secure to avoid sparks and possible ignition of fuel vapors.
Clean the leaf blower and remove debris from the air intakes after each use.

Don’t:

Operate a leaf blower until you have been trained to do so and fully understand the instructions and safety precautions.
Resist wearing hearing protection. You might not think you need it because hearing loss is gradual and often goes unnoticed.
Operate a leaf blower if you are tired, sick, have taken medication that impairs alertness or coordination, or have used drugs or alcohol.
Use an electric leaf blower in a wet area. Do not let extension cords drag through water when using them.
Modify a leaf blower in a way not authorized by the manufacturer
Operate while standing on an unstable surface, such as a ladder, rooftop or in a tree.
Adjust or service the machine without first shutting it off and unplugging electric models.
Operate a leaf blower indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Move dusty materials with a leaf blower
Use a leaf blower to clean up large amounts of gravel or gravel dust; construction dirt; plaster, cement, or concrete dust; or dry topsoil. Use a vacuum or power broom with water instead.

Neither NALP nor its employees/contractors make any representation or warranties, express or implied, regarding the use of or reliance on the information provided herewith, regardless of its format or means of transmission. Readers assume sole responsibility for compliance with safety requirements. NALP is not responsible for and expressly disclaims all liability or damages of any kind arising out of the use, reference to or reliance on any information contained within this publication.