| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area | Rocks, debris, unstable footing, hidden obstacles | Walk area first; remove large debris; note holes, roots, or uneven surfaces |
| Inspect blower and PPE | Loose straps, damaged nozzle, fuel leaks, missing PPE | Check blower housing, filter, throttle, and straps; verify PPE is worn |
| Refuel blower (if applicable) | Fire hazard, fuel spills | Only refuel with engine off; refuel outdoors; wipe spills; store fuel safely |
| Put on backpack blower | Shoulder strain, dropped equipment | Lift with legs; adjust straps snugly; ensure hip belt and chest strap are secured |
| Start blower safely | Sudden torque, exhaust exposure | Start unit on ground; do not start while wearing backpack blower on back |
| Begin blowing operations | Flying debris, dust, noise | Always direct airflow away from people, traffic, windows, and vehicles |
| Maintain safe distance from pedestrians | Eye injuries, dust clouds | Stop blower if people enter designated work area; wait for them to pass |
| Work near roadways | Struck by vehicles, poor visibility | Wear Class 3 high visibility vest; keep body away from traffic lanes; use cones if necessary |
| Work in parking lots | Moving cars, blind spots | Make eye contact with drivers; stay visible; never walk behind reversing vehicles |
| Work near buildings | Window damage, property damage | Reduce throttle when blowing near windows, siding, or landscaping |
| Manage dust and debris clouds | Reduced visibility, inhalation issues | Use lower throttle; wear dust mask; avoid blowing directly into dry soil |
| Work on slopes or uneven ground | Slips, trips, falls | Wear boots with tread; maintain solid stance; avoid working on steep slopes |
| Watch for loose gravel or stones | Flying projectiles | Avoid blowing across gravel; change approach angle; place gravel by hand if needed |
| Listen for equipment changes | Engine issues, clogged air filter | Stop immediately if blower sounds abnormal; inspect and clear debris |
| Take rest breaks | Fatigue, vibration exposure | Alternate hands if possible; take brief breaks to prevent strain |
| Shut down equipment | Hot surfaces, fuel vapor | Power off before setting blower down; avoid touching muffler area |
| End of shift cleanup | Slips, trip hazards, hot components | Let blower cool; remove debris from intake; store properly |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
High visibility vest when near roads or parking lots
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
Long pants
Gloves
Dust mask or respirator in dusty conditions
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Parks and Grounds Maintenance
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area | Rocks, debris, unstable footing, hidden obstacles | Walk area first; remove large debris; note holes, roots, or uneven surfaces |
| Inspect blower and PPE | Loose straps, damaged nozzle, fuel leaks, missing PPE | Check blower housing, filter, throttle, and straps; verify PPE is worn |
| Refuel blower (if applicable) | Fire hazard, fuel spills | Only refuel with engine off; refuel outdoors; wipe spills; store fuel safely |
| Put on backpack blower | Shoulder strain, dropped equipment | Lift with legs; adjust straps snugly; ensure hip belt and chest strap are secured |
| Start blower safely | Sudden torque, exhaust exposure | Start unit on ground; do not start while wearing backpack blower on back |
| Begin blowing operations | Flying debris, dust, noise | Always direct airflow away from people, traffic, windows, and vehicles |
| Maintain safe distance from pedestrians | Eye injuries, dust clouds | Stop blower if people enter designated work area; wait for them to pass |
| Work near roadways | Struck by vehicles, poor visibility | Wear Class 3 high visibility vest; keep body away from traffic lanes; use cones if necessary |
| Work in parking lots | Moving cars, blind spots | Make eye contact with drivers; stay visible; never walk behind reversing vehicles |
| Work near buildings | Window damage, property damage | Reduce throttle when blowing near windows, siding, or landscaping |
| Manage dust and debris clouds | Reduced visibility, inhalation issues | Use lower throttle; wear dust mask; avoid blowing directly into dry soil |
| Work on slopes or uneven ground | Slips, trips, falls | Wear boots with tread; maintain solid stance; avoid working on steep slopes |
| Watch for loose gravel or stones | Flying projectiles | Avoid blowing across gravel; change approach angle; place gravel by hand if needed |
| Listen for equipment changes | Engine issues, clogged air filter | Stop immediately if blower sounds abnormal; inspect and clear debris |
| Take rest breaks | Fatigue, vibration exposure | Alternate hands if possible; take brief breaks to prevent strain |
| Shut down equipment | Hot surfaces, fuel vapor | Power off before setting blower down; avoid touching muffler area |
| End of shift cleanup | Slips, trip hazards, hot components | Let blower cool; remove debris from intake; store properly |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
High visibility vest when near roads or parking lots
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
Long pants
Gloves
Dust mask or respirator in dusty conditions