Snowblowers are a leading cause of finger amputations among consumer products
Released on: November 26, 2007, 1:31 pm
Press Release Author: Aurora Alpine
Industry: Automotive
Press Release Summary: A problem with the design of the snowblower is that wet snow can clog the discharge chute and build up around the auger, jamming it and stalling the motor. This is complicated by the fact that the auger may twist before applying enough resistance to the motor to stop it......
Press Release Body: A problem with the design of the snowblower is that wet snow can clog the discharge chute and build up around the auger, jamming it and stalling the motor. This is complicated by the fact that the auger may twist before applying enough resistance to the motor to stop it. When the jam is cleared with a hand, the auger returns to its natural shape, suddenly and with great force, severing fingers and hands. Snowblowers are a leading cause of traumatic finger amputations.
Aurora Alpine's new invention "SLUSH BUSTER" helps prevent the attachment of slush,snow and ice to the chute, auger and housing which reduces clogging and jamming. SLUSH BUSTER coats the surfaces with a super slippery, hydophobic (water hating) polymer, VS721, making it difficult for the wet snow to stick. The snowblower operates with greater efficency and the problem of clogging and jammming is eliminated. An added benefit is that it improves the performance of the snowblower, reducing time and effort to clear the snow as well as reducing fuel consumption and wear and tear on the machine.
SLUSH BUSTER has been proven effective on snowmobiles where it is used to prevent the attachement of slush, show and ice in tunnels and on rails and suspension parts. Build up of snow and ice on these machines can add substantial weight and impact negatively on performance, speed and fuel consumption. In addition, if allowed to freeze, the ice can cause expensive damage to the track, cluch, bearings and suspension parts. There is also the safety issue of snow and ice building on the ralils where riders are dependant for sure footing. If their foot slips, they could very easily loose controll of the snowmobile which can result in injury to the ocupants and damage to the machine.
Snowblower owners have tried varrious sprays from cooking oil and hair spray to lubricating oils, silicones and PTFE's with limited success. The problem is that the slush and snow rapidly washes away the spray. SLUSH BUSTER is applied by rubbing the polymer into the surface with a sponge or rag and allowed to cure. It cross links with the surface and can be lightly buffed to an even more slippery surface, for greater performance. This cross linking process adds durability and life. SLUSH BUSTER lasts for weeks instead of minutes. The durability of the VS721 polymer has been proven in high speed boats and aircraft.
More information is available on their website at www.AuroraAlpine.com
The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) recommends that individuals take the proper precautions to prevent hand-related injuries while removing snow this winter. Each year, thousands of people suffer maiming or amputations of their fingers or hands due to improper handling of snowblowers.
\"Snowblower injuries are usually very serious, often requiring delicate surgery followed by weeks or even months of rehabilitation,\" said David M. Lichtman, MD, of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Most snowblower operators aren\'t aware that the impeller is only two inches below the opening of the discharge chute.\"
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, two-thirds of snowblower injuries involve fingers, and--among consumer products-- is a leading cause of finger amputations. In a 1999 study, 3,546 injuries were found to be snow-blower related accidents, but not necessarily product-caused. Of those injuries, approximately 3,000 involved hands and fingers, including 283 finger amputations. With proper safety techniques, you can stay away from the hospital.
To prevent hand injuries, the ASSH suggests the following safety tips if your snowblower jams:
Turn it OFF! NEVER put your hand down the chute or around the blades. Disengage clutch. Wait five seconds after shutting machine off to allow impeller blades to stop rotating. Beware of the brief recoil of motor and blades that occurs after the machine has been turned off. ALWAYS use a stick or broom handle to clear impacted snow. Never use your hand. Keep all shields in place. DO NOT REMOVE the safety devices on the machine. Keep hands and feet away from all moving parts Keep a clear head, concentrate, and DO NOT DRINK before using your snowblower!
Injury Profile Average age: 44 years Sex: Male Dominant hand 90% of injuries Amputations of tips of fingers Middle finger most commonly injured
Common Weather Conditions Heavy, wet snow Large snow accumulation Temperature: 28 degrees Fahrenheit or greater
Injury Causes Snow clogging the exit chute of the machine. Not noticing that the impeller blades are still rotating even though the machine is off. Operator attempts to clean the clogged exit chute with hands. Hands connect with the rotating blades, resulting in severe injury.
RECOMMENDATIONS Snowblowers are safe if used properly.
Source:
National Electronic Injury Surveillance Systems of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) data
American Society for Surgery of the Hand 2001
Aurora Alpine, division of Aurora Marine Industries Inc. www.auroraalpine.com
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