Using A Battery Operated Leaf Blower - A Guide To A Safer More Courteous Use

The Delivery man arrives, you hear the doorbell..Ding Dong!

You quickly do a 'Dad run' to the door, you sign the paperwork, kick the door behind you and rush to the kitchen table.



You find the nearest knife and cut the tape, you unwrap the box like you did your wife's dress when you were courting, quickly!

( in the voice of Tim Allen) 

HO! HO! HO!

But before you go waving it about watch the video below, Adam Woodhams has some great tips for using your leaf blower safely and efficiently

I hope the video gave you some great pointers even if you are experienced with a battery operated leaf blower. 

Mentioned in the video was the importance of safety equipment, We recommend safety equipment too and importantly the use of ear protection due to the constant noise from the leaf blower. 

Even battery operated leaf blowers when operating can sit between 70,80, and 90+ Decibel range. Below is a decibel comparison chart so you can see how loud 90+ decibels is.

Safety Equipment Check-list

Having a new battery operated leaf blower is amazing and I know your itching to get started but safety is still paramount. 

**Check you have these before you start**

Hearing protection

If You Like Wearing Ear Plugs....

. 

Moldex 681001 Waveband 1K SNR 27 

They eliminate 27dB of noise so will bring your leaf blower down to alarm clock level.

If You Like Wearing Earmuffs....

Mpow Ear Defenders

These are rated the 'No.1 Best Seller' on Amazon. They will eliminate 34dB of noise, so will bring your leaf blower down to conversation/dishwasher level. 

Eye Protection

Bolle Silium Safety Glasses

Another Best Seller on Amazon, these Safety glasses do the job while keeping your street cred intact!

Gloves

Keep hands clean, free from scratches and small insect bites....

Briers Large Reinforced Rigger - Green

Once again another 'Best Seller' on Amazon. These are also available in pink and purple too.Great for fighting off brambles.

Footwear  

Your choice but please make sure you at least wear hard wearing trainers or boots, not flip flops or high heels!

Eeerrrm....Just incase....

DeWalt Apprentice, Men's Safety Boots. 

Available in 3 different colours and sizes up to 12 UK.

Or

Groundwork Women’s Gr386 Safety Boots

Available in sizes 4-8 UK.

Operating Courtesy

Try and keep your neighbours happy by showing a little courtesy when blasting away those leaves by...

• Do not use very early in the morning or very late in the day (in the UK after 7am but before 11:30pm).
• Check wind direction and strength and never point the leaf blower or blow debris toward people, pets, cars or houses.
• Do not blow leaves etc towards open windows or doors, you will easily turn your house or neighbours into a tip.
• Be considerate of people passing by the of your property.
• Always switch off the blower when unattended.
• Do not use your battery operated leaf blower to spread or mist fertilizers, chemicals or other toxic substances.

Reducing Sound

We don't like to moan about neighbours but some can be very annoying when you make just a little bit of noise, follow these tips to keep them happy.

• Use the required speed to do the job. Yes, we do love to blast it on full speed but using the right setting will not only quieten the leaf blower but will also save battery power too.
• Use nozzle attachments to reduce sound. See manual.
• Avoid using more than one blower at a time, your not Arnold Schwarzenegger!
• Check your filters and nozzle to make sure they are in good working order.

Keep dust To A Minimum 

Try these tips for keeping dust to a minimum, once practised forever mastered.

• Start with the nozzle close to the ground, raise it up until the dust is at a minimum, this will be the perfect operating height.
• Keep an eye on what you are moving
• Practice moving a paper cup without moving dust, you will be a master in no time!
• Wet dusty areas before using your leaf blower.
• Do not use your battery operated leaf  blower to clean up:

Excessive amounts of gravel or dirt

Construction dirt

Plaster dust

Concrete or cement dust

Dry top soil

**Instead use a vacuum or a power washer**

Be Efficient

• Make sure you read your manual and fully understand everything, you may find tips and tricks inside.
• Practice how to control the air velocity by lifting leaves and not dust.
• Practice up and down and sweeping motions whilst keeping dust to a minimum, the game is leaves not dust

That's It!

You've passed! Seriously though, I hope this page has helped you understand your new battery operated leaf blower more.

  You've Have Become A Young Jedi Of The Leaf Blower Side