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Many homeowners who deal with snow may choose to have multiple snow shovels for different types of snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> If lifting is a concern, then they may choose separate shovels for lifting versus pushing.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Otherwise, users may wish to have a shovel for fresh light snow and another one to manage icy hard snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
Many homeowners who deal with snow may choose to have multiple snow shovels for different types of snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> If lifting is a concern, then they may choose separate shovels for lifting versus pushing.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> Otherwise, users may wish to have a shovel for fresh light snow and another one to manage icy hard snow.<ref name="Consumer Reports Feb 2014"/> |
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The earliest known snow shovel was found in a [[bog]] in [[Russia]]. Estimated to be 6,000 years old, its blade was made from a carved [[elk]] [[antler]] section. According to archaeologists, the antler piece was tied to a wood or bone handle.<ref>{{cite book| last = Mark| first = Lisbeth| last2 = Lefrak| first2 = Babs| title = Snow|page= 24| publisher = Penguin Group USA |date=1995| location = New York| pages = | isbn = 978-0-39952-166-9 }}</ref> |
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==Safe usage== |
==Safe usage== |
Revision as of 17:30, 14 March 2014
A snow shovel is a shovel designed for moving snow.
Features of snow shovels
Handle design of snow shovels varies.[1] Straight handles make the pushing angle easier to adjust and snow throwing easier as compared to a bent handle.[1] Long handles enable the user to leverage their weight for pushing snow, but shorter handles make tossing snow easier.[1] Plastic and fiberglass handles are lightweight and do not get cold, whereas wood will be heavy and metal handles will be cold.[1]
At the end of the handle there may be a D-shaped grip, and some snow shovels have padded grips or extra grips in the middle of the handle.[1]
A typical shovel scoop would be about 24 inches across and intended for moving a few inches of light snow.[1] A narrower scoop makes the removal of deep, wet, or heavy snow easier.[1] Scoops with a large curve can carry more snow, while those with a shallow curve are intended to push snow rather than carry it.[1] Metal scoops are studier than plastic but heavier.[1] If a scoop's edge is steel, then that can damage delicate outdoor home surfaces but will make the shovel more durable than a plastic shovel.[1]
Many homeowners who deal with snow may choose to have multiple snow shovels for different types of snow.[1] If lifting is a concern, then they may choose separate shovels for lifting versus pushing.[1] Otherwise, users may wish to have a shovel for fresh light snow and another one to manage icy hard snow.[1]
The earliest known snow shovel was found in a bog in Russia. Estimated to be 6,000 years old, its blade was made from a carved elk antler section. According to archaeologists, the antler piece was tied to a wood or bone handle.[2]
Safe usage
Persons doing snow shoveling may take steps to lower their risk of injury.[3] Snow is safest to shovel when it is fresh and light.[1] Appropriate clothing makes shoveling snow safer.[1] Slip-resistant boots prevent user falls.[1] Ideal snow shoveling clothing for the rest of the body is lightweight, layered, and water-repellent to increase ventilation while maintaining insulation.[1]
Proper snow throwing technique minimizes injuries including stress on the back.[1] Recommended technique is that when lifting snow, the user bends their knees to collect the snow while maintaining a straight back, then straightening the legs to stand and lift.[1] Throwing snow over the shoulder or with a side-twisting motion is discouraged as less safe than throwing in other ways.[1]
Shoveling snow is a known trigger for myocardial infarction among people at risk for heart problems and who do not regularly engage in strenuous physical activity.[4]
When done correctly, snow shoveling can provide good exercise.[5]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t Consumer Reports (14 February 2014). "Best Snow Shovels - How to Shovel Safely". consumerreports.org. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ Mark, Lisbeth; Lefrak, Babs (1995). Snow. New York: Penguin Group USA. p. 24. ISBN 978-0-39952-166-9.
- ^ American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (December 2011). "Prevent Snow Shoveling and Snowblowing Injuries". orthoinfo.aaos.org. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ Skerrett, Patrick J. (15 January 2011). "Protect your heart when shoveling snow". health.harvard.edu. Harvard Medical School. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
- ^ Sparks, Dana (20 December 2012). "Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling". newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 7 March 2014.
External links
- How to get the most out of your snow blower and snow shovel, a guide for consumers