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Leaf Blower Concerns, Perceptions, Facts and Solutions

Leaf Blower Concerns, Perceptions, Facts and Solutions. Gather leaves Remove grass clippings Clean sidewalks Dislodge matted grass. Dry off pavement Clean rain gutters Vacuum yard debris Fight fires. How are Leaf Blowers used?. Clean parking lots

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Leaf Blower Concerns, Perceptions, Facts and Solutions

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  1. Leaf Blower Concerns, Perceptions, Facts and Solutions

  2. Gather leaves Remove grass clippings Clean sidewalks Dislodge matted grass Dry off pavement Clean rain gutters Vacuum yard debris Fight fires How are Leaf Blowers used? • Clean parking lots • Clean arenas and amusement parks • Clean farm and construction equipment

  3. What Are The Benefits of a Leaf Blower? • Versatile • Thorough • Saves time • Reduces cost • Conserves water

  4. Who Uses Leaf Blowers? • Homeowners • Lawn care professionals • Construction crews • Building maintenance personnel • Municipal and park services

  5. Leaf Blower Concerns • Sound • Levels • Quality • Time of Day • Proper Operation

  6. Leaf Blower Use Concerns • Number of leaf blowers used at one time • Propensity to generate exhaust emissions • Generation of dust and particulate matter

  7. Clarifying Blower Misconceptions • Larger blowers do not necessarilymake more dust • Blowers do not generate more dust than a broom • Not all leaf blowers are loud

  8. Blower Misconceptions • Leaf blowers are hazardous to your health • 1999 CARB* Research Study found no conclusive evidence of a health hazard * California Air Resources Board

  9. 76 dB 70 dB 65 dB 1970-1980 1990 2000-2003 What is meant by“Sound Reduced” Every 6 dB sound reduction reduces the sound level by 50%. Leaf Blower Sound Level Reduction

  10. Sound Quality Is Important The Siren Effect • Fire alarm • Baby crying • Leaf blowers

  11. Technological Advancements • Sound Intensity (volume) • Sound Quality • Continuous Design & Technology Improvements: • Sound Reduction Engineering • Testing and Sound Level Measurement • Catalysts • Internal Baffling • Low Emission 4-stroke Engines

  12. What Homeowners Can Do • Use blower at reasonable hours • Run blower at part throttle • Make sure all sound attenuation devices are in place and functional

  13. What Homeowners Can Do • Minimize the generation of dust • Avoid blowing into neighbor’s yard • Use all original equipment attachments • Wear hearing protection

  14. What Commercial Operators Can Do • Limit the number of blowers used • Wear hearing protection • Avoid the generation of dust • Clean up the area after • Spread the word, SOUND IS AN ISSUE!

  15. What Commercial Operators Can Do • Be aware of and observe local ordinances • Train yourself and your associates • Purchase and use newquiet blowers • Properly maintain your equipment

  16. What Municipalities Can Do • Make operators aware that proper operating instructions are available • Encourage operator training programs • Establish allowable leaf blower use times • Inspect equipment • Work with local landscaper organizations • Publicize your blower program

  17. Summary/Conclusion • Leaf Blower Sound is the Issue • Use Quieter Blowers • Train yourself in Proper Blower Use • Observe Time of Use Regulation • Be Courteous • Minimize Dust • Wear Hearing Protection • Participate in the Creation of Legislation

  18. For More Information Contact: Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc. www.opei.org 703-549-7600

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