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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"/> | ||
| The earliest known snow shovel was found in a ] in ]. Estimated to be 6,000 years old, its blade was made from a carved ] ] 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> | |||
| ==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. Straight handles make the pushing angle easier to adjust and snow throwing easier as compared to a bent handle. Long handles enable the user to leverage their weight for pushing snow, but shorter handles make tossing snow easier. Plastic and fiberglass handles are lightweight and do not get cold, whereas wood will be heavy and metal handles will be cold.
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.
A typical shovel scoop would be about 24 inches across and intended for moving a few inches of light snow. A narrower scoop makes the removal of deep, wet, or heavy snow easier. Scoops with a large curve can carry more snow, while those with a shallow curve are intended to push snow rather than carry it. Metal scoops are studier than plastic but heavier. 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.
Many homeowners who deal with snow may choose to have multiple snow shovels for different types of snow. If lifting is a concern, then they may choose separate shovels for lifting versus pushing. Otherwise, users may wish to have a shovel for fresh light snow and another one to manage icy hard snow.
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.
Safe usage
Persons doing snow shoveling may take steps to lower their risk of injury. Snow is safest to shovel when it is fresh and light. Appropriate clothing makes shoveling snow safer. Slip-resistant boots prevent user falls. Ideal snow shoveling clothing for the rest of the body is lightweight, layered, and water-repellent to increase ventilation while maintaining insulation.
Proper snow throwing technique minimizes injuries including stress on the back. 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. Throwing snow over the shoulder or with a side-twisting motion is discouraged as less safe than throwing in other ways.
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.
When done correctly, snow shoveling can provide good exercise.
References
- ^ 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