Transcript Addressing Consumer Concerns About Leaf Blower Use

Leaf Blower
Concerns,
Perceptions, Facts
and Solutions
How are
Leaf Blowers used?
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Gather leaves
Remove grass clippings
Clean sidewalks
Dislodge matted grass
Clean parking lots
Clean arenas and
amusement parks
Clean farm and construction
equipment
Dry off pavement
Clean rain gutters
Vacuum yard debris
Fight fires
What Are The Benefits of a
Leaf Blower?
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Versatile
Thorough
Saves time
Reduces cost
Conserves water
Who Uses Leaf Blowers?
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Homeowners
Lawn care professionals
Construction crews
Building
maintenance
personnel
Municipal and
park services
Leaf Blower Concerns
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Sound
– Levels
– Quality
Time of Day
Proper Operation
Leaf Blower Use Concerns
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Number of leaf blowers used at one time
Propensity to generate exhaust emissions
Generation of dust and particulate matter
Clarifying Blower Misconceptions
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Larger blowers do
not necessarily
make more dust
Blowers do not
generate more dust
than a broom
Not all leaf blowers
are loud
Blower Misconceptions
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Leaf blowers are
hazardous
to your health
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1999 CARB* Research
Study found no
conclusive evidence
of a health hazard
* California Air Resources Board
What is meant by
“Sound Reduced”
Leaf Blower
Sound Level Reduction
76 dB
Every 6 dB sound
reduction reduces the
sound level by 50%.
70 dB
65 dB
1970-1980
1990
2000-2003
Sound Quality Is Important
The Siren Effect
 Fire alarm
 Baby crying
 Leaf blowers
Technological Advancements
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Sound Intensity (volume)
Sound Quality
Continuous Design &
Technology
Improvements:
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Sound Reduction
Engineering
Testing and Sound Level
Measurement
Catalysts
Internal Baffling
Low Emission 4-stroke
Engines
What Homeowners Can Do
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Use blower at
reasonable hours
Run blower at part
throttle
Make sure all sound
attenuation devices are
in place and functional
What Homeowners Can Do
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Minimize the generation
of dust
Avoid blowing into
neighbor’s yard
Use all original
equipment attachments
Wear hearing protection
What Commercial Operators Can Do
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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!
What Commercial Operators Can Do
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Be aware of and observe
local ordinances
Train yourself and your
associates
Purchase and use new
quiet blowers
Properly maintain your
equipment
What Municipalities Can Do
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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
Summary/Conclusion
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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
For More Information Contact:
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.
www.opei.org
703-549-7600