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Bettesworth Construction
ice removal

Make Winter Easier: Pro Snow Removal Tips for Walks and Driveways

Clear residential snow more manageably with a task-appropriate shovel, early removal, safer technique, and practical health and equipment precautions.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read

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Make snow removal easier by using a shovel suited to the job, clearing fresh snow before it packs down, and pushing rather than lifting whenever practical. Pace yourself, use safe procedures with powered equipment, and get help if shoveling may put your health at risk.

Choose a shovel for the job—and for your body

A good shovel is lightweight but sturdy, with a handle that reaches about chest height. The right blade depends on what you need to do: a broad push-style shovel can move more snow along a walk or driveway, while a smaller blade is better for lifting and throwing. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends a blade 25–35 cm (about 10–14 in) wide for lifting and throwing snow. A larger blade may tempt you to lift more than you can manage comfortably.

Match the tool to the task

  • Mostly pushing: Choose a shovel suited to moving snow across a fairly clear surface without repeatedly lifting it.
  • Lifting and tossing: Choose a smaller blade and take modest loads.
  • Breaking ice: An ice chisel can help loosen ice after the snow has been removed.
  • A large area or a need to avoid manual shoveling: A snow blower may be an option, provided you can operate and maintain it safely.

There is no single best shovel for every condition, and the available guidance does not establish a best brand or model. Follow the snow blower’s owner’s manual for machine-specific instructions.

How should I shovel?

Clear snow soon after it falls, when conditions allow. Fresh snow is generally easier to move than snow that has become wet, packed, or partly melted. Clearing in smaller stages can reduce the need to shift a deep accumulation all at once.

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  1. Push when practical. Move snow to the side rather than lifting it for every pass.
  2. If you need to lift, take a small load. Keep the shovel close to your body and bend your knees.
  3. Turn with your feet. Avoid twisting your torso while holding a loaded shovel.
  4. Work steadily. Take breaks and drink fluids rather than rushing through the job.

Protect your health while clearing snow

Shoveling is strenuous exertion, especially for someone who is not used to hard physical activity. NYC Emergency Management warns that it can bring on a heart attack or worsen some health conditions. People with medical conditions or low activity levels should seek medical advice before shoveling and consider arranging help instead.

Rest, stay hydrated, and stop if you develop concerning symptoms. Do not push through symptoms in order to finish the walk or driveway; seek appropriate medical help if needed.

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Use a snow blower safely

A snow blower can reduce the amount of snow you need to move by hand, but it is powered equipment with moving parts. Keep hands and feet away from those parts, and follow the machine’s manual. Never reach into a machine to clear a clog.

If snow or debris jams the machine

  1. Switch the machine off.
  2. Wait until all moving parts have stopped.
  3. Use an appropriate long tool, such as a long stick, to clear wet snow or debris—never your hands.

OSHA also advises refueling only when the unit is off and cool.

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Remove ice and keep snow out of drains

Remove snow and ice physically first, and shovel promptly where conditions allow. Minneapolis recommends an ice chisel for breaking ice and notes that sand can add traction but does not melt ice. Avoid putting snow into storm drains or gutters, where it can interfere with drainage. Check local guidance before using deicers; recommendations can depend on local conditions and runoff concerns.

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