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Guideline #6
Never deliberately use a leaf blower to move dusty materials.
On occasion, the leaf blower is used to clean extremely dusty materials. A leaf blower, any blower, is not the proper machine for this job. It must be understood that there are occasions when the leaf blower is simply the wrong tool.
Heavy concentrations of gravel, construction dirt, plaster dust, pulverized cement, concrete dust and dry garden topsoil should never be moved with a leaf blower because these materials have excessive amounts of dust particles that will become airborne. In a residential area, this type of debris should be cleaned up with vacuums or with power brooms having water injected to control the dust. Even using a hand broom is incorrect for this job. Sometimes only a garden hose (water) will do the job courteously and safely.
Guideline #7
Replace your old leaf blower with a new low noise blower.
There have been many changes in the design of leaf blowers resulting in a much quieter and less irritating product. See your local Echo dealer for the finest products available and do your part to eliminate the complaint generated by inconsiderate use of old noisy leaf blowers.
Summary:
The leaf blower issue is noise. Here are the main steps one should take to avoid irritating people when using a leaf blower:
•Purchase and use new quiet leaf blowers
•Run blowers at part throttle whenever possible
•Be a considerate and courteous operator
•Avoid generating dust
•Use only one leaf blower at any given time
•Know and observe leaf blower ordinances
•Do not use leaf blowers late in the evening or early in the morning
