Using Leaf Blower in Barn

[jjk454ss]

I’ve used cheap blowers to clean out my barns in the past, but now I have a nice Stihl Backpack blower and I’m curious is it’s ok to use on the barn? Or is it going to hurt it with all the dust? It gets really, really dusty.

Is there a better/different filter to use?

Should I just use it as is and keep the filter clean? I’m thinking this, but hate to damage the blower if the filter isn’t meant for the fine dust from cleaning a barn

 

[skipperbrown]

Use your nice backpack, clean the air filter often, and do yourself a favor and use a respirator. There are some funky growths in a barn and some of them aren't good for your lungs.

 

[jjk454ss]

Use your nice backpack, clean the air filter often, and do yourself a favor and use a respirator. There are some funky growths in a barn and some of them aren't good for your lungs.

Thanks, that’s what I was thinking. And good call on the respirator.

 

[Rustyiron]

Respirator-yes, for you!
Just keep the filter clean and you may want to blow your new rig out once in a while with an air compressor to keep your new tool in top shape. This one's not a "throw away". If it becomes neglected, (very dirty) it will let you know by not starting or running poorly but it really shouldn't damage it long term.

 

[dragoneggs]

Thanks, that’s what I was thinking. And good call on the respirator.

Your Stihl backpack blower is commercial grade and can take the 'abuse'. Like any tool, maintenance is its friend. x2 on the respirator. Long ago I started using safety equipment in my shop and around my house... only wish I started practicing health/safety behaviors many years earlier.

I learned a whole lot about tools and building/maintaining stuff from my father and am grateful, but he never taught me much about safety... other than not to clean the lawn mower chute when it is running.

 

[4570Man]

I’m not a huge fan of wearing respirators but when I’m doing something really dusty like using a blower inside I put one on.

 

[Code54]

I learned a whole lot about tools and building/maintaining stuff from my father and am grateful, but he never taught me much about safety... other than not to clean the lawn mower chute when it is running.

LOL - I had that one and "keep your eyes closed or only squint when using the grinder".

 

[dragoneggs]

LOL - I had that one and "keep your eyes closed or only squint when using the grinder".

My dad also told me one summer day... to keep both eyes on my work... I think that was when I was adjusting the points on my '69 Camaro (for the third time in a week) and the neighbor girls walked by.

 

[MossRoad]

Barn + dried animal crap dust (like bird doo, or mouse doo) + leaf blower = respirator.

All kinds of nasty stuff when that dried poop goes air born.

 

[oosik]

I can't comment on using the blower and potential dust damage.

HOWEVER - a VERY serious word of caution. I was Director of Environmental Health in the adjoining county. We investigated two cases of Hantavirus. The farmers in both cases were cleaning out barns with industrial grade vacuums. They were not wearing any form respirator or dust mask. One spent three months in the hospital. The other almost died and spent a month in intensive care and a total of six months in the hospital.

This is not a joking matter. Mice carry Hantavirus. It can be spread thru inhalation.

When I vacuumed out my work shed( log cabin ) I bought an extra 40 feet of intake hose. Set my industrial vacuum outside. Wore the best dust mask I could find. But I was very aware of potential symptoms for the following two months. That was two years ago.