PUBLIC WORKS INITIATIVE Snow Plow Safety Quick Reference Guide
INTRODUCTION This quick reference guide highlights snow removal/snow plow safety practices. Its purpose is to help prevent personal injury to employees, as well as to protect the general public from injury or property damage. Most Illinois municipalities have the proper equipment and employees to safely remove snow and ice from streets. It is extremely important to make sure that employees are properly trained, equipped and prepared for the job. If your municipality does not have the appropriate equipment and trained personnel, the best option is to contract this service out to a qualified contractor. KNOW THE SNOW REMOVAL ROUTE Each driver/operator should travel their planned snow route in good weather, to become familiar with hazards or conditions which could hamper the safe operation of snow removal equipment, or cause injury or property damage. If the driver/ operator has never plowed snow before, or if this is a new route, the driver/operator should be accompanied by a coworker, who can provide information about sharp turns, steep hills or other potential problems.
BE AWARE OF OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS, AND OTHER POTENTIAL HAZARDS. When traveling the snow route, look for low limbs, wires, signs, bridge overpasses or other overhead obstructions, which could come into contact with the snow plow, truck or raised truck bed. Look for uneven road surfaces, medians, manhole covers, curbs and railroad tracks, which could be covered with snow, and cause damage to the plow blade. Be aware of narrow streets, fences, mail boxes, fire hydrants, street signs or lights, which may be located close to the right of way. Know where there is limited visibility, such as at intersections or other locations along your route. If you are responsible for clearing parking lots or driveways, visit these areas and note obstructions, or other hazardous conditions.
DRIVERS, OPERATORS AND EMPLOYEES If you operate on a callout system, each employee on the call list should make sure that they are physically and mentally able to perform the required job task. You should not attempt to operate snow removal equipment if you are sick, sleepy, or suffer from any other condition which could affect your ability to safely perform your job. Supervisors should make this policy clear to all employees. A zero-tolerance policy should be adopted for all employees. CHECK ALL OF YOUR EQUIPMENT Equipment should be checked before and after each use. This should include inspecting: Lights and signals Tires Brakes Windshield wipers Fluid levels Defroster/heater Plow bolts and chains Spreader and auger Back-up alarm Horn Mirrors Blades Electrical Equipment
CHECK EACH VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE IT IS PROPERLY EQUIPPED All vehicles/equipment should be equipped with the following emergency supplies: First-aid kit Radio and/or cell phone Flashlight Ice Scraper Shovel Flares Reflective vest Extra gloves/hats/coat Drinking water Food Blanket/sleeping bag Change of clothes PLOWING GUIDELINES Plowing routes should be coordinated with co-workers and all employees should be kept aware of changing street and weather conditions. All drivers/operators should observe the following safety guidelines: Always wear your seat belt. Report accidents and stranded motorists. Do not push or blow snow off of bridges or overpasses, onto traffic or people below. Always stay on the proper side of the road.
PLOWING GUIDELINES (cont.) When plowing snow or applying salt, always be aware of traffic around you, so as not to affect another driver s ability to see. Never plow with your head out the window; hidden objects could cause head and neck injuries. Check your mirrors about every three to five seconds to avoid motorists who may advance into a blind spot. Scan ahead to look for hazards such as pedestrians, stalled cars, animals or disabled vehicles. Be cautious of children playing on or around snow piles. Avoid backing unless it is absolutely necessary as people tend to follow snow plows closely. Before exiting the vehicle, set the brakes and disengage the power to the spreader and snow plow. Use the three-point contact method for entering and exiting the vehicle face the vehicle and maintain two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the vehicle at all times to avoid falls. RECORDKEEPING Equipment operators may be required to record their activities. Records can help track vehicle movements and they can help in the investigation of an accident or general liability claim. Some sample information may include the following: The operator s name and vehicle ID Date, start and finish of each route The route covered, including approximate times in each general location Were there any notable problems with the vehicle? Detailed reports completed on near misses, property damage or accidents which occurred during the snow removal process
AFTER SNOW REMOVAL Inspect all trucks and equipment immediately after each use and document the inspections. After snow removal procedures should include the following: Wash trucks and clean equipment. Check all blades for damage or wear. Look over all equipment and check for cracks in welds, or any missing parts. Inform the supervisor and other drivers/operators of any conditions which may hamper the safe operation of snow removal equipment. Have equipment repaired as soon as possible. Do not operate equipment in disrepair. Replenish supplies as needed. CLEAR SNOW AND ICE FROM CATCH BASINS AND STORM DRAINS After completing snow removal from streets, it is important to make sure that catch basins and storm drains are unobstructed, so that the melting snow can properly drain and not accumulate as ice.
To schedule trainings or on-site inspections, please contact your IMLRMA Loss Control Representative at 1-800-252-5051. For additional copies or more information on this topic, please contact: Cathy Wiese phone 800.252.5051 ext. 1287 fax 217.443.0927 cwiese@ccmsi.com