John A. Carlson Snow and Ice Removal A. Introduction 1. The purpose of the Snow and Ice Removal Operation Plan is to provide all personnel who are involved in snow and ice removal a single source document, which clearly defines the Carlson Center s, polices and procedures in all snow and ice operations. 2. The snow and ice season in Fairbanks, Alaska can begin as early as September and terminate as late as mid-may. The rate of accumulation of snowfall or icing is affected by atmosphere temperature, pavement temperature, moisture content, wind direction and velocity, to include intervals between snowfalls. Each snowfall is unique. Therefore, while this plan tries to cover the major operations during a snow or ice storm it must be recognized that there must be sufficient flexibility within the plan to provide for differences or contingencies as they occur. B. Snow and Ice Control Policy (2010-11) 1. The policy of the Carlson Center is to clear snow and ice in the following priority. a. All pedestrian sidewalks, steps and service ramps immediately adjacent to public entrances/exits. b. All parking lots located on C.A.C property. i. South Parking Lot ii. North Parking Lot c. Wilbur street extension from the 2 nd street and Wilbur intersection to the C.A.C North Parking lot. Emergency Vehicle exit route located on the Westside of the C.A.C. d. All overflow parking lots located on FNSB property e. C.A.C roof when advised by F.N.S.B public works/maintenance that snow load has required removal. 2. Removal and de-icing will be conducted as expeditiously as possible during and after the snowfall/storm and will be achieved through a combination as necessary, of mechanical (plowing), snow blowers, manual snow shoveling and t. The Center does not have a bare pavement policy because of climatic conditions. 3. Snow and ice control operations of all Carlson Center grounds will be prioritized based on what is of immediate need for public safety given the
climatic conditions. Priorities and standards of service for snow and ice removal operations are as follows: a. (Priority 1) All designated public entrances/emergency exits, steps, ramps; sidewalks adjacent to the venue will be given first priority. i. Depending on the rate of snowfall walkways should be kept to a minimum of ½ inch snowfall and ½ inch snow hard pack at anytime. 1. Snow will be piled in a manner, which minimizes patron foot traffic obstructions. Snow will be piled on areas adjacent to designated (i.e. concrete pathways), typically stacking piles on lawn areas. 2. The administrative office walkways and surrounding parking area should be removed prior to 8am Monday to Friday. The front main entrance should be removed prior to 4pm Monday to Friday and prior to 8am Saturday/Sunday. 3. Under extreme weather conditions building management may close CAC level 2 public entrances and exits in the interest of public safety. The public will be directed to exit the building via the interior steps. 4. Under normal weather conditions traction sand and/or E-chip will be spread on public entrances/emergency exits, steps and ramps after snowfall has been removed. a. During weather conditions that create severe ice conditions or areas with icy spots a liquid ice melt, granular ice melt, and/or E-chip, traction sand can be utilized. b. (Priority 2) All designated public parking areas located on C.A.C property. i. Depending on the rate of snowfall parking areas should be kept to a minimum of 2 snowfall and 2 snow hard pack at anytime. ii. The South Parking lot should be plowed by pick-up or by a snow removal contractor during periods of heavy snowfall. 1. A snow removal contractor will be utilized when inhouse staff requests support in order to maintain the lots during heavy snowfall. 2. Snow will be stacked in the drainage ditch along 2 nd avenue on C.A.C grounds. Snow may also be stacked on the West edge of the parking lot. 3. A traction sand and/or E-chip will be spread via a snow/sanding contractor. Mixture should be spread on all vehicle access lanes.
iii. The North Parking lot should be plowed by pick-up or by a snow removal contractor during periods of heavy snowfall. 1. A snow removal contractor will be utilized when in house staff requests support in order to maintain the lots during heavy snowfall. 2. Snow will be stacked in the drainage pond along the North edge of the lot. Snow may also be stacked on the West edge of the parking lot. 3. Traction sand and/or E-chip will be spread via a snow/sanding contractor. Material should be spread on all vehicle access lanes. iv. Wilbur street extension from the 2 nd street and Wilbur intersection to the C.A.C North Parking lot. Emergency Vehicle exit route located on the Westside of the C.A.C. 1. A snow removal contractor will be utilized when in house staff needs to be supported in order to maintain the lots during heavy snowfall. 2. Snow will be stacked in the drainage pond along the North edge of the North parking lot. 3. Traction sand and/or E-chip will be spread via a snow/sanding contractor. Material should be spread on vehicle lanes North and south bound. v. All overflow parking lots located on FNSB property 1. A snow removal contractor will be utilized when in house staff needs to be supported in order to maintain the lots during heavy snowfall. 2. Snow will be stacked along North and South edges of all FNSB lots. C. Storm Classifications: 1. Each snow or ice storm will be unique and vary in intensity, duration and total precipitation. This section will attempt to apply a basic classification system to assist in the establishment of priorities of equipment, material and manpower for a generic management system for implementation in all snow and ice removal operations. The storm classification system will utilize the estimated total expected snowfall for snow and total ice glazing for ice storms. 2. Classes of storms: a. Snowstorms i. Class A is defined as a storm of extremely heavy snowfall of 10 + inches or more occurring in a period of 24 hours of less. This type of storm will cause life-threatening conditions to occur. When weather forecasts indicate that a Class A storm is imminent, the Operations Manager will notify the General Manager that severe snowfall may impact daily facility operations. The General Manager will notify the appropriate parties of the adverse weather conditions.
ii. Class B is defined as a storm of moderated to heavy snowfall within the estimated range of 5 10 inches. This type of storm can pose the same threats to public safety and economic impact (Class A), but its intensity will allow the Operations department to keep the C.A.C open during the snowfall. A Class B storm will normally not require a declaration by the General Manager of the adverse weather conditions; however, as the storm progresses it could be upgraded to a Class A, which could necessitate the declaration of adverse weather conditions by the General Manager. iii. Class C, is defined as a storm with an accumulation of 1 to 4 inches. The Operations department will maintain all normal snow and ice removal procedures. b. Ice storms i. All ice storms will be rated as a Class A type storm. Ice storms will cause immediate threats to public safety and economic impact. If an ice storm is imminent, or occurs the Operations Manager will notify the General Manager that severe ice conditions may impact daily facility operations. The General Manager will notify the appropriate parties of the adverse weather conditions. 3. Under extreme weather conditions building management may close CAC level 2 public entrances and exits in the interest of public safety. The public will be directed to exit the building via the interior steps. D. Implementation Procedures: 1. Weather/Storm decision a. During normal business hours and non-business hours the key personnel (Operations Manager, Conversion Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor, Event Supervisor, Janitorial Supervisor and General Manager) involved in snow and ice control will monitor forecasted storms using the FNSB website and link to the National Weather Service. If a Class A or B storm is predicted the Operations Manager will put snow removal crews (inhouse and subcontractors) on notice that they must be available on-call. E. Snow/Ice Removal Policies and Procedures: 1. Abrasive and de-icer guidelines a. The primary abrasive to be utilized by CAC personnel and subcontractors will be traction sand and/or E-chip. Abrasive application is usually applied to vehicle access lanes in the parking areas, sidewalks, steps, and emergency exits. b. The primary chemical de-icers when utilized by CAC personnel will be an inorganic salt mixture (Magnesium Chloride, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Chloride). The purpose of these chemicals is to function as de-icers for
sidewalks and steps adjacent to the venue. De-icer will only be used when temperatures remain above 25 degrees F. However when the temperatures fall between 20-40 degrees F traction sand and/or E-chip will be spread as a primary abrasive. c. The Carlson Center does not have a bare pavement policy because of climatic conditions. Therefore application of de-icers, traction sand and/or E-chip is intended to make sidewalks adjacent to the venue reasonably safe but because of climatic conditions cannot be expected to be slip resistant at all times after initial application. F. Manpower and Equipment Assignments: 1. During a class A or B storm the Carlson Center Operations Department will immediately schedule snow removal shifts, each shift (8) hours in duration. 2. Shift times will vary dependent on time of storm prediction. Every attempt will be made to balance shift over time hours equally among employees. 3. The Carlson Center SMG staff will be the primary manpower and equipment resource for all snow removal operations. However, during sustained snow/ice removal operations subcontractors will be utilized to support/provide additional manpower and equipment. H. Safety: 1. All Carlson Center staff will operate snow/ice control equipment in a safe manner. Speeds will be kept to a safe minimum sufficient to plow and windrow snow to the shoulder. Operators will not plow at excessive speed causing snow to fly at a high speed and distance. 2. Plow truck operators will observe all posted CAC traffic signs. 3. Operators will plow form the street centerline to the right shoulder (Wilbur street extension). 4. Operators will ensure the plow truck is fully operational. 5. If the intensity of the storm is of such an intensity to cause danger to snow/ice control operators. Operations will be terminated pending weather improvements. 6. Operators and snow personnel will wear appropriate winter clothing to ensure cold weather injuries are not received. G. Pre-Winter Season Preparation: 1. New operators will be assigned to an experienced operator (mentor) to receive training on all phases of snow and ice control. New operators will receive this training in pre-season and during the actual snow and ice control season. The mentor of the new operator will at the time of new operator proficiency, certify to the Operations Manager that the new operator is cleared for individual (solo) operation and has a valid Alaska Drivers License. 2. Commencing in September the Carlson Center Maintenance Supervisor will prepare and ensure all snow and ice removal equipment is prepared and operational.
I. Post Operation Procedures: 1. During storm; at end of each shift the outgoing operator will perform the required maintenance and services of his assigned equipment prior to relief from shift. These services include the following. a. Fuel top-off b. Fluid checks c. Windshield washer fluid replacement d. Tire pressure e. Check snow plow edges and hydraulic fluid f. Check emergency lighting. 2. After storm; all equipment will receive a thorough inspection to include all operator-required services. All known maintenance deficiencies will be reported to the Operations Manager and/or Maintenance Supervisor for immediate correction.