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When clients are counting on your team to clear snow so they can continue to operate without disruptions, it can be easy to assume those equipped with a plow won’t be affected by the snow themselves.
However, it’s critical to prepare and protect your crews from these scenarios where they may become stranded or stuck while out on the job.
Prevent Getting Stranded During Snow Plow Operations
You can greatly mitigate the chances of one of your team members getting stuck through proper preparation. This includes conducting presite inspections before the snow season so you know areas of potential risk and hazards to avoid before it is covered in a blanket of white.
Before dispatching, make sure each truck’s tire pressure is adequate, headlights and taillights are operational, the plow isn’t showing any damage or wear, and the vehicle’s weight is balanced.
When your crews are driving to jobsites, make sure they know how to position their blade. Straight blades should be angled to the right and V-blades should be in a retracted position. Transport the plow around 45 mph and under.
During plowing, do not exceed 14 mph. If your driver has to reverse, stress to them they need to turn around and look versus using their mirrors.
Encourage your drivers to check the temperature gauge of the vehicle to avoid overheating. If the plow blade is too high, it can prevent airflow to the radiator. If overheating occurs during transport, stop and adjust the position of the blade and continue to monitor the temperature gauge.
When planning your routes, help drivers avoid high-risk areas and identify safe spots for emergency stops in advance. Establish regular check-ins with your crew members to make sure all is well.
What to Include Your Fleet’s Emergency Vehicle Kits
Preparation also calls for being ready for the worst-case scenario. Each vehicle out snow plowing should include an emergency vehicle kit that can keep your team members safe if they become stranded during winter weather.
You should consider including items such as:
- First aid kit (containing bandages, adhesive tape, antiseptic, gauze, etc.)
- Phone charger
- Mylar thermal blankets or heavy-duty wool blankets
- Hand and foot warmers
- Warm clothing such as insulated gloves, hats and thick socks
- High-calorie, long-lasting snacks (such as canned nuts, energy bars, trail mix, etc.)
- Bottled water (wrapped to prevent freezing)
- Waterproof matches, tealight candles and a can to melt snow for water
- Physical road maps
- Compass
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables
- Ice scraper/snow brush
- Multitool
- Bag of sand or cat litter for added traction on snow or ice
- Shovel
- Road flares or reflective warning triangles
- Tow strap
- Portable air compressor
- Duct tape
Responding To Being Stranded
If, for whatever reason, one of your drivers’ vehicles breaks down or becomes stuck, have a clear plan in place so they know how to respond.
The first step should be staying put inside the vehicle and communicating with the team where they are located. If your company has towing capabilities, have an on-call employee available to offer assistance.
Employees should only leave their vehicle to search for assistance if help is visible within 100 yards. They should turn on flashers and set up emergency flares or triangles if they have them.
Team members should conserve fuel by running the engine intermittently. Utilize the emergency kit items to stay warm and be mindful of signs of hypothermia. They should move periodically within the vehicle to keep blood circulating.
The post Safety Culture: Equipping Your Snow Plow Crews for the Worst appeared first on The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals.