Recommended
More Related Content
Similar to Snow and-ice-removal
Similar to Snow and-ice-removal (20)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Snow and-ice-removal
- 1. Snow and Ice Removal Safety
- 2. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Session Objectives Recognize snow and ice removal hazards Inspect equipment properly and use it safely Avoid slips, trips, and falls Shovel and lift safely to prevent back injuries Remove snow safely from roofs Understand and prevent cold-related illness
- 3. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Hazards • Equipment • Slips, trips, and falls • Back injuries • Noise
- 4. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Hazards (cont.) • Overexertion • Poor visibility • Fatigue • Cold
- 5. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Preoperation Safety Procedures • Vehicles • Plows • Blowers • Spreaders • Communication equipment
- 6. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 • Assess conditions • Check for hazards • Review plan of action • Select PPE Preoperation Safety Procedures (cont.)
- 7. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Equipment Safety: Plows • Vehicles/pedestrians • Steering control • Speed • Obstacles • Drop points © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 8. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Equipment Safety: Blowers • Clear the area • Direct snow away • Stop the engine before cleaning • Never use your hands • Work up and down slopes, not across • Never leave unattended • Handle gas safely © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 9. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Equipment Safety: Spreaders • Lifting and loading • Driving • Adjusting • Clearing clogs • Walking © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 10. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 PPE • Eye protection • Hearing protection • Warm clothing • Gloves • Reflective safety jacket or vest • Waterproof boots • Head protection
- 11. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 When clearing snow from a slope with a snowblower, you should work: You should inspect snow removal equipment: Before beginning operations, you should: To plow safely: a. Up and down slope b. Across slope face a. Once a month b. Before each use a. Check area for hazards b. Take a break a. Take big bites b. Maintain good steering control
- 12. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Do you understand: • Snow and ice removal hazards? • Preoperation safety procedures? • Operating equipment safely? • PPE? Review Do you understand: • Snow and ice removal hazards? • Preoperation safety procedures? • Operating equipment safely? • PPE?
- 13. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Driving Safety • Conditions • Seat belt • Vehicles/pedestrians • Backing up • Darkness
- 14. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Avoiding Slips, Trips, And Falls • Footwear • Obstacles • Ice • Falling © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 15. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Shoveling Safety • Stretch • Pace • Think small • Breathe • Balance • Hold shovel close © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 16. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Shoveling Safety (cont.) • Push • Lift safely • Avoid twisting • Shovel stairs safely • Take breaks • Avoid smoking © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 17. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 • Weather conditions • Buddy system • Ladder safety • Fall arrest system • Rakes and shovels Clearing Snow Safely from Roofs © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 18. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Safe Lifting 1. Squat down 2. Pull load close 3. Get a good grip 4. Lift with legs © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009
- 19. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Working Safely in the Cold: Hypothermia • Call for help • Remove wet clothing • Give warm sweet drinks • Move arms and legs • Do not rub or place in a warm tub
- 20. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Working Safely in the Cold: Frostbite • Move to a warm place • Do not rub the area • Dry and wrap the skin • Seek medical attention
- 21. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Preventing Hypothermia And Frostbite • Dress warmly • Wear hat/gloves • Wear insulated boots • Take short breaks • Drink warm beverages • Eat hearty meals
- 22. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Other Important Safety Issues • Visibility • Fatigue • Drugs/alcohol
- 23. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Before shoveling, you should to loosen up your muscles. Breathe in when you a shovel of snow and breathe when you throw the snow. Avoid your body when you throw the snow. Hold the shovel to your body for best leverage. Take to allow tired muscles to relax and avoid overexertion. stretch lift out twisting close breaks Fill in the blanks.
- 24. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Do you understand: • Driving safety? • Avoiding slips, trips, and falls? • Shoveling safety? • Clearing roofs safely? • Safe lifting? • Cold-related illness? • Visibility, fatigue, and drugs and alcohol? Review Do you understand: • Driving safety? • Avoiding slips, trips, and falls? • Shoveling safety? • Clearing roofs safely? • Safe lifting? • Cold-related illness? • Visibility, fatigue, and drugs and alcohol?
- 25. © Business & Legal Reports, Inc. 1009 Key Points to Remember Take proper precautions. Operate all equipment safely as you have been trained to do and wear appropriate PPE. Shovel and lift safely. Dress warmly and watch for signs of cold- related illness and fatigue. Do not use drugs or alcohol.
Editor's Notes
- Slide Show Notes Today, we’re going to talk about snow and ice removal safety. Whether your job duties involve snow and ice removal tasks during the winter months or you are clearing snow and ice around your own home, you need to work safely to prevent accidents and injuries. There are quite a few potential hazards involved in snow and ice removal—some you may already know about, others that you may not have been aware of. We’ll talk about the hazards as well as the steps you need to take to prevent injuries and cold-related illness when working outdoors clearing ice and snow during the winter months.
- Slide Show Notes The main objective of this session is to help you perform snow and ice removal duties safely to prevent accidents, injuries, or illness. By the time the session is over, you should be able to: Recognize snow and ice removal hazards; Inspect equipment properly and use it safely; Avoid slips, trips, and falls; Shovel and lift safely to prevent back injuries; Remove snow safely from roofs; and Understand and prevent cold-related illness. Are you ready to concentrate on learning the training material? Good! Then let’s begin.
- Slide Show Notes When you perform snow and ice removal duties, you could face a variety of safety and health hazards. For example: You could be injured by snow and ice removal equipment; You could slip and fall on icy surfaces, trip over obstacles in your path, or fall from a roof if you go up to clear snow; You could suffer back injuries from shoveling or lifting equipment or heavy bags of deicing materials; and Your hearing could be damaged by repeated exposure to loud equipment.
- Slide Show Notes Other hazards include: Overexertion when shoveling or performing other strenuous tasks, which could cause a heart attack, especially if you smoke, are getting on in years, or not in the best physical condition; Poor visibility due to bad weather conditions or working at night; Fatigue from working long hours; and Cold-related illness from spending long hours outdoors in cold, wet weather. Think about the hazards you might face while performing your snow and ice removal duties. Discuss the hazards presented in the slide along with other hazards specific to your snow and ice removal operations.
- Slide Show Notes The first step in preventing snow and ice removal accidents is to think before you act. Preparation for safe operations includes a number of important factors. All equipment should be inspected carefully before each use. Inspect vehicles, checking head- and taillights, beacons and strobe units, brakes, tires, fluid levels, turn signals, backup signal, windshield wipers, defroster, and so on. Inspect plow bolts, chains, hoists, and hydraulic hoses. Also inspect moldboard, cutting edge, and frames on snowplows. When you inspect snowblowers before use, check fuel and oil levels, bolted connections and attachments to be sure they are properly tightened, the blades to make sure they rotate freely, the chute to make sure it is clear, and safety devices such as shields and emergency shutoff switches to make sure they are working properly. Inspect spreaders, checking pumps, hoses and fittings, spinners, auger chains, and auxiliary hydraulic motors for proper function. Also, check to make sure communication equipment in vehicles is working properly, and be certain that vehicles are equipped with flares and other safety equipment.
- Slide Show Notes Before beginning operations, you should also assess the conditions. For example, check the temperature, determine snow depth and amount of icing, and check the weather report to see how conditions might change over time. Also, inspect the area of operations for hazards such as debris, obstacles, and vehicles. Review your plan of action with your co-workers so that you are all in agreement about how you will carry out snow and ice removal operations and who will be responsible for what. And finally, make sure you have the necessary personal protective equipment, or PPE, to protect you from job hazards. Think about the steps you need to take to make sure the job is carried out safely before you begin snow and ice removal operations. Discuss all the steps trainees should take before beginning snow and ice removal operations to ensure that the job is carried out safely.
- Slide Show Notes When operating a snowplow, be sure to take proper safety precautions. For example, begin by clearing snow from head- and taillights and beacons before driving so that you can see and be seen. Use extra caution when plowing near vehicles or pedestrians. Slow down or stop when approaching pedestrians. Maintain good steering control. The digging action of the blade could lift weight from the front wheels, making it difficult to steer effectively. Approach snow piles at a safe speed, taking small bites that will flow across the blade surface. Approaching too fast can damage the drive train of the vehicle and even injure the driver. Stay clear of obstacles like curbs, stumps, posts, and rocks. Striking any of these objects could cause damage to the plow and vehicle. And finally, have several drop points for the snow, especially when snow is wet and heavy, so that snow doesn’t stick to the plow. Do you follow proper safety procedures when operating a plow? Review your safety procedures that snowplow operators must follow.
- Slide Show Notes Snowblowers make clearing snow much easier than having to shovel it. But like all machines, they can be dangerous if you don’t take adequate safety precautions when using them. To be safe, clear the area of any debris before you begin snow removal. Direct snow away from people and vehicles, and don’t exceed the blower’s capacity. Always stop the engine before cleaning snow from blades or chute or when making any repairs. Never put your hand in the discharge chute. When the engine is turned off, clear away snow or debris with a stick or broom handle. When clearing slopes, work up and down the slope, not across the face. Never leave a running snowblower unattended. Always handle and store gasoline safely. Snowblower accidents are all too common. Think about the hazards of snowblowers and the precautions you need to take to prevent accidents and injuries. Review required safety precautions for using snowblowers.
- Slide Show Notes Salt and sand spreaders can be hazardous, too, so once again, you must take proper safety precautions when operating them. Use safe lifting techniques when loading the hopper onto the spreader. Drive the vehicle carefully and slowly, watching out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles. Be careful to keep hands away from moving parts when making adjustments. Never use your hands to unclog the hopper or spreader plate on vehicle-mounted spreaders. Also, be careful when clearing clogs from walk-behind spreaders to avoid pinch points and cuts. And finally, be careful walking on icy walkways when using a walk-behind spreader to avoid slips and falls. Think about the precautions for the type of spreaders you use on the job. Review required safety precautions for use of spreaders.
- Slide Show Notes When you are performing snow and ice removal duties, you may need different kinds of PPE depending on the job you are performing. For example, you may need: Eye protection if you are loading sand and salt into a spreader, using a walk-behind spreader, or using a snowblower; Hearing protection when using loud equipment like snowblowers; Warm clothing to keep out the cold and wet; Work gloves to protect your hands and keep them warm; A reflective safety jacket or vest at night to make you visible to plows and other equipment; Waterproof boots with nonslip soles to protect your feet from cold and damp, and to prevent slips and falls; and Head protection if you are working in a situation where snow or ice might fall on you, such as under a sloped roof. You also need to keep your head warm by wearing a cap. Up to 40 percent of body heat can be lost when your head is exposed. Think about PPE you use on the job and the hazards each type of PPE protects against. Identify PPE trainees should use for the various jobs they perform.
- Slide Show Notes It’s time now to test your knowledge of the information presented in the previous slides. For each question on the screen, determine the best answer, a or b. [PAUSE] OK, let’s review the answers: When clearing snow from a slope with a snowblower, you should work up and down the slope rather than across the face. The correct answer is a. You should inspect snow removal equipment before each use. The correct answer is b. Before beginning snow removal operations, you should check the area for hazards. The correct answer is a. To plow safely, you should maintain good steering control, because the digging action of the plow could lift weight from the front wheels and make it difficult to steer. The correct answer is b. How did you do? Did you get all the answers right? Do you think you’d do better on the next quiz if you went back and reviewed?
- Slide Show Notes Now it’s time to ask yourself if you understand the information presented so far. Do you understand what we’ve said about: Snow and ice removal hazards? Preoperation safety procedures? Operating equipment safely? PPE? It’s important to understand all this information so that you can perform snow and ice removal duties safely. Are you focusing your mental effort on the training material? Answer any questions trainees have about the information presented in the previous slides. Conduct an exercise, if appropriate. Let’s continue now to the next slide and talk about driving safety.
- Slide Show Notes When operating a snowplow or other vehicle used in snow and ice removal, drive at a safe speed for weather and road conditions. Always wear your seat belt. Watch out for other vehicles, especially when plowing or sanding in close spaces like parking lots. Also, keep alert for pedestrians and stay well clear of them. Be especially careful when backing up. Make sure there are no vehicles, people, or obstructions behind you before you start to move. Also, take extra care when working in the dark. Slow down so that you can see the terrain around you better. Think about the safe driving rules you must follow when driving vehicles involved in snow and ice removal. Review your safe driving policy as it applies to snow and ice removal.
- Slide Show Notes To avoid slips, trips, and falls while working, be sure to wear sturdy footwear with nonslip soles. Look where you’re going when you move around snow removal areas on foot. Proceed cautiously, especially in deep snow. There might be obstacles, ruts, and other hazards hidden by the snow that could cause you to trip and fall. When walking on icy surfaces, move slowly and slide your feet to prevent slips and falls. If you start to fall, minimize injuries by: Breaking the fall with your hands and forearms; Rolling with the fall; Protecting your head by tucking it toward your collarbone; and Yelling or exhaling as you fall to release body tension.
- Slide Show Notes Shoveling snow is an extremely strenuous activity, especially if there’s a lot of snow or if the snow is wet and heavy. You have to be careful of overexertion, which could lead to an injury. To prevent injuries, stretch for a couple of minutes before shoveling to loosen up back, shoulder, neck, arm, and leg muscles. Pace yourself as you shovel to prevent overexertion. Start slow and give yourself a chance to warm up. Once you are warmed up, maintain a steady pace to reduce stress on your body. Lift smaller amounts when snow is heavy and wet. Breathe in while lifting and out while throwing. Keep your feet shoulder width apart for balance. And, hold the shovel close to your body for better leverage and less strain.
- Slide Show Notes Push snow rather than lifting it when possible, especially when the snow is heavy. For example, push snow to the edge of walkways and then lift and throw it. This way you avoid continual lifting and you don’t have to throw snow as far. When lifting a shovelful of snow, bend your knees, keep your back straight, tighten your stomach muscles, and lift with your legs. Avoid twisting your body when you throw the snow from the shovel. Twisting can cause muscle strain, especially in your lower back. When shoveling stairs, stand lower than the step you are shoveling and pull snow toward you. Repeat until you reach the bottom step. Then scoop, lift, and throw snow more easily. Take breaks from time to time to give your muscles a chance to relax and avoid muscle strain. And finally, avoid smoking when shoveling. Think about your shoveling technique. Are you working safely so that you avoid injuries? Demonstrate proper shoveling technique.
- Slide Show Notes Removing snow and ice from roofs may occasionally be necessary to prevent dangerous accumulations that can cause leaks and even roof collapse. But this task should be done only when conditions make it safe to do so. Do not go on the roof when it is very windy or when visibility is poor. When removing snow from roofs, work with a buddy or two for safety. If you need a ladder to get up onto the roof, be sure to set it up on a stable, flat surface that has been thoroughly cleared of snow and ice. Brace the ladder top and bottom, make sure the ladder extends 3 feet above the support point at the top, and secure the top of the ladder so that it can’t shift. Be careful ascending as well as descending. Move slowly, holding onto the ladder. Once on the roof, use a personal fall arrest system tied to a secure anchor. Watch your footing as you move around the roof to avoid slips and falls. And finally, use a roof rake or shovel to remove snow, pushing rather than lifting snow whenever possible to reduce strain and the risk of falling. Think about the safety procedures you must follow when removing snow from a roof. Review required safety procedures for rooftop snow removal.
- Slide Show Notes To prevent back injuries when you have to lift heavy loads, such as equipment, deicing materials, and other heavy items, follow these four simple, safe lifting steps. One, squat down, don’t bend at the waist. Keep your feet shoulder width apart and heels down. Two, pull the load close to your body. Holding the load close reduces pressure on your back as you lift. Three, get a good grip on the load. Four, lift with your legs, not your back. Leg muscles are stronger than lower back muscles and are better able to power the lift safely. For large, heavy objects, get help from a co-worker rather than risking straining your back. Do you always lift safely? Improper lifting is one of the main causes of back pain and injury. Demonstrate the safe lifting techniques using equipment or materials involved in snow and ice removal.
- Slide Show Notes Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms of hypothermia include fatigue, drowsiness, uncontrolled shivering, bluish skin, slurred speech, clumsy movements, irritability, and irrational or confused behavior. If a co-worker appears to be suffering from hypothermia, call for emergency help, and move him or her to a warm, dry place. Remove wet clothing and replace with warm, dry clothing or wrap the person in blankets. Give the victim warm, sweet drinks if the person is alert. Avoid drinks with caffeine (coffee, tea, or hot chocolate) or alcohol. Have the victim move arms and legs to create muscle heat. If they are unable to do this, place warm bottles or hot packs in the armpits, groin, neck and head areas. And finally, do not rub the victim’s body or place them in a warm water bath. This could stop the heart.
- Slide Show Notes Frostbite occurs when deep layers of skin freeze. Symptoms include pale, waxy skin and numbness in the affected area. Frostbite usually affects fingers, hands, toes, feet, ears, and nose. If a co-worker seems to be suffering from frostbite, move him or her to a warm, dry place. Do not rub the affected area. This might damage the skin. Instead, gently place the affected area in warm—not hot—water for 25 to 40 minutes. When normal feeling and color have returned, dry the skin, and wrap the affected area to keep it warm. And finally, seek medical attention.
- Slide Show Notes To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, remember these simple safety rules. Dress warmly in waterproof and wind-resistant clothing. Wear several layers to provide the best protection. Wear a hat and gloves. Remember, up to 40 percent of your body heat can be lost if your head is uncovered. Wear insulated, waterproof boots to protect against cold and dampness. Take frequent short breaks in a warm, dry place to allow your body to warm up. Drink warm, sweet beverages, but avoid caffeine or alcohol. And finally, eat warm, high-calorie foods on meal and snack breaks.
- Slide Show Notes Other important snow and ice removal safety issues include visibility, fatigue, and impairment. To make sure you are visible to vehicles when moving on foot around snow removal areas, wear bright-colored work clothes. At night, wear a reflective vest so that you can be seen. Also, watch out for activity around you. Trucks and other equipment will likely be more visible to you than you will be to them. So keep alert, and be prepared to get out of the way. Fatigue is another big problem, especially if you have to work long into the night. If you start to get very tired, tell your supervisor so that you can take a break, have coffee, and sit down for a while to regain your energy. Working with or around dangerous equipment when you are drowsy can be very dangerous to you and to others. Finally, any impairment could result in an accident. Never use alcohol or drugs—even stimulants—before or during snow and ice removal operations. Use of drugs or alcohol, or coming to work under the influence, is a violation of our policy and could lead to discipline, if not an accident or injury. Are you familiar with our drugs and alcohol policy? You should be. Review your drugs and alcohol policy.
- Slide Show Notes Now it’s time for an exercise. Read each statement on the screen and determine the word that best completes the sentence. [PAUSE] Before shoveling, you should stretch to loosen up your muscles. Breathe in when you lift a shovel of snow and breathe out when you throw the snow. Avoid twisting your body when you throw the snow. Hold the shovel close to your body for best leverage. Take breaks to allow tired muscles to relax and avoid overexertion. How did you do? Did you get all the answers right?
- Slide Show Notes Now it’s time to ask yourself if you understand the information presented in the previous slides. For example, do you understand what we’ve said about: Driving safety when operating plows? Avoiding slips, trips, and falls? Shoveling safety? Clearing roofs safely? Safe lifting? Cold-related illness? Visibility, fatigue, and drugs and alcohol? It’s important to understand all this information so that you can perform snow and ice removal duties safely. Answer any questions trainees have about the information presented in the previous slides. Conduct an exercise, if appropriate. Let’s continue now to the last slide and some key points to remember about this session.
- Slide Show Notes Here are the main points to remember from this session on Snow and Ice Removal Safety: Snow and ice removal operations can be hazardous unless you take proper precautions to protect your safety and health. Operate all equipment safely as you have been trained to do and wear appropriate PPE. Shovel and lift safely, and be extra careful when removing snow from roofs. Dress warmly and watch for signs of cold-related illness and fatigue. Do not use drugs or alcohol on the job or before coming to work. This concludes the snow and ice removal safety training session. Do you understand all the key points of the training material? Give trainees the quiz, if appropriate.