10 snow removal safety protocols

Being a snowplow driver means going out on the road during the harshest weather conditions. Drivers must navigate safely through limited visibility, buried hazards and slippery roads, all while operating heavy machinery. They also have to work around other drivers and pedestrians.

Ensuring efficient snow removal to keep roads clear for other drivers without compromising safety is a difficult task that requires skills and confidence. Learn how to keep drivers safe through comprehensive snow removal safety protocols and training.

The importance of proper training for snowplow operators

Snow removal training should not be rushed. Between bad weather, equipment misuse, judgment errors and fatigue, the job presents several potential safety hazards - and learning how to navigate them effectively is essential. The National Safety Council states proper snowplow driving training is thorough and leaves participants feeling confident in their abilities. 

Prepare drivers to handle snowstorms through training that addresses: 

• Best plow times: Plowing during low-traffic times is easier and safer.
• Plowing around curbs: Plowing around curbs can be difficult, and it’s easy to forget where they’re buried under snow. 
• Spatial awareness: Drivers of all specialty vehicles need to have a good sense of spatial awareness and how to operate their vehicles in relation to other drivers.
• Defensive driving: Snowplow drivers need to be able to anticipate other drivers’ behavior and drive accordingly to keep them safe.
• Where to pile snow: Snow piles can turn into ice, which can be difficult to remove later on and block both vehicle and foot traffic. Drivers also should not place snow where it will block essential objects like drains or fire hydrants. 
• Various braking strategies: It’s crucial to know when and how hard to brake when dealing with various road surfaces, such as gravel or ice. 
• The importance of nonverbal communication: All plow drivers must know how to alert other drivers with their lights and horns. 

A Driver Training Solutions simulator can help you provide comprehensive snowplow driving training year-round, offering hands-on practice with a variety of scenarios and plow configurations. Drivers can safely practice as much as they need to in order to master skills and feel confident on the road.

Snow removal safety tips

Here are 10 key snowplow safety tips all snowplow drivers and companies should follow.

1. Wear the right clothing

Facing freezing temperatures and high-speed winds can lead to conditions like frostbite or trench foot. Low visibility and slippery conditions present additional hazards. That’s why proper clothing and safety equipment are crucial.

Appropriate attire for snowplow drivers includes:

• A reflective vest
• A winter hat
• A winter jacket
• Waterproof, slip-resistant boots with thick treads
• Snow goggles
• Thick gloves 

2. Understand how plow equipment works

Operating a snowplow is very different from driving a regular vehicle, which is why all snowplow drivers should be thoroughly trained in how the equipment works. For example, a plow has hydraulic attachments that control the blades’ height and length. If a driver doesn’t have a good understanding of the system, they could damage the equipment or harm themselves.

If your snow removal company uses salt spreaders, drivers need to know how those function as well. Whether they’re attached to the plow or a separate trailer, a driver must understand how to operate them safely to avoid damaging the mechanisms or getting injured through chemical exposure.

3. Inspect and maintain plowing equipment

Plow drivers should know how to maintain their equipment, starting with inspection of essential components. Before hitting the road, each driver should inspect:

• Any moving parts
• Auger
• Backup alarms
• Blades
• Chains
• Electrical systems
• Hydraulic fluid levels
• Lights
• Plow bolts
• Reflective tape
• Salt spreader

Once the driver is done with the plow, they must properly store it and the various attachments. This includes cleaning and drying equipment. Drying is essential in the post-trip snowplow safety routine because wet equipment can wear out more quickly and injure other drivers. Cleaning also increases the equipment’s longevity because the chemicals used to de-ice can quicken the corrosion process.

4. Maintain all vehicles

Don’t forget about basic vehicle maintenance. Any vehicle malfunction could cause an accident. Regular vehicle maintenance should include:

• Checking all internal fluids (oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brake fluid)
• Ensuring the lights are working
• Checking the salt spreader’s internal calibrations
• Checking the tire pressure and tread depth
• Testing the battery and electrical systems

Drivers should also make sure they have three points of contact on the cab. Having either two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand on the cab prevents slips and falls while entering the vehicle. 

If drivers report any issues with equipment or vehicles, the company should take them seriously. Temporarily taking a plow out of rotation for maintenance will cost less money than an injured driver or a destroyed plow.

5. Check safety supplies

Each plow should have multiple emergency supplies in case something happens on the road, such as getting stuck due to limited visibility. 

Drivers should ensure their plows have:

• Blanket/sleeping bag
• Change of clothes
• Drinking water
• Extra gloves/hats/coat
• First-aid kit
• Flares
• Flashlight
• Food
• Ice scraper
• Radio and/or cell phone
• Reflective vest
• Shovel

6. Establish safety protocols

Every private and municipal snow removal company should have established snowplow safety protocols that each driver understands and has easy access to. These protocols should include when drivers need to stop driving, who to call in an emergency and general safety best practices. Companies should also make clear that driving while distracted or intoxicated is not only dangerous but not tolerated.

Additionally, make sure drivers understand safe speeds, distances, and collision avoidance strategies for varying circumstances and weather conditions. Providing both clear guidelines and hands-on practice is the best way to ensure drivers fully internalize safety protocols.

7. Use the right plowing techniques

Using the right plowing techniques is crucial to driver safety. Drivers need to know when blades need to be straight or in a “V” along with the right heights for different road surfaces. If a driver makes a mistake regarding the blade placement, they may hit something and cause a crash or damage the equipment.

There are many plowing methods, including the Power V Technique, Inverse V Technique and Backdrag Technique. Make sure drivers know which ones are right for their equipment and the conditions they’re working in.

8. Get familiar with snow removal areas

Drivers should get familiar with their snow removal areas before snowfall. Snow makes it difficult to tell where the road ends and a sidewalk begins or what objects are hiding underneath. Learning about the area before snowfall will help drivers avoid safety hazards and make navigation and snow removal more efficient. 

9. Alert other drivers to your presence

To ensure other drivers and pedestrians know where a plow driver is, the plower should always use lights to communicate. Many plows keep flashing or rotating lights on at all times, especially in limited visibility, to ensure other drivers are aware of their presence and can safely stay away from the plow. 

10. Recognize the importance of self-care

Snow removal companies need to teach drivers the importance of self-care when it comes to their performance as plow drivers. All plow drivers should be well-rested and safely protected from the cold when operating their equipment. Make sure drivers understand how a lack of self-care can affect their performance and potentially cause injuries to themselves or others.

Driver Training Solutions simulators: revolutionizing snow removal safety

Training is an essential foundation for a strong plowing fleet. Effective training keeps drivers safe and plows operational. However, training can be challenging when you have drivers of varying skill levels and a limited time before snow starts falling.

Driver Training Solutions’ snowfighter simulator is the answer. This top-of-the-line driving simulator engages the senses to create a realistic experience, offering a variety of extreme weather scenarios and customizable training modules for different regions. Plus, you can begin teaching drivers how to safely remove snow anytime you want - even in the middle of summer.