Snowfighters Training Program - Train for Teamwork

Maintenance people typically feel a keen obligation to the traveling public. They have a kind of esprit de corps that comes only with training and experience.

Proper training for maintenance personnel is vital. It provides the know-how to get the job done and encouragement to perform in a way that brings praise rather than discredit to your organization.

Many maintenance organizations conduct training courses in the early fall months to assure that:

The underlying theme of all training sessions should be the Sensible Salting concept, which includes:

Why have a Fall training meeting? A session on snow and ice removal well ahead of winter gives a chance to discuss your plans with the people expected to carry them out. This meeting is a refresher course on snowfighting tactics for experienced employees and an introduction to winter maintenance techniques for new personnel.

This meeting gives management a chance to formally review the previous winter's operation with operators and supervising personnel. Use it to determine what may have gone wrong last winter, then make corrections for the coming season.

Promote a free exchange of ideas at the fall meeting. Encourage all personnel to speak up. New ideas and better tactics can come out of this session.

Suggested Program Outline
For Fall Training Sessions

I. The Importance of Coordination

Know Your Plowing and Spreading Routes
Effective Radio Communication
The Storm Warning System
Working with Police, other Public Agencies and the Media

II. Equipment - Its Operation and Maintenance

Plows
Spreaders and Their Controls
Loaders
Emergency Repair and Refueling Stations
The Importance of Preventive Maintenance

III. Application Procedures

How Salt Works
How and When to Salt
Application Rates
Special Storm Conditions
Special Deicing Problems (Bridges, Elevated Curves, Ramps, Intersections)
When to Re-Apply Salt

IV. Review of Winter Maintenance Policy

Snow Emergency Routes
Parking Ordinances
Procedures for Helping Motorists
Importance of Personal Public Relations by Maintenance Personnel

V. On-the-Job Safety

Safety Equipment
Safety Practices

VI. Discussion, Questions and Answers

To assure yourself that your department is ready for winter, you might have superintendents or foreman complete a check list showing their progress in pre-winter preparation.

The Transportation Association of Canada has produced a useful Synthesis of best practices in training, a Salt SMART training program and a train-the-trainer guide on how to best use the materials. All are available free on the TAC website.

* A review of winter maintenance operations in the Spring is also advised to provide time to update the equipment, plans and policies and translate timely observations and suggestions into effective improvements.