Airport Snow Plow and Sweepster 2900 SWP unit 84

Summary:

The Airport truck #84 with front plow and tow-behind Sweepster 2900 is used to clear snow and ice from the Airport runway, taxiways and apron.

· Must be trained on the equipment and procedure by a qualified operator

· Air brake endorsement required

· Use appropriate PPE at all times

· Wear safety footwear with adequate grip

· Wear warm winter clothing and rain gear as needed

· Follow working alone procedure

· Must have restricted radio certification

· Communicate clearly with aircraft and other vehicles

· Must have Airside Vehicle Operating Permit

· Follow Airport snow removal plan

Hazards:

· Slips and falls

· Cold

· Entanglement

· Electrical

· Working alone

· Fatigue

· Flying debris

· Noise

· Mobile equipment

· Aircraft

· Cuts/amputation

· Pinch/crush injuries

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Required:

· High-visibility clothing

· Safety footwear with adequate grip

· Warm clothing and rain gear

· Gloves

· Hearing protection

Pre Set-Up:

· Perform and document pre-trip inspections on #84 and the Sweepster 2900

· Be aware of the following hazards when equipment is running:

-flying debris from Sweepster broom and blower

-entanglement in broom

-crush/pinch points at broom and front plow pivot areas

-cuts from rotating fan blades

· Make sure to unplug block heaters on both units

· Check both airport and Public Works radios for function and correct frequency

· YPW (Powell River Airport) radio frequency is 123.000

· Click radio transmit button 7 times to turn on runway lights

· Ensure proper plow, broom and blower function before proceeding

· Communicate with Weather Station contractors and Pacific Coastal staff if during daytime hours

· Follow Working Alone Procedure if no other workers are out

Task procedure:

· Call regularly on airport radio to announce position and intentions

· Follow steps in the Airport Snow Removal plan

· Avoid contact with or damage to airport runway and apron lights (high voltage).  If damage is noted, report it to supervisor for repair by qualified electrician

· If snow-blower is to be used later, ensure that snow is windrowed on the asphalt

· Sweepster jack-knifes easily and is very difficult to back up

· Avoid sudden or extreme braking and maneuvering

· Runway can be extremely slippery, especially at the 09 (west) end

· Ensure no windrows or pieces of snow/ice are left at the entrance to taxiways or other aircraft maneuvering areas

· Keep in regular contact with other Public Works staff by radio

· Communicate with Parks staff regarding their movements and de-icer application

Post Procedure:

· Ensure equipment is functioning properly before parking it

· Once parked, check and top up fluids.  Use caution to avoid burns from hot fluids.

· Plug in block heaters to both units

· Perform and document post-trip inspections