Snow Removal Housing Module

Slide 1: 

Please follow these instructions to complete the Snow Removal & Ice Melt Application Refresher. Use “Page Down” to go to the next slide and “Page Back” to return to a previous slide OR use the scroll wheel on the mouse to navigate through the slides. Welcome to the Housing Online Training Program

Snow Removal & Ice Melt Application : 

Snow Removal & Ice Melt Application

Purpose : 

Purpose To maintain safe walking surfaces during inclement weather

Description : 

Description Removal of snow and ice is critical to the operations of Penn State. Without this task the University would shut down. Your involvement in this removal process is essential. Housing will remove snow and/or ice from building entranceways, stairs, handicap ramps, and building walkways to main sidewalks.

Essential Employees : 

Essential Employees During extreme weather conditions, such as snowstorms, the University may announce a closedown of non-essential operations. Certain employees are considered as ESSENTIAL and are expected to work even when conditions make it difficult. All Housing employees are considered ESSENTIAL. During any official closedown the above-mentioned employees are expected to report to work regardless of weather conditions. ESSENTIAL employees are issued a “road closure” letter to be used when reporting to work during “road closure” events.

Ice Melt Application : 

Ice Melt Application When applying ice melt material, be especially careful around edges of sidewalks to prevent damage to plants and vegetation. Proper application of deicers can extend the life of concrete surfaces. Two to Four ounces of ice melt should be used per square yard. DO NOT apply rock salt to pre-cast concrete less than one year old. Calcium chloride is to be used on fresh concrete.

Ice Melt Storage : 

Ice Melt Storage Know the location of materials for quick retrieval Keep product completely sealed after use Store on a pallet off of the floor in a cool dry place. If materials become damp, they may harden. The product is still usable but will need to be broken apart.

Types of Ice Melt Material : 

Types of Ice Melt Material Rock Salt (Sodium Chloride) Used to melt ice and snow, as well as keep it from refreezing. Calcium Chloride – Sidewalks, entranceways, and newer concrete

Snow Blower Usage : 

Snow Blower Usage Inexperience causes accidents, so review the operator’s manual before use. Coming in contact with the turning blades inside the discharge chute is the most common cause of injuries associated with snow blowers. Accidents occur most often when the discharge chute clogs with wet, heavy snow. Stop the engine before cleaning foreign objects or snow from the equipment. Proper clothing and footwear are essential. Maintain and use the “continuous operator,” or dead man controls.

Snow Blower Usage (cont.) : 

Snow Blower Usage (cont.) Plan a route before you start. Clear the area of any debris before you begin snow removal. Remove mats from building entranceways, as to not catch them in snow blower. Do not exceed the snow blower’s capacity. Shut off equipment before making repairs or mechanical adjustments

Snow Blower Usage(Cont.) : 

Snow Blower Usage(Cont.) Handle gasoline with care. Clean off excess slush when storing Remove the key as a safeguard against unauthorized use. If the system doesn’t’ have a key ignition, remove the spark plug wire from the plug.

SnowblowerSafety : 

SnowblowerSafety Earplugs should be used when running a snow blower. Please see instructions for proper application. Proper clothing is essential for working safely in inclement weather. Always be aware of your surroundings when operating a snow blower. Watch for hidden slopes, steps and stairs. Be aware of people in the area of your work. Watch that you do not blow snow in the direction of people.

Shovel Usage : 

Shovel Usage Use a lightweight shovel that has a Teflon® coating. Use a shovel of modest size. When lifting the shovel, use the entire body, letting the back and legs share the work. Don’t keep working to the point of exhaustion. Consult supervisor.

Quality Assurance : 

Quality Assurance All walking surfaces shall be free of snow, ice or other slippery substances!

Slide 15: 

You must follow these instructions to complete this refresher course. Complete the Snow Removal & Ice Melt Application Quiz. You must achieve 80% score. Only after you achieve an 80% score on the quiz will you receive credit for completing the Snow Removal & Ice Melt Application refresher. Wait!