Snow removal techniques to help commercial plow operators.   It is important to have all of your equipment working properly prior to any snow removal.  Faulty equipment may cause damage to surfaces if it is not working properly.  Thoroughly inspect all snow removal equipment prior to its use.

Snow Removal Techniques

Snow removal techniques.

  • One of the most important snow removal techniques is, you should do a sight visit to the property to see what areas look like without snow.  At this time it is recommended that you flag the property prior to the first snow.  Flagging allows the snow removal operator to mark any sensitive or hazardous areas prior to snow cover.  After the first snow, it will be too late to mark any of these areas.  You will have to rely on memory.
  • Snow removal techniques include locating any drains, fire hydrants or other critical objects prior to plowing.  Snow should never be placed near or on fire hydrants.  If you place snow on fire hydrants and there is a fire, the emergency responders will not be able to locate the water hook up.  Storm drains should also not be covered up.  If these areas are covered when snow melts, the melted snow will not be able to make its way to the drain.  Water will back up on the parking area and may cause unsafe conditions.  If snow melts during the day and freezes at night, you have just created a skating rink in the parking lot.
  • Do not push snow into handicap parking areas.  If you pile snow next to a handicap parking spot, the spot may not be usable.  If the person using the parking spot is not able to access the entire area, it may not be safe for them to park on.  If you pile snow in these areas and it melts, this is one of the last areas that you want ice build up on.  It is pretty hard to move a wheel chair over ice.