Readiness: Key to a successful winter operations response Joe Kroboth, III, P.E., LS, PWLF Director of Public Works, Washington County, Maryland Hagerstown, Maryland Member, APWA Transportation Committee hen a citizen calls 911 for assistance, they expect the fire department to respond and respond quickly. Citizens or the receiver of public services don’t differentiate public works services from those of emergency services during winter snow and ice events. In fact, many emergency responses require assistance from public works agencies to gain access to a patient or fire emergency. Just as the fire department must be ready at all times, public works also must ready their fleet and personnel for winter snow and ice operations. Your fleet of equipment can make all the difference in the world to a successful response. The winter operations environment can be among the most demanding conditions you can expect the fleet to sustain. Losing one or more critical pieces of heavy equipment or plow trucks can affect your ability to stay ahead of the operation and keep citizen services and complaints in check. Fleet inspections and preparation in advance of the winter season is
critical to ensure the equipment readiness. Depending on the size of your fleet, managers should start equipment evaluations two to six months prior to the upcoming winter operational period. This process begins with a comprehensive inspection of the equipment, including but not limited to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the commercial vehicle minimum standards in your state. Attachments or accessories used in the operation must also be thoroughly inspected and repaired in preparation of the winter season. Needed repairs are to be identified and scheduled far enough in advance to make the vehicle and accessories available for service prior to the first snow or ice event. Particular attention should be given to: •
Plow equipment, lift systems, structures, and cutting edges
November 2012
Vehicle electrical systems, DOTrequired and emergency lighting systems
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Digital radio communication and positioning systems, and
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Mechanical systems and engine components, including auxiliary engines.
In concert with the equipment readiness must be an employee training program. Organizations should consider fall training programs to familiarize employees with plow routes and operational policies. Any deviations from the prior year’s operations should be emphasized as many employees learn by doing and may not be aware of policy changes or new streets added to the road system. Employee training should at a minimum cover: •
Safety, hazard awareness, operational policies and procedures
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Air and hydraulic systems, pumps, lines and actuators
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Spreader equipment, moving parts and electronic controls
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Review of the incident command/ management system
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Brine component storage systems and mixing units
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Strengths, weaknesses and expectations of the equipment
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Use of supplemental equipment and accessories (i.e., chains, safety equipment, etc.)
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Appropriate and inappropriate uses of the equipment
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Routine maintenance and inspection procedures
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Environmental regulations relating to any chemicals planned for use, and
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Performance capabilities of equipment, attachments and accessories.
Plow equipment must be repaired in advance of the winter operational period. 30 APWA Reporter
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