Snow Removal Training & Certification
Hard Hat Training courses meet all training requirements set by OSHA and CSA.
We Offer Three Types of Snow Removal Safety Trainings
Our regulation-aligned Snow Removal certification courses are updated to reflect the most recent changes made to safety standards. Whether you want a certification in as little as two hours, or a more robust training, we can help! We offer online trainings that can be completed in a day, DIY training kits that provide training materials, Train the Trainer certifications that certify individuals to train others and provide training materials, or onsite training. No matter what you choose, we can get you what you want, at a price you can afford.
Online Training
Online training is for those who prefer self-paced training from any location and/or for employers who need to assign and monitor employee training progress and exam scores.
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Training Kits
The training kit is for those who want the freedom of doing the training themselves. It is an PowerPoint Presentation (PPT) that you can present yourself to a group of trainees.
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Train the Trainer
Train the Trainer courses are online and meant to certify a individual to use the training kit to train others. Training kit and materials are included with the Train the Trainer online course for no additional cost.
Purchase OptionsWhat’s in the Snow Removal Training Course?
Our Snow Removal safety training course is OSHA Aligned, and our online version fulfills OSHA’s classroom training requirement.
Training Scope: Each class contains the following information:
- Anatomy & Pre-shift Inspections
- Safe Operations & Stability
- Know your Machine
- Snowplow Operations
- Material Spreader Operations
- Snow Shoveling Ergonomics
- Know your Worksite
- Pre-Planning Your Route
- Snow Piling Best Practices
- Rooftop Snow Removal
- Investigated Case Studies
This presentation includes intermittent practice quiz questions to prepare for the final written exam included with the course. In addition to the written exam, this course also includes a checklist for employers to use when administering a practical exam as required by OSHA.
Estimated Training Length: Because everyone learns and progresses at different speeds, the amount of time you spend taking this training will vary. However, the estimated time for this training is 3 – 3.5 hours.
Intended Audience:
Though you will still need to familiarize yourself with all other applicable federal, state, and local standards, this training encompasses the following OSHA Requirements for Snow Removal:
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsSnow RemovalE Certification Standards
U.S. Standards
Canada Standards
Train the Trainer Certification
The Train the Trainer option is used to certify a trainer to teach others using the included training kit. It incorporates the online course with an additional train the trainer module, as well as the training kit. This option results in an regulation-aligned lifetime trainer certification from Hard Hat Training. This certification is not company-specific, meaning you can take it with you should you change employers.
Why Do I Need Snow Removal Safety Training?
In line with OSHA requirements, anyone who operates heavy equipment must receive training prior to operating the machine on their own. OSHA requirements for refresher training related to forklifts or other processes are very specific. Most other equipment doesn’t have such specific requirements, but it’s wise to follow the same guidelines.
When it comes to refresher training, OSHA’s standard in some instances (like forklifts) are very specific: operators must be re-evaluated every three years to see if they are still competent to operate the equipment. Best practices say to apply this same rule to all types of equipment. A so-called “free-pass” cannot be awarded based on experience, age, or time on the job. The extent of the evaluation is to be determined by the employer but should include a written and practical examination that prove continued competency.
Stay Informed On All Things Snow Removal
Snow Removal Training Frequently Asked Questions
What are the safety precautions for shoveling snow?
Proper ergonomics are necessary for safe snow shoveling. Keep your knees bent and your back straight, and make sure that you lift with your legs. You should also lift smaller portions of snow at once than you would think. If you are not physically active, do a warm-up exercise before snow shoveling, or avoid shoveling altogether.
How do you plow snow safely?
Be mindful of everything that is around you. Pedestrians, other vehicles, and road-side objects like mailboxes all present hazards to snow removal vehicles. Know the size of your plow and avoid plowing too closely to hazards. Additionally, you should follow all traffic laws and regulations. When driving, maintain a distance of at least three vehicle lengths between yourself and other vehicles, and drive more slowly than you normally would.
What is one special danger of a snowplow?
Snowplow operators frequently operate specifically during dark, cold, and icy conditions. This is compounded with long hours and early call times. Operator stress and fatigue can lead to inattentiveness, which in turn can lead to disaster. Snowplow operators must ensure that they get adequate sleep and take breaks whenever needed.
Is black ice really black?
Black ice is actually translucent, so it is almost impossible to see it on roadways. Instead, it appears slippery and shiny. This hazard is one of the reasons that snow removal operators must drive slowly and cautiously. Make sure that all tires are clean and have sufficient tread to keep you safe while you operate.
Is a Safety Data Sheet required for material spreaders?
Yes. Anti-ice or de-icing substances contain chemicals that can be hazardous if misused. A Safety Data Sheet mitigates these dangers by detailing how to use the chemicals, as well as how to respond if an incident occurs.
Is carbon monoxide a greater danger in the winter?
Because more doors and windows are closed in the winter, carbon monoxide becomes a greater risk. Remember that you should never run a machine in an unventilated area, even for a short time. Also, make sure that you are keeping the exhaust of your vehicle free from snow build-up. A clogged exhaust will not be able to release carbon monoxide and will cycle it back into the vehicle.
What is the main cause of death when shoveling snow
Heart attack. Cold weather constricts your arteries, causing your heart to work harder to keep blood pumping. This is why it is so important that you don’t overdo it while shoveling snow. Wear warm, moisture-wicking and wind-resistant clothing to help keep your body temperature regulated.
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For most courses, we offer OSHA trainings in English and Spanish, CAL/OSHA trainings in English, and Canada trainings in English. See all of our options!
View Purchase OptionsSnow Removal Safety Training Course
Snow removal operations are necessary when the temperatures begin dropping, but that does not mean that operations don’t come with high risks. Snow removal operators typically have early call times and work exclusively in cold, wet, and icy conditions. Fatigue combined with poor visibility and slick roads means that accidents are bound to happen.
However, with the Hard Hat Training Series’ snow removal training, you will be able to learn how to avoid or mitigate common risks associated with snow removal operations. In this training, we detail
- Pre-shift inspections and the anatomy of common snow removal machines
- Stability principles and how to avoid rollovers
- Assessing your machine and its common hazards
- Assessing your worksite and its common hazards
- PPE and how to avoid cold-related illnesses
In addition to discussing the heavy machinery associated with snow removal, such as motor graders and snowplows, we also provide guides on how to safely remove snow manually. Operating smaller machines like snowblowers or even shoveling by hand comes with their own risks, and we want to make sure that no matter what you are using to remove snow, you will be able to complete your operations safely.
Some general tips for safe snow removal operations include:
- Manage Fatigue. Removing snow using heavy machinery can be complicated, so it’s important that you get proper rest before beginning operations. If you feel fatigued during operations, take the time to rest, stretch, or walk around outside your vehicle.
- Conduct a Pre-Shift Inspection. Many operators cut corners on pre-shift inspections or skip them altogether. However, inspections are meant to protect you from unexpected (and inopportune) mechanical failures. Take your time and inspect any part of the machine that could potentially break down and become hazardous.
- Operate Slowly. Never rush through your operations. Snow removal operations are complicated enough without even considering keeping an eye out for obstacles or pedestrians. Hurrying through your tasks can have serious consequences for yourself, your machine, and those around you.
While you are waiting for Snow Removal to officially land on the Hard Hat Training website, check out our other OSHA Aligned Safety Trainings!