Snow Removal: Best Practices, Equipment, and Techniques

[MikePhua]

Snow removal is an essential task in cold climates, necessary for maintaining safety, accessibility, and the smooth functioning of daily life during the winter months. Whether in residential areas, urban settings, or large industrial complexes, efficient snow clearing can prevent accidents, avoid traffic disruptions, and preserve infrastructure. This article dives into the various aspects of snow removal, including equipment options, techniques, and considerations for optimal snow management.
The Importance of Snow Removal
Snow removal is crucial for various reasons, including public safety, economic activity, and overall mobility. In cities with significant snowfall, it is common for snow to accumulate rapidly, blocking roads, walkways, and access points. Without timely snow removal, accidents like slipping and falling or vehicle collisions become more likely.
For businesses, snow on pathways, driveways, or parking lots can reduce customer traffic, disrupt operations, and lead to financial losses. Even more significantly, the health and safety of employees and customers are at risk. In addition to that, poorly managed snow can create issues for infrastructure such as drainage systems, which may be overwhelmed by ice or snowmelt.
Types of Snow Removal Equipment
Efficient snow removal relies heavily on the right equipment. The type of equipment needed will depend on the area to be cleared, the amount of snow, and the specific requirements of the job. Below are some common types of snow removal equipment used in various applications:

1. Snow Plows:
   Snow plows are widely used for clearing large areas such as roads, highways, and parking lots. These plows can be mounted on trucks, tractors, or other vehicles and have blades designed to push the snow to the side of the road.
   • Straight Blade Plows: These are standard plows that can clear snow in one pass. They're ideal for open, wide areas but may be less effective on winding roads.
     
   • V-Plows: These plows have a "V" shape, which helps clear deeper snow and allow for more aggressive plowing. They're often used for tougher snow conditions.
     
   • Wing Plows: These plows feature additional blades on the sides of the main blade, which help clear wider areas in a single pass.
     
2. Snow Blowers:
   Snow blowers are typically used in more confined spaces where plows may not be efficient. These machines are ideal for sidewalks, driveways, and smaller areas. They use a rotating auger to collect the snow and a discharge chute to throw it away from the path.
   • Single-Stage Snow Blowers: These are smaller and best suited for light to moderate snowfalls. They work by gathering and throwing snow in a single motion.
     
   • Two-Stage Snow Blowers: These are more powerful and designed for heavier snow. The auger collects the snow, and the second stage impeller shoots it out with greater force, making it suitable for larger snow amounts.
     
3. Snow Sweepers:
   Snow sweepers use rotating brushes or brooms to push snow off surfaces. They’re particularly effective on asphalt or concrete surfaces and work best for removing light, fluffy snow. These are typically used for clearing sidewalks, airport runways, and other smoother surfaces.
   
4. Loaders and Skid Steers:
   For larger snow removal jobs, especially in industrial or construction settings, loaders and skid steers are often used with attached snow buckets or blades. These machines are powerful, versatile, and ideal for moving large amounts of snow.
   
5. Salt Spreaders:
   After plowing or blowing snow, salt spreaders are used to treat roads, parking lots, and walkways to prevent ice formation. These spreaders evenly distribute salt or other de-icing agents, which melt the snow and ice, making the surface safer to drive or walk on.
   

Techniques for Snow Removal
To ensure that snow removal is both efficient and effective, there are several key techniques that should be employed, depending on the equipment used and the specific circumstances.

1. Pre-Treating Surfaces:
   Before a snowstorm hits, applying a layer of salt, sand, or other anti-icing agents to the surfaces can prevent snow from bonding to the pavement, making it easier to remove later. This is particularly effective in preventing ice from forming, which can create hazardous driving conditions.
   
2. Clearing Snow Early and Often:
   It’s more effective to clear snow as soon as it begins to accumulate, rather than waiting for large amounts of snow to build up. This will reduce the likelihood of hard-packed snow and ice forming, which can be difficult to remove later. Regular snow clearing allows for easier handling and a cleaner final result.
   
3. Efficient Snow Storage:
   When clearing large areas, it’s important to have a strategy for storing snow. Simply piling it to the side can be inefficient and may block driveways, parking spaces, or sightlines. In some areas, it may be necessary to transport the snow to a designated snow dumping site.
   
4. Avoiding Damage:
   Snow removal equipment, especially plows, can be rough on surfaces like asphalt, concrete, and grass. Using equipment like rubber-edged plows or adjusting the plow height can reduce the risk of damaging these surfaces. Furthermore, operators should avoid plowing snow too aggressively, as this can create ruts or damage curbs.
   

Dealing with Special Snow Removal Challenges

1. Heavy Snowfalls:
   For heavy snowfalls, specialized equipment like larger plows or multiple stages of snow removal should be used. It’s also important to take breaks to remove the snow in layers, especially if it's wet and heavy. In such conditions, backup equipment and additional personnel may be required for more efficient operations.
   
2. Ice and Frozen Snow:
   When snow has turned to ice, more aggressive methods may be necessary. Snow blowers or plows might not be effective, and it may be necessary to use scrapers or salt spreaders to break up and melt the ice. It's also worth considering using a heated driveway system in areas prone to recurring freezing temperatures.
   
3. Tight Spaces:
   When dealing with tight spaces, such as narrow sidewalks or small parking lots, smaller equipment like snow blowers, compact plows, or hand shovels may be necessary. In these cases, efficiency is key, as larger equipment cannot be used effectively in confined spaces.
   

Economic and Environmental Considerations
While snow removal is necessary, it’s important to consider both the environmental and economic impacts of snow clearing. For instance:

• Salt and Chemicals: Excessive use of salt and de-icing chemicals can harm vegetation and waterways. Alternatives like calcium chloride or sand can be more environmentally friendly.
  
• Cost of Operation: Snow removal, especially in large areas, can be costly in terms of fuel, equipment wear, labor, and salt. Businesses and municipalities often need to balance cost-effectiveness with the need for timely and efficient snow clearing.
  

Conclusion
Snow removal is a critical part of winter maintenance in areas prone to snow and ice. With the right equipment, techniques, and strategies, snow can be efficiently managed, ensuring safety and smooth operations during harsh winter conditions. However, snow removal also presents challenges, from dealing with heavy snowfalls to minimizing the environmental impact of de-icing chemicals. By investing in quality equipment and staying informed about best practices, businesses and municipalities can manage snow removal effectively, preventing accidents and promoting safety.