COURSE OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

The Safety One Snowcat Operator Certification is a comprehensive program including two days of intense classroom instruction and two days of practical field safety training, focused on safety & survival techniques, specialized equipment training, and snowcat repair under emergency conditions.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive certification from Safety One and will be able to:

• Operate snowcats safely
• Handle common emergency repairs on snow vehicles and tracked all-terrain vehicles
• Remain safe in extreme weather conditions in remote areas

COURSE DURATION: Four Days (32 hours)

CLASS SIZE: Maximum 6 (1 Instructor)

COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY

• This course offers detailed instruction on Winter Survival and Environmental Factors for Workers Exposed to Harsh Winter Conditions in Remote Areas.
• It also teaches Safety and Survival Skills such as cold injuries, hypothermia, emergency sheltering, and fire building techniques.
• As well as Mechanical and Technical Instruction Pertaining to Vehicle Operations.
• Snowcat Operations Field Course

AUDIENCE

This course was developed for men and women who operate tracked vehicles in snow or cold conditions.

OSHA requires that snowcat operators must be trained and certified, prior to operating a snowcat.

PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE

Students must have mental and physical aptitude for operating equipment in back country environments.

OSHA

This course meets the requirements of OSHA Regulation and Requirement as summarized below:

• Employers must provide safe working conditions for their employees and are required to provide training for an employee that encompasses the knowledge and the ability to safely perform their jobs.
• Employees are required to be trained in safety-related work practices and safe work procedures for the hazards they may face on the job site.
• Employers must certify that appropriate training has been received and maintained for each employee whose job interfaces with a snowcat or cold weather environment.

General Duty Clause Section 5a1, training standards within 1910.268, 1910.269 and numerous others.

ANSI/ASSE

This course uses compliant safety methods from ANSI Z490.1

OUTLINE FOR THIS COURSE

Classroom Training

Winter Survival & Environmental Factors

• Hypothermia – Why it kills so many, recognition, what you need to do
• Frostbite – Simple secrets to keep your fingers
• Clothing and Accessories – Understand the system and stay comfortable anywhere
• Case Histories – Simple lessons to avoid disaster
• Survival Attitude – How to get it, how to keep it
• Winter Survival – Secrets that make a difference
• Fires and Fire Starting – What really works
• Survival Kits & Shelters

Snowcat Mechanicals

• Snow Vehicle Development and History – What works, what doesn’t and why
• Snow Vehicles of Today – Selecting the best option for your application
• Snow Vehicle Basic Performance Factors – How to get where you are going
• Introduction to Hills, Side Slopes, and other Terrain Hazards
• Field Inspection of Snow Vehicles – Preventing failures before you leave the parking lot
• Tips on Trailer Load/Off Load Safety – Avoid fatal mistakes
• Track Systems – Best choices
• Sprockets, Wheels and Tires – Recognizing signs of impending failure
• Expedient Field Repairs for Common Failures – Getting your vehicle and crew home safely
• Recognizing and Managing Special Terrain Hazards – Mistakes that can cost lives
• How to Mitigate Carbon Monoxide Poisoning – a Serious Hazard

Field Training
Snowcat Operations

• Track Repairs in the field – Your ticket home
• Expedient field repairs – Dealing with the unexpected using what you have
• Basic Snowcat Maneuvers – Mastering basic maneuvers and key operational safety aspects
• Snow Vehicle Operation on Level Terrain – Recognizing terrain signs
• Side Hill Travel – Knowing your limits and managing side slip
• Climbing Hills on Soft Snow – Doing it right
• Pre-Operation Inspections – Pre-empting disaster
• Center of Gravity – Learn how to instantly modify your center of gravity to make maneuvers safely in extreme terrain and to regain control of a sliding snow vehicle
• Ascending Steep Slopes – Maintaining traction and selecting optimal routes
• Descending Steep Slopes – Selecting routes and techniques for safe decent
• Field Exercises – Practice the most important techniques to develop operator skills and confidence
• Extricating Stuck Snow Vehicles – Simple tips to do it safely
• Non-Verbal Communication – Why hand signal consistency is important
• Tips on Trailer Load/Off Load Safety – Avoid fatal mistakes

COURSE MATERIALS

Students will receive the most current version of the Safety One Snowcat Operator Certification Manual and other materials necessary for the course.

STUDENT/EMPLOYER TESTIMONIALS

“We have sent our employees to this course many times over the years and they always come back with something new. A must have for anybody intended to operate tracked vehicles under harsh conditions.”

-Henry A., Foreman