COURSE OVERVIEW AND OBJECTIVES

This course was designed to rejuvenate and expand on the snowcat safety skills learned from the Snow Operator Certification course.

The majority of this training is in the field. We focus on safety and survival techniques, specialized equipment training, and equipment repair under emergency conditions.

To remain compliant with OSHA safety retraining guidelines, it is recommended that snowcat operators take this course every two years.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will receive the Safety One Snowcat Operation Certification.

COURSE DURATION: Two Days (16 hours)

CLASS SIZE: Maximum 8 (1 Instructor)

COURSE CONTENT SUMMARY

Students solidify their understanding of basic principles of snowcat operation and learn new techniques.

Additional topics may include blading.

AUDIENCE

This is a recertification course for experienced snowcat operators. Instead of retaking the Snowcat Operation Certification course, students can refresh their knowledge and techniques for snowcat operation, repair and extended survival methodologies while being re-certified.

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

PREREQUISITES FOR THIS COURSE

Snowcat Basic Operation Certification

OSHA

This course meets the requirements of the 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

ANSI Z490.1

This course uses compliant safety methods from ANSI Z490.1

OUTLINE FOR THIS COURSE

Classroom and Field Training Topics

• 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 Varying Terrain – Recognizing Hazards
• Side Hill Travel – Knowing your limits and managing risk
• 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 Manual and other materials necessary for the course.

STUDENT/EMPLOYER TESTIMONIALS

“We take a tremendous amount of training at our utility and often times they can be dry. Our crew looks forward to this course every time and we enjoy learning skills that will actually save our lives out there.”

– Grant A, Senior Technician 3