Working Around Snowcats
INSTRUCTOR GUIDE
Safety Talk Overview
Safety Talks are a method to refresh an employee’s knowledge and skills, maintain their interest in safety and
illustrate the organization’s commitment to creating a healthy & safe work environment. Safety Talks can be
performed on a weekly basis or before the start of a new scope of work and should be about 15 minutes in
duration. Generally, these Safety Talk meetings are led by a supervisor and should be mandatory for all crew
members to attend. The content should be centred on a single topic (e.g. a safety rule, safe job procedures,
recent incident, Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee (JOHSC) meeting minutes, inspection results,
etc.).
Topic Overview:
Snowcats are large machines that have limited visibility when working in grey, snowy conditions. They are
machines that are slow to respond to hazards and cannot come to an immediate stop. Being aware and
prepared will help prevent injuries when working around snowcats.
Demonstration and Discussion Topics
 Discuss the hazards associated with working around snowcats.
 Tour the work area with workers pointing out where the accidents can occur.
 Distribute the “Do’s & Don’ts” section of this handout.
 Use the “Instructor Guide” section of the handout as your discussion guide and the “Safety Talk Record” to
document the meeting.
 Discuss how accidents can happen.
 Remind employees that they are required to wear adequate personal protective equipment.
 Explain what can be done to minimize the risk of accidents (do’s & don’ts in handout)
 Emphasize that following safe work procedures is mandatory.
 Make it real by telling at least two true stories of injuries from your experience.
 Discuss the attitude of “it won’t happen to me”. Remind them that an injury can and will happen if they take
shortcuts or are careless.
 Answer any questions or concerns they might have.
 Set a good example by working safely at all times.
Working Around Snowcats
SAFETY TALK RECORD
Discussion Leader:
Date:
Department:
Time:
Attendees (Please print your name and sign beside it. If you are a contractor, also include your
company name):
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Near Miss/Incidents and Investigations Reviewed: (None this month )
(Industry alerts can be discussed here as well)
Safety Topic Discussed:
Title:
Date:
Any questions or concerns from workers?
Action Needed:
Person responsible:
Due Date:
Reviewed By:
Supervisor/Manager Print Name & Sign:
Date:
Completed Date:
Working Around Snowcats
On each assignment SnowCat operators are faced with dynamic conditions and terrain, which constantly effect
how a vehicle interacts with the snow pack. Slope angle, snow conditions, and the weight and footprint of the
SnowCat must be considered when selecting safe routes of travel. When mechanical failures occur, operators
and crew members are left vulnerable to the effects of the environment. Carrying appropriate emergency
equipment and knowing how to use it is critical to survival.
Gear

Winter pants and jacket (high visibility)

Hearing protection

Boots
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Snow gloves
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Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), satellite phone or cellular phone, two- way radio system

72 hour survival kit
DO’S:

Possess a valid driver’s licence when required by provincial laws.
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Be formally trained on snowcat operations and survival.
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Always check the weather forecast and avalanche conditions for areas of planned travel. The operator
has the final decision on whether to proceed with the trip based on the forecast and avalanche outlook.

Enter route, name of passengers, time of departure and estimated time of return information into station
log. Inform the Base Operations or other personnel when you leave, expected time of travel, and when
you reach your destination. This is to be repeated for the return trip. Note in the station log if cell phone
service is not available. Satellite phone should be carried (if available) in the areas where cell phone
coverage does not exist.

Perform a pre-trip inspection of the snowcat and snowmobile using the owner’s manual guidelines or
checklist.
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Perform a safety inspection of the snowcat after each use.
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Always drive the snowcat at a safe speed for the general weather conditions and the condition of the
road/hill and terrain.
Working Around Snowcats
DO’S (CONT’D):

Always wear high visibility clothing when working around snowcats
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If the snowcat is in motion, make sure you get the operator’s attention that you are in visual range
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Establish communication methods (e.g. honking horn 3 times) so that everyone in the vicinity knows
that the snowcat will be in motion
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Always approach snowcat from the front

Always enter and exit cabin using 3 points of contact

When stepping on track, ensure footing is stable to prevent slips and falls

Watch for holes in snow pack, running water near road, stumps and
rocks under snow surface. Go slowly on side hills, if cat starts to slide
downhill or lose traction try another route or approach.
Watch for avalanche paths on route. Cross possible paths only after
determining they are safe. Do not stop in possible avalanche paths.
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DON’TS:

Do not drive the snowcat over the ice-covered bodies of water.

Do not approach snowcat until driver has acknowledged your presence and machine has come to a
complete stop

Do not attempt to operate a snowcat without the proper training
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Don’t load or unload on hills