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Transport & StorageISCO 8342

Snow-clearing worker

A snow-clearing worker is a person who operates the trucks and the ploughs that remove snow and ice from public pavements, streets and other places. The same worker spreads salt and sand on the ground to de-ice those locations.

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Check yourself in a minute: snow-clearing worker

Rate 5 of the 11 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

carry out de-icing activities

adapt to different weather conditions

remove snow

drive heavy duty trucks for snow removal

complete report sheets of activity

About snow-clearing worker

The work is defined by when it happens. Snow does not fall to a schedule, so this occupation works at night, early in the morning, at weekends and for as long as the weather lasts, and the roads have to be passable before everybody else needs them. The worker adapts to the different weather conditions.

Two methods sit side by side. Clearing removes what is already there: the worker drives the snow removal trucks, operates the ploughs and clears the snow by hand where a machine cannot reach, such as steps and entrances. Treating reduces ice and slipperiness, and its effect depends on when the salt or sand is applied.

Safety is specific and serious here. The worker works from a knowledge of the snow removal safety hazards, uses personal protective equipment, and operates in traffic, in the dark, on surfaces that are slippery by definition and around equipment the public does not expect. The worker also fills in the work records and follows the organisational guidelines for the cleaning sector.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (11)

snow removal safety hazardssnow removal safety hazardsRange of dangerous situations faced when conducting snow-removing activities such as falling from heights and roofs, frostbite, eye injuries, and other injuries associated with the use of snowblowers ...carry out de-icing activitiescarry out de-icing activitiesSpread salt or other chemical products on the ice-covered surface in public spaces to ensure de-icing and safe usage of such spaces.adapt to different weather conditionsadapt to different weather conditionsCope with regular exposure to extreme weather conditions and hazardous environments.remove snowremove snowPerform snow ploughing and snow removal from roads, driveways, and sidewalks.drive heavy duty trucks for snow removaldrive heavy duty trucks for snow removalDrive specialised trucks required to remove snow from various building structures and other public spaces. Follow appropriate traffic regulations in such circumstances.complete report sheets of activitycomplete report sheets of activityKeep written records of the service provided on a regular or punctual basis, with explicit hours of work performed and signature.follow organisational guidelines in the cleaning industryfollow organisational guidelines in the cleaning industryApply and follow all protocols or guidelines described by the company within your specific cleaning area. It can also involve wearing the foreseen uniform or piece of clothing at all times or using sp...apply measures to prevent snow removal safety hazardsapply measures to prevent snow removal safety hazardsUse snow removal practices and methods that prevent major hazards such as not working on roofs when possible, assessing the weight of the equipment on a given icy structure, wearing protection equipme...perform outdoor cleaning activitiesperform outdoor cleaning activitiesAdapt the cleaning working methods and procedures to the environmental conditions and adapt to weather conditions such as rain, strong wind or snow, when this affects the performance of the equipment ...use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.use snow-removal equipmentuse snow-removal equipmentUse equipment such as shovels, snow rakes, snow blowers, ladders or aerial lifts to remove snow from various structures such as rooftops and other building structures and public spaces.
Optional (9) — show
road traffic lawsroad traffic lawsThe rule governing the circulation of vehicles, such as national traffic codes and the rules of the road.mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.select hazard controlselect hazard controlPerform appropriate selection of hazard control measures and risk management.liaise with local authoritiesliaise with local authoritiesMaintain the liaison and exchange of information with regional or local authorities.perform emergency street clean upsperform emergency street clean upsRespond appropriately to emergency cases for cleaning streets after accidents, manifestations or heavy snow fall.perform cleaning activities in an environmentally friendly wayperform cleaning activities in an environmentally friendly wayUndertake all cleaning duties in a manner which minimises environmental damage, follow methods that lessen pollution and wastage of resources.operate aerial work platformsoperate aerial work platformsTend mechanical devices that allow momentary access to high, usually inaccessible areas. Ensure your own safety and the safety of surrounding people.maintain snow removal equipmentmaintain snow removal equipmentPerform maintenance of snow and ice removal devices and de-icing equipment to ensure they are ready for use at any time.regulate trafficregulate trafficRegulate the flow of traffic by using assigned hand signals, assisting travellers on the road, and aiding people to cross the street.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

pesticides sprayer2 shared essential skillsstreet sweeper2 shared essential skillswindow cleaner2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a snow-clearing worker do?

Snow-clearing workers operate trucks and plows to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks, streets and other locations. They also dump salt and sand on the ground to de-ice the concerning locations.

What skills does a snow-clearing worker need?

A snow-clearing worker needs 11 essential skills, including snow removal safety hazards, carry out de-icing activities, adapt to different weather conditions, remove snow, drive heavy duty trucks for snow removal.

Will AI replace snow-clearing worker jobs?

The AI disruption score for snow-clearing worker is 21/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: complete report sheets of activity, road traffic laws, regulate traffic. Most resilient: adapt to different weather conditions, operate aerial work platforms, maintain snow removal equipment.

Quick Facts

SectorTransport & Storage
ISCO GroupDrivers and mobile plant operators
Essential Skills11

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