OPERATOR HANDBOOK

Operating a salt truck on public roads requires heightened awareness and defensive driving at all times. Salt trucks carry heavy loads, have longer stopping distances, and are more affected by winter road conditions than standard vehicles. Operators must reduce speed, maintain increased following distances, and plan all movements well in advance to account for vehicle weight and road conditions.

Intersections are the highest-risk areas during salt operations and must be approached with extreme caution. Operators are required to slow down early, confirm the intersection is clear, and only proceed when it is safe to do so. Never attempt to “make” a yellow light or rush through an intersection to maintain momentum.

Running yellow or red lights is strictly prohibited. Operators must never enter an intersection unless they can fully clear it before the signal changes. Red-light camera violations are preventable and place the operator, the public, and the City at risk. Being caught in an intersection during a red signal is unacceptable and avoidable through proper speed control and anticipation.

When topping up salt bins on sidewalk tractors, this work must be completed away from main roads and active traffic whenever possible. Approved locations include empty parking lots, school parking lots (when unoccupied), warehouse yards, or other low-traffic areas. These locations reduce exposure to traffic hazards and allow for safer loading operations.

During salt transfer operations, vehicles must be positioned safely with hazard lights activated, and unnecessary backing should be avoided. Operators must ensure the area is clear of pedestrians, vehicles, and other equipment before loading begins. Salt loading must never obstruct roadways, sidewalks, or create visibility hazards.

When transporting salt, operators must follow all general rules of the road, including posted speed limits, traffic signals, and weight restrictions. Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, or aggressive driving that could cause load shift or loss of control. Safe, deliberate driving protects the operator, the public, and City equipment—safety and compliance always take priority over speed or efficiency.

Snow Windrow Removal – Sidewalk Corners & Intersections

Purpose

To safely and effectively remove snow windrows from sidewalk corners and intersections while maintaining pedestrian accessibility, clear sightlines, and compliance with City of Burlington winter maintenance standards.

Equipment

• Sidewalk or Bike lane tractor equipped with adjustable V-blade

• High-visibility PPE (CSA-approved)

• Operational warning lights

Standard Operating Procedure

1. Approach the sidewalk corner or intersection slowly and square to the windrow.

2. Angle the V-blade left or right to direct snow away from the crosswalk, pedestrian ramps, and tactile walking surface indicators..

3. Use controlled, deliberate passes to push or pull snow toward the approved snow storage area - city boulevards, .

4. Maintain appropriate blade height to remove packed snow while avoiding contact with curbs, sidewalk edges, poles, hydrants, or other infrastructure.

5. Do not push snow straight across a crosswalk or into the intersection.
   
   

Best Practices

• Clear corners in stages, not one continuous push.

• First, open the immediate pedestrian path at the corner.

• Then, angle the blade to peel remaining windrows away using short passes.

• Maintain constant awareness of vehicle traffic, pedestrians, and visibility lines.

• Final condition must leave the corner open, accessible, and hazard-free.
  
  

Safety Notes

• Wear high-visibility PPE at all times.

• Activate hazard lighting when operating near intersections.

• Stop operations immediately if pedestrians enter the work zone.

• Never compromise pedestrian safety or accessibility for speed or efficiency.