You can direct any questions, concerns or comments to: snow@montana.edu

Why are we being asked to assist with building entry snow removal?

Providing safe, consistent, and reliable access and egress to the over 200 entrances to our buildings is the goal of the snow removal team.  Due to staffing issues and the unpredictability of nature, you are being asked to back up the snow removal team by assisting us if we fall short of meeting that goal.  Your assistance will be the exception not the rule and is greatly appreciated.

I’d be happy to help. What should I do?

On days when it has snowed overnight, please arrive to your building by 7:30 a.m. to assess the conditions of your building’s entrances.  If you find some entrances have not yet been cleared, remove the snow going no further than six feetbeyond the entrance.  If the snow removal tractors have come by your entrance, please shovel out to where they were unable to access.

What about weekends?

The snow removal team will maintain all building access on weekends.

How do I get a shovel?

The snow removal team has placed a shovel and a bucket of traction sand in each building on campus.  Typically, these can be found at the main entrance or main ADA entrance to your building.  Given that your assistance is the exception to typical operations, not the rule, only one shovel is provided per building.

Can I get specialized tools for my area?

Assistance should be needed only during significant snow events.  For this reason, the shovel provided is the best tool.

I don’t shovel snow that often. Any tips on how I can assist without hurting myself?

When you, or other building occupants, shovel snow please focus on safety.  There are many recourses for shoveling safely, including OSHA (https://www.osha.gov/winter-weather/hazards).  In general, it is best to:

  1. Warm up and be hydrated;
  2. Wear appropriate winter clothing;
  3. Wear shoes with good tread and preferably traction aid devices; https://www.montana.edu/srm/programs/icegrippers.html
  4. Monitor your posture – straight back, wide stance, bend at knees;
  5. Push more, scoop and lift less;
  6. Lift with your legs, not with your back;
  7. Turn with your whole body and avoid twisting your back; and
  8. Take breaks as you need them – shoveling snow is physically demanding