Scenario: most storm work happens at night, when hazards that are easy to see by day disappear under snow and glare. Direct answer: prepare in daylight: mark hazards, test lights, set the plow and edge and brief the driver, then log what you could not see at night so that you can fix it next time. This is a practical checklist, and it does not replace traffic, lighting or safety rules that apply to your work.
Before dark: mark and map
Marking before dark is the cheapest way to avoid the strikes that happen after it.
- Walk the route in daylight and mark covers, curbs, islands, bollards and drop-offs with markers that stay visible in snow and are allowed by the owner.
- Photograph each hazard and put it on a map the driver can carry.
- Agree a driving line near hazards, and where a spotter is needed.
Light and visibility checks
| Item | Check |
|---|---|
| Truck headlights and work lights | Aim and clean; replace failed bulbs |
| Plow lights | Test; check wiring at the plow connector |
| Beacons and warning lights | Working and visible from behind |
| Windshield, mirrors and camera | Clean; fluid topped up; wipers good |
| Reflective tape and markers on the plow | Clean and intact |
Edge and plow checks before the shift
The night check is short, but every item on it is something you cannot see once the storm starts.
- Look at the edge for chips and wear with a torch, and note the reading.
- Check the shoes and the mount for looseness.
- Set the angle and down-pressure for the first stretch.
- Check the spare edge and tools are on the truck, with a hand lamp.
During the shift
The shift rules are about visibility, and they are worth repeating.
- Slow down where markers or hazards are expected, since visibility drops in blowing snow.
- Stop to look at the edge at a safe place after any hard strike.
- Radio in when you cannot see the edge of the pavement, instead of guessing the line.
After the shift: the night log
| Item | Record |
|---|---|
| Hazards seen only at night | Location and description |
| Strikes and near-misses | Location and what was struck |
| Light or glare problems | What and where |
| Edge condition | Reading and photo |
Limits
Local rules on lighting, markers and working hours apply. Check them before you add equipment or mark property.
Boundary: No regulation or lighting standard is cited; check local rules on lighting, markers and working hours before adding equipment or marking property.
Further reading on this site.
Snow Plow Compatibility by Truck Model: What to Check Before Buying a Blade ↗Thread Turning Inserts and Machining Wear: What to Check Before Substituting ↗Carbide snow plow blades ↗Wet, Heavy Snow: A Decision Tree for Speed, Angle and Edge Choice ↗A School Campus Contract: Matching Edges to Bus Loops, Lots and Walks ↗Plowing Pavers and Stamped Concrete: Site Walk-Through Checklist ↗
