htm06672836, Training Resources for Safe Operation of Specialized Equipment, Snowmobiles

Training Resources for Safe Operation of Specialized Equipment

Specialized Equipment Resources (continued)

Snowmobiles

Graphic image of a person riding a snowmobile.

Health and Safety Code Handbook Reference

13.41(3) Snowmobiles—Operators shall receive training in the use of and the loading/unloading of snowmobiles that includes classroom instruction and practical field exercises or demonstration of proficiency. Certification shall be noted on a Driver-Operator Identification Card or other documentation authorizing use. Employees shall be trained in emergency survival, avalanche hazard recognition, and, where needed, avalanche control.

Graphic image of a scholarly person pointing to the word "Certified".

Video/DVD Resources

Title: Rules of the Snow
- Format: Video
- Length: 50 minutes
- Date: 1997
- Price: $79.95, plus shipping and handling
- Availability:
  Savafilm
  P.O. Box 836
  Wilson, WY 83014
- Description: This video covers safe and proper handling of snowmobiles through interviews from a cross section of users, including Forest Service employees. Information on wildlife impacts associated with snowmobiles is also included.
Title: Think Like An Avalanche: The Art of Surviving in Avalanche Country
- Format: DVD
- Length: 59 minutes
- Date: 2003
- Price: $14.95, plus shipping and handling
- Availability: Black Diamond Industries Web site: http://www.bdel.com/gear/avalanche_video.php
- Description: This DVD provides an overview of avalanche awareness, assessment of avalanche conditions, and safe travel in avalanche terrain. It includes a treatment of the seriousness of avalanche hazards and the importance of getting appropriate data to make good safety decisions. The DVD also highlights the importance of ongoing avalanche training through interviews with avalanche safety professionals who discuss avalanche incidents they have experienced.
Title: Snowmobile Operation and Snowmobile Safety, parts 1 & 2
- Format: Video
- Length: 15 minutes
- Date: 1992
- Price: $15.95, plus shipping and handling
- Availability: Outdoor Empire Publishing Web site: http://www.outdoorempire.com/ (Search for snowmobile safety)
- Description: Part 1 is mainly a promotional piece encouraging riders to take a safety course. Part 2 explains snowmobile operation and provides information on basic riding techniques, riding on ice, what to do if you break through ice, and self-rescue techniques. It also includes information on night riding hazards and safety techniques.

Web-Based Training Program

Title: Safe Rider Snowmobile Safety Awareness Program
- Format: Interactive Web-based training program
- Length: 47 topics and individual quizzes for each of eight topic areas
- Date: Unknown
- Price: Download for free
- Availability: Web site: http://www.snowmobilers.org/saferider/homepage/page_00.html
- Description: This training program covers mechanical and personal preparation before a snowmobile ride, personal protective equipment, safe riding practices, situations to avoid, emergency responses, and snowmobile maintenance.
  
  The program has been produced by the International Association of Snowmobile Administrators in partnership with the American Council of Snowmobile Associations to further awareness of safe snowmobiling practices. It was developed with financial assistance from the Recreational Trails Program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and support from the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association.

Electronic Documents

Title: The Tread Lightly! Guide to Snowmobiling
- Format: Adobe Acrobat file (.pdf)
- Length: 20 pages
- Date: 2005
- Price: Download for free
- Availability: http://www.treadlightly.org
- Description: This guide provides an overview of the fundamentals of riding, appropriate behavior to reduce user conflicts, and tips for minimum-impact travel.

Forest Service Training Curriculum

Title: Boise National Forest Training Program
- Format: Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation, supporting documents, and curriculum available for download in a self-extracting zip file.
- Length: Not applicable
- Date: Not applicable
- Price: Download for free
- Availability: Web site: http://fsweb.boise-nf.r4.fs.fed.us/safety/training.htm
- Description: This curriculum integrates a variety of resources into a program that also includes hands-on experience. A self-extracting zip file will provide PowerPoint presentations, lesson plans, supporting documentation, tests, and references to other resources that a safety officer might need to conduct training for snowmobile operators.

Printed Material

Title: Snowmobile Safety and You
- Format: Print
- Length: 47 pages
- Date: 2005
- Price: $3.00, plus shipping and handling
- Availability: Outdoor Empire Publishing Web site: http://www.outdoorempire.com/ (Search for snowmobile safety)
- Description: This workbook is organized for a class on snowmobile safety. Includes detailed information on six major topics: history and current issues in snowmobiling, rules and laws for operators, basic safety features, preparing to ride, handling emergencies, and equipment maintenance and repair.