VPP in Action: Tread carefully, use caution on snow, ice, report hazards

  • Published
  • By Rhonda Siciliano
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  The Hazard Report button found on the Centernet is a valuable tool for reporting a hazard. Recently, the 66th Air Base Wing Safety Office received several reports through the online system regarding hazardous walkways and parking areas due to snow and ice.

In each of these instances the Safety Office upon receiving the hazard reports coordinated with the appropriate facility manager or the base maintenance contractor, Del-Jen, Inc. when applicable, to ensure that the hazards were addressed and corrected.
"The base has a comprehensive plan in place to mitigate hazards caused by snow and ice," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "The facility managers and the base civil engineering contractor play a huge role in ensuring that our walkways and facilities are clear and safe for people to navigate."

Every storm is unique in the amount and type of precipitation, the temperatures during and after the storm, and the day and time the storm begins. These factors present a real challenge for all involved to provide the most consistent and efficient snow removal for Hanscom. 

The responsibility of "timely ice and snow removal up to 50 feet away from buildings" falls on the facility managers for all buildings except those exceptions noted in 66 ABW Instruction 32-1002 paragraph three which can be found on the 66th Air Base Wing Intranet site in the left hand column under Wing Instructions.

Walkways will be shoveled for the start of the duty day and as needed to keep accumulation from exceeding a half inch during duty hours. Sand and salt barrels have been placed throughout the base where they are most needed.

Personnel are advised to use caution when walking outside, go slow and watch for patches of ice.

"We appreciate everyone's efforts in assisting us by flagging any problem areas that are in need of attention such as those reported using the online reporting tool," Colonel Schluckebier said.

Upon entering a facility, if you notice a hazard that requires attention report it to the facility manager. The facility manager will work to get the problem solved either by correcting it immediately if possible or by working with Del-Jen to have the hazard cleared. Any issues regarding base snow removal can be addressed by calling (781) 726-2437. For housing area snow removal information call American Eagle Family Housing Property Management at (781) 861-5062.

"We're very pleased to see that people are aware of and using the Hazard Report button," said Col. Tom Schluckebier, 66th Air Base Wing commander. "A key element to our Voluntary Protection Program is ensuring that our employees know how to report a hazard, this tool is a simple and effective way for hazards to get addressed and corrected."