A Hard Road to Travel – 5 technical

         What is a “public highway”? How do state laws define a public highway? These are the first of many questions addressed in this workshop. Many legal issues will be discussed to ensure that participants clearly understand rules and regulations governing local roads. Presentation and discussion will emphasize the authority, responsibility, and limitations on road managers and other municipal officials.

        The instructor will explain the legal process for highway dedication, acceptance, discontinuance, and layout. These classes will provide a basis for describing regulations, maintenance duties, and liability. Specific topics include Class V and VI roads, winter roads, scenic roads, drainage, utilities, speed limits, weight limits, bonding, stonewalls, tree cutting,  and mailboxes.

 

Administrative professionals – 5 supervisory

            Participants will learn important topics that are present in an office environment, including communication, time management, teamwork, and motivating peers and political entities.  There will also be discussions concerning prevalent issues such as weight management and fitness. These topics and discussions will all be presented through classroom instruction and discussion.

 

Advanced Erosion Control – 5 environmental

            Road repairs disturb soils under and alongside roadways. Stormwater can erode this soil and carry it into bogs, streams, ponds, and lakes, interfering with aquatic life. Road managers must ensure that erosion and runoff are minimized both during and after maintenance.

        Techniques to prevent erosion and control sediment are well-established. They are effective only if the applicable technique is selected and properly installed. The causes of erosion are many and varied. Therefore, there are “best” techniques for certain situations, dependent on multiple factors of each scenario.

        The NHDOT has developed guidelines to assist road managers in techniques and installation. In this workshop, participants will learn about techniques from both resources.

 

Asset Management – 5 supervisory

These Five Core Questions for Asset Management will be answered during this workshop!

• What is the required level of service?
• What is the current state of our assets?
• Which assets are critical to sustained performance?
• What are feasible strategies to consider?
• Which long-term strategy should be selected?

 

Backhoe Operation & Safety – 5 safety & 5 technical

            Come learn how to operate a backhoe with one day of in-classroom training and one day in-the-field “hands on” training. Basic backhoe maintenance will be taught as well as instructor led training “on the backhoe.” Class size is small, so participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the instructors and others in the class.

 

Basic Culvert Installation & Maintenance – 5 technical

The three most important factors that affect the lifespan of a road are drainage, drainage, drainage.  Keep your drainage an under control and your roads living long with a culvert! A culvert is any closed conduit used to conduct surface runoff from one side of a road to the other, from underneath a road or driveway, and leading to a stream, lake, or detention basin.  Culvert pipes come in many materials, shapes, and sizes.  Each material has its own characteristics and advantages. The focus of this workshop is culvert installation and maintenance.

 

Basics of a Good Road – 5 technical

            New Hampshire cities and towns spend a lot of tax dollars on transportation, yet many miles of road are in poor condition.  Numerous roads were not constructed for modern traffic loads and volumes.  Oftentimes, maintenance has been inadequate, resulting in the deterioration of these pathways.  Many roads need the application of basic principles of road design, construction, and maintenance. 

            This workshop will give attendees an understanding of what goes into the construction and maintenance of a good road.  There are certain essentials to any good road, whether asphalt or gravel-surfaced, in cities or the country.  The instructor will cover each of these essentials, and participants will receive a useful reference manual.

 

Bucket Truck Operation & Safety – 5 technical

This workshop is important for anyone who works on or around a bucket truck.  There will be an overview of the setup of a bucket truck, daily inspections, the mechanics of a bucket truck as well as proper care and maintenance.  Some safety topics included in the workshop are working near electricity, proper harness and belt configurations, and emergency procedures.  This training meets or exceeds all requirements of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), and your insurance company. At completion of the course, a certificate is awarded by Crane’s Safety Institute.

 

Budgeting for Municipalities – 5 supervisory

            This workshop is designed to give public works managers tools for developing a realistic budget and present techniques for “selling” the budget, as well as getting others to “buy into” it and even help promote it. Participants will receive tips for dealing with the challenges of today’s economy, the whims of Mother Nature, and the honest delivery of contracted services and materials. The workshop is a good introduction to budgeting, especially for those responsible for developing and presenting public works budgets.

 

Chainsaw Safety & Maintenance – 5 technical

            When using equipment at work, it is always important to know how to operate it safely.  This workshop will provide information on how to safely start and operate a chainsaw.  Other topics include personal protective equipment, safety features of a chainsaw, cutting techniques, and routine cleaning and maintenance.  There will also be tips on ways to increase productivity with the chainsaw. 

            In the afternoon, there will be a hands-on demonstration involving safely cutting down trees with a chainsaw.  Participates are given the opportunity and encouraged to try the chainsaw themselves.  Anyone wanting to participate will need the following Personal Protection Equipment (PPE): A helmet system (consisting of a head, face & hearing protection), cotton or leather gloves, chainsaw protective chaps, and protective work boots with steel toes.

 

Construction Inspection for Local Agency Employees – 5 technical

This one-day session will cover the major duties and responsibilities of an individual responsible for the quality of a project. It will address the importance of understanding the plans, contract, order of operations, materials to be used, and various quality control tests used in project inspection.

        This course is presented in a straightforward manner and deals with the reality of everyday factors involving contractors and agencies. This course is not intended to teach how to simply put checkmarks on inspection forms. It is concerned with obtaining a quality project for the money.

 

Employee Safety for Public Works – 5 safety

            This workshop will cover safety topics encountered at job sites, as well as information on employer/employee responsibilities.  OSHA regulations and requirements will be reviewed and statistics on employee safety will be shared.  Personal protection equipment (PPE), fall protection, and sun safety for avoiding heat stroke are all topics that will also be covered.

 

Ethics for Public Works – 5 supervisory

        Ethical issues must be considered when working in the public sector. This workshop will discuss definitions of ethics and others related terms, including “nepotism” and whistle-blower. Important elements in any professional code of ethics and possible consequences of unethical behavior will be discussed. These questions will be answered:

• What two questions should be asked when considering doing something that may not be ethical?
• What kinds of gifts are acceptable or prohibited?
• What factors can cause you to lose your license?
• What factors can contribute to getting terminated?
• What does your salary buy?

 

Flagger Certification – 5 safety

            Flaggers are in a very dangerous and responsibility-ridden position, playing a crucial role in temporary traffic control. The safety of workers, motorists, and pedestrians is dependent upon the flagger’s performance. Since the flagger position involves safety, proper training is vital; flaggers are expected to pass a test to prove their proficiency and competence level. Students will receive their ATSSA Flagger Certification in the mail (upon passing the exam). This certification will be valid for 4 years. 

 

Full Depth Reclamation – 5 supervisory

            The full-depth reclamation process rebuilds worn out pavements by recycling the existing roadway. Full-depth reclamation uses the materials from the old deteriorated asphalt pavement and base materials. These materials are then pulverized, mixed with cement and water, and compacted to produce a strong, durable stabilized base for either an asphalt or concrete surface. Deteriorating roads are a constant problem. The cost of asphalt has more than doubled. This seminar will present state-of-the-art information on full-depth recycling with cement. This is not a highly technical presentation.

 

Geosynthetics – 5 technical

        This course introduces the world of geosynthetics, beginning with a brief history of how they evolved, a discussion of the different types of geotextiles, what they are, how they are made, how they differ, and more.  The course then looks at other geosynthetics and their uses, including geogrids and geocells. The course is presented using non-technical language and includes several demonstrations.

Grader Operation & Training – 5 safety & 5 technical

            Come learn how to operate a grader with one day of in-classroom training and one day in-the-field “hands-on” training. Basic blading techniques and grader maintenance will be taught, as well as instructor-led training “on the grader.” The class will be small, so participants will have the opportunity to ask questions and interact with the instructors.

 

 Introduction to Computers – 5 technical

            This workshop is for anyone who is unfamiliar with or wants to learn more about how to use computers. Topics covered will include: computer terminology and components; how using computers can save money, time, and resources; and ergonomic work stations. The workshop will give a basic overview of Microsoft Office products. Also, participants will be instructed in how to modify computer system settings and use the internet, working with browsers, search engines, and email.

 

Gravel Road Maintenance – 5 technical

        Cities and towns in New Hampshire have many gravel roads in their road network. It is important to ensure regular maintenance to extend the life of these roads.  This course is taught from a realists perspective and provides ideas on everyday operations related to gravel roads. Topics that are discussed include the basics of good drainage, cutting ditches, maintaining crowns, culvert installation and maintenance, blading on routine dragging, cutting out washboards, and spreading new material.

 

Incident Command Systems for Public Works – 10 safety

        DHS/FEMA guidelines suggest that Incident Command Systems (ICS) 100 be presented to all first responders, ICS 200 to responders & front-line supervisors, and ICS 300 and ICS 400 to Command & General Staff positions within the ICS structure that would be activated & filled during an actual event/incident.

        The majority of first responders in local agencies must have ICS 100/200 training in order for the agency to be eligible for DHS/FEMA preparedness grants, including agencies with over 50 members, members of the county sheriff’s departments, and the State Police.

        Public Works are first responders! The following guidance is from Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8 (December 17, 2003) when defining first responders: “(d) The term “first responder” refers to those individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment, including emergency response providers as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 101), as well as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations.”

 

Introduction to Public Works Series – 5 safety & 5 technical

        This is a two-day series to cover basic public works knowledge. Use this course as an introduction for new employees or anyone new to public works! This class will spend one hour covering each of the following 10 topics:

1. Drainage & Culverts
2. Trench Safety
3. Workzone Set-up & Safety
4. Flagging Safety
5. Public Works Employee Safety
6. Winter Maintenance for Operators
7. Technical Math for Road Projects
8. Municipal garages
9. Pavement Preservation
10. Gravel Road Maintenance

 

Invasive Plants – 5 environmental

            In this workshop, you will learn the definition of “invasive plant,” how to identify some of the invasive plants that are a problem in NH, and how these plants impact the environment and transportation infrastructure. Best management practices (BMP) for roadside invasive plants will be described, especially as they relate to routine maintenance activities such as mowing, ditching, scraping, dredging culvert inlets, stockpiles, soil stabilization, and structure maintenance. A field trip will be taken to identify plants in the field and possible maintenance scenarios using BMPs learned in the workshop will be discussed.

 

Know Before You Dig – 5 safety

            Take this workshop to learn how to prepare for an underground excavation. Learn the steps to take before, during, and after an excavation. Learn about Digsafe and proper planning before your operation. Learn trench safety and how to protect yourself and your employees from a collapse, all while earning a certificate in “Trench Safety” from Primex.

 

Lines, Levels & Lay-outs – 5 technical

            This program was designed with small town and city road departments in mind. In this fast-paced workshop, learn the basics of field measurement. The instruction will be simple, practical, and include “hands-on” field work. If you can, bring a calculator and/or “pop” level. 

 

Managing & Delegating for Municipalities – 5 supervisory

            Managers are often promoted without receiving management training. This workshop will introduce managerial concepts such as what is the difference between managing and doing, delegation, management by objective, managing employees, and accessing resources. There will be opportunities to discuss specific managerial issues.

 

Municipal Garage & Safety – 5 safety

A safe working environment is very important, not only to keep employees safe, but also to avoid liability on the municipality’s behalf.  This workshop will focus on municipal garages and how to make them safer.  Instructors will discuss basic information on shop safety rules, the importance of inside shop safety and outside shop safety, Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) and how to read them, proper labeling, and information on waste and how to properly dispose of it.

 

Municipal Manager & Supervisor Series – 10 supervisory

        The Municipal Manager and Supervisor Series is to expose new or seasoned supervisors to ideas and concepts related to their management position. Municipal managers or administrators and Selectboard members can also benefit from this training. Topics that will be covered are:

1. Tort Liability/risk Management
2. Municipal, Budget & Labor laws
3. Creating & Selling a budget to the Selectboard & public
4. Inspection & Maintenance of Municipal Bridges
5. Emergency Communications
6. Winter Maintenance Fundamentals
7. Public Relations
8. Communicating & Delegating
9. Supervising Employees
10. Employee Safety

 

Municipal Road Safety & Trees – 5 safety

        This workshop will cover many topics relating to municipal road safety & trees. Topics will include tree maintenance, BMPs, planting and pruning trees, assessing a trees safety & damage assessment after a storm, PSNH, and municipal coordination on tree removal. There will also be speakers covering the topics of public relations and legal issues relating to trees on municipal roads.

 

MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Device) – 5 safety

            The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) defines the standards used by road managers to install and maintain traffic control devices. The Traffic Sign Handbook for New Hampshire Local Roads contains portions of the MUTCD, as well as some of the State of New Hampshire rules. The Handbook’s standards and rules apply to traffic signs appropriate for use on rural and residential roadways in New Hampshire.

This workshop will provide participants with working knowledge of the MUTCD. Participants will understand the history of the MUTCD, its purpose, and the structure and language of the manual. However, the focus of this seminar is for participants to learn how to apply this information to their local municipality.

 

OSHA Roadway Construction Training – 5 technical

This is an introductory course to OSHA Standards which will cover the following topics:

• Electrical Safety & Mechanized Equipment
• Roadway Work Zones & Confined Spaces
• Excavations & Trenching
• Personal Protective Equipment  & Occupational Health
• Night Work
• Fall Prevention & Protection

 

Public Relations for Public Works – 5 supervisory

            Public works departments are highly visible in their communities. This workshop will help managers improve the public’s perception and overall image of their department. There are easy, inexpensive ways to improve the department’s public relations. Learn how to positively and proactively influence elected officials, and the public in order to gain the support you need.

 

Road Safety 365 – 5 technical

            Rural roads account for approximately 40 percent of the vehicle miles traveled in the U.S., but 55 percent of fatalities. The fatality rate for rural crashes is more than twice the fatality rate for urban crashes. Over 3/4 of all U.S. road miles are rural and almost 80 percent of the 3 million miles of rural roads in the U.S. are owned and operated by local entities (FHWA statistics).

            This workshop will help teach the fundamentals of making safety a priority by including it in the traditional decision-making process 365 days a year. Through practical exercises and discussions, the emphasis is on operations and maintenance to reflect the predominant, day-to-day responsibilities of the municipal department. The benefits and potential cost-savings of safety initiatives are also shown using local agency examples. 

 

Sustainability – 5 supervisory

            Sustainability management and succession planning are critical for all organizations. A good manager will ensure business will run as usual when one or multiple employees leave the workforce at the same time. There are many pieces to creating a sustainable business. This workshop will define “sustainability management” and how it relates to municipal highway departments, how training and record-keeping are essential, aspects of a good sustainability management plan, and how to present this plan to selectmen and town officials.

 

Workzone Traffic Control – 5 safety

            Throughout the country’s roadways, there are universally recognized controls in work zones that motorists are familiar with. There are minimum standards in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These standards will be referenced throughout the day.

            This workshop has been tailored to train individuals who work on low volume roads. Safety is emphasized in this workshop because it is often overlooked when a road repair is needed with a minimum crew size. Proper work zone set-up and how to efficiently direct motorists will be discussed. Effective work zone design and installation, concepts using signs and devices for detours, construction zones, and maintenance sites are also discussed.