Best Winter Practises
When temperatures drop below 0°C it can be a daunting task making that trip outside when conditions under tyre and foot are unknown. Last year saw snow descend upon the country at an unprecedented rate, with many homeowners, businesses and councils unprepared for the sheer volume that covered nearly the entire country. Keeping public areas slip free and safe is a big task and it is all of our responsibilities to ensure we keep our environment as safe as possible. The key to this is preparation.
The health and safety at work act 1974 places a general duty on employers 'so far as is reasonably practicable' to protect the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees.’
1. Identify areas where accidents are most likely to occur
Areas to consider most are: building entrances, steps, pathways, car parks, pedestrian walkways, sloped areas and public areas constantly in shade.
2. Check the weather forecast
Know what the weather is likely to be like over the coming week. This will enable you to put into action any ice preventative measures and be prepared for what might be coming your way. Applying products before the temperature drops is a great way to prevent formation in the first place. Prevention is often easier than the cure. The Met office is a reliable source. Visit their website for weather predictions for your area now.
3. Check your stocks
Do you have enough salt/grit? Check where you are purchasing it from, that you have enough ordered or stored and are not going to be caught short in critical times. The winter of 2010 saw the country struggle to meet with salt demand with most salt suppliers running out and priority going to the government to ensure hospitals and vital areas got the little that was left. Do get left out this winter. Most suppliers will sell salt in bags of 25kg with competitive rates on pallets. Click here to see how Hydra compare on prices.
4. Check you have the right tools & equipment
Do you have the tools and equipment you need to ensure you can apply products efficiently and quickly and are able to remove excess snow? Every establishment will have slightly different needs which will need to be assessed individually. However as a rough guidelines it would be sensible for all households to be equiped with a snow shovel and scoop. These will be useful for removing excess snow from your doorway and path outside. Car users should ensure they have to have a scraper for removing snow from windscreens, wing mirrors, roofs and bonnets. Schools, collages, nursing homes and businesses may also benefit from having a salt broadcaster for spreading salt/grit or sprayer such as the Chapin Pro Series Sprayer for spreading liquid deicing products like Hydra’s Ice-Eater.
5. Check you are using the right products on the right surfaces
Did you know that salt can cause corrosion to certain building materials, metals, bitumen and concrete? If you are worried about causing damage to particular surfaces through de-icing, familiarise yourself with the other options available to you. Ice Melt products such as Hydra’s Ice-Eater Liquid/Powder often have different properties and are non-corrosive. Whilst salt/grit might seem like the most economical option, it is worthwhile considering whether other products might do the job better.
