How to Defend Your Facility Against Ice & Snow
Even though falling snow and hanging icicles create a beautiful picture, nothing can ruin a scenic view more than unforeseen building damage or injuries within your facility. Winter is one of the hardest months to prepare your facility for due to dangerous weather conditions that can create safety hazards, and the increased need for maintenance. Though this can seem like a daunting task, it doesn’t have to be. In order to stay ahead of the winter and all that comes with it, it’s important to be prepared. Since we know facility managers and maintenance personnel take safety very seriously, we decided to pinpoint three ways in which you can defend your facility against ice and snow this winter.
Pay Close Attention to Weather Forecasts
Since winter weather is often unpredictable, it’s important to stay on top of weather forecasts. Though meteorologists can have trouble predicting storms as well, being aware that there is a threat can help you stay on top of the game. Knowing there is a possibility of ice and snow will allow you a good amount of time to start preparing. When you know icing is a possibility overnight, you can get everything in order the night before. This ensures that customers or employees who enter your building first thing in the morning are not at risk of a slip and fall or other accidents. Since even the lightest of snow flurries can cause many different hazards, knowing what is coming your way can be the difference between a safe environment and one that is not ready for business.
Develop A Snow & Ice Removal Plan
Like most things in life, things tend to go a lot smoother if there is a plan in place. When it comes to keeping your facility safe, there are many things that need to be in the forefront. Having a plan to remove snow and ice can save extra time and money in the long run. This means preparing for winter weather even before the first snowflakes ever hit the ground. To stop the spreading of ice on walkways, be sure to have a stockpile of sideway salt that can immediately start to dissolve the slippery hazards. When you maintain a facility, there are a lot more factors to worry about with snow and ice other than the walkways. You should prep any equipment needed ahead of time and do a roof inspection to ensure a heavy snow won’t end up doing any damages. Delegating staff to be in charge of fighting winter weather can help make facing snow and ice an easy task that becomes routine every year.
Remember the Hazards That Come with Melting Ice
When we are thinking of ice and snow, we tend to think about the dangers of slippery sidewalks, icing pavements, snow-covered roofs, and more. Though these are always main concerns, it’s important to think about the hazards that come along with melting ice and snow as well. Even after the snow and ice are long gone, many facilities are often left to battle the remaining puddles of water that have been left behind. Though it isn’t realistic to clean up every drop of moisture outside of your facility, you can have control over what is being brought through your building entryways. Having commercial mats in place inside of your facility can trap the moisture, dirt, dust, and debris from the bottom of shoes so customers can enter safety without losing their grip. This will ensure that your walkways remain clean and safe for everyone who walks into your facility this winter.
