How To Prevent Winter Safety Hazards for Commercial Properties
As a commercial property owner, it’s up to you to keep your properties safe throughout the year. Unfortunately, this can become more difficult during the winter season when ice, snow, and cold temperatures move into your area. Staying prepared is the best way to avoid the potential dangers that come with severe winter weather while ensuring safety for everyone on site.
With winter right around the corner, let’s review some essential tasks needed to prevent safety hazards for your commercial properties this season.
Apply De-Icer
Ice and snow can cause slips, falls, and even car accidents on your properties. That’s why it’s very important to treat all sidewalks, roads, and parking lots with a de-icing solution.
Keep in mind that most de-icers are most effective if the temperature is 15-20°F or higher, so it’s best to apply the solution before a large storm rolls in. Evenly distribute a thin layer of de-icer across any paved surfaces where people will be walking or cars will be driving.
While de-icer won’t melt ice completely, it softens the buildup to allow for easier cleanup and less dangerous conditions. As an extra precaution, consider adding snow-melting or water-absorption mats in front of all major entrances and exits to buildings. You should also turn off any hoses or drain irrigation systems outside to prevent ice buildup.
Promptly Shovel and Plow
Once de-icing is complete, shovel snow and ice as necessary. Regular shovels and snow blowers are good enough for clearing away small amounts of snow and ice, but heavier accumulation may require snow loaders and plows. Push snow to an isolated space away from all parking spots, signs, and walkways to keep these areas safe and accessible.
You should also keep tabs on weather conditions and pay attention to forecasts so you can be aware of when winter storms are coming and prepare snow removal equipment beforehand. Regularly check and maintain your equipment to make sure it’s functional when you need it.
Install Snow Guards
If your property has any sloped roofs, the accumulated snow on top can slide down with little warning, causing a significant safety hazard. Snow guards hold snow and ice in its place, allowing it to melt so that only water trickles downward. There are a few different types of snow guards, including small individual metal cleats and rail systems.
Invest in Backup Heat Sources
Severe cold is a serious safety threat, so be sure to install a backup generator to keep your commercial building’s heat on in the event of a power loss. This will also protect your pipes from freezing, preventing costly repairs.
Generators should be stored in a dry, enclosed space with proper ventilation. Test your generator a few times a year (or as often as the manufacturer recommends) to ensure that it’s ready for use.
Need Help Preventing Winter Safety Hazards?
With proper maintenance, storm prep, and a solid action plan in place, you should be able to overcome any weather-related hazards and keep your properties safe and accessible all winter.
At Strategic Grounds, our team will do the heavy lifting to optimize your winter planning strategy while providing snow and ice removal, storm prep, and regular maintenance services for any and all of your commercial properties. Contact us to learn more and speak with one of our experts today!
