Snow removal is a crucial part of keeping business property safe and accessible for customers. It is also a legal requirement in some states.
When a winter storm hits, it’s essential to have a plan in place to keep pathways clear. These methods can help you remove snow without a shovel. For more information, visit https://vantaoutdoors.com/snow-removal/.
Before winter arrives, a business should create a plan for snow removal. Ensure that the plan includes special requests, expectations, contact information, current policies and procedures and equipment parts and supplies (hydraulic fluid, batteries etc). Then, make sure all employees are aware of the snow removal plan and are updated on the latest information.
In addition to planning for snow removal, businesses should also take steps to prevent ice accumulation on walkways and parking lots. De-icing solutions can be spread in advance of a snowstorm to reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. These products can include liquid de-icers, granular ice melt and salt, which lower the freezing point of water and prevent snow and ice from bonding to surfaces.
If your business is located in an area prone to heavy snowfall, it’s important to find a reliable snow removal service. Ideally, choose a company with experience working on commercial properties, including retail stores, office buildings and apartment complexes. These companies will have the resources and know-how to quickly remove snow from a commercial property.
Snow removal services should be able to clear sidewalks, paths and parking spaces quickly. They should be able to provide consistent snow-removal services throughout the day, so pedestrians and vehicles can access buildings and parking areas. A good snow removal service should be able to offer flexible service options, such as hourly and flat-rate pricing, and should provide a clear breakdown of costs.
When comparing snow-removal companies, get a price estimate from each and ask what they will charge for de-icing services. Some companies may hide the cost of sand and salt in other charges, so it’s important to compare estimates carefully.
When a snow storm is forecast, the senior director of facilities management shall meet with the head grounds supervisor and Associate Director of Facilities Maintenance to determine the level of snow response that should be initiated by the College. During the storm, the Associate Director of Facilities Maintenance and Senior Director of Facilities Management shall continue to monitor snow conditions and communicate these to the snow removal team.
Equipment
Snow removal is an essential service in some areas of the country, and many people request it from businesses and individuals. To be able to offer this type of service, you need certain equipment and tools. Some of these include snow blowers, scrapers, and ice plows. These are all designed to remove snow and ice from various surfaces, such as sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots.
The kind of equipment you need depends on the size and scope of your snow removal services. A snow thrower works well for smaller surfaces, such as walkways and small driveways, while a straight blade plow is better for larger surfaces like roads and sidewalks. If you need to clear more than one surface, a V-plow is a good option as it features multiple blades for various applications, such as a scoop blade, a V-cut blade, and a left- or right-angle blade.
Other large equipment such as skid steers, backhoes, and wheel loaders can also be used for snow removal if equipped with the appropriate attachments. This is useful when you need to tackle a lot of snow at once, or for larger properties such as highways and streets. The vehicles themselves are very powerful, and some even come with headlights for use at night or in poor visibility.
Aside from these more specialized pieces of equipment, you’ll need other essential supplies, such as salt and deicing agents. These can be stored in a spreader, which is another piece of equipment that can be attached to your vehicle. A salt spreader does exactly what it says on the tin, and can distribute different kinds of salt or deicing chemicals evenly over a surface.
If you’re working with a commercial client, such as a retail store or an office building, make sure that the contractor you hire can provide services during store operating hours throughout winter. This will help ensure that your customers can easily access the store and its products, and that employees can get to work in a timely manner. Also, if your business specializes in snow removal for apartment complexes and condominiums, look for companies that have experience with working efficiently across multiple properties to quickly clear roadways and parking spaces.
Safety
When snow removal is underway, safety must be a top priority for all involved. Workers should be well-trained on the equipment they will use, how to properly operate it, and other important safety details. This will help reduce accidents and injuries, as well as improve efficiency.
In addition to the potential risks associated with operating equipment, snow removal workers face health concerns due to cold exposure. This can cause frostbite and hypothermia, which are medical emergencies that can lead to death. To protect against these dangers, workers should wear clothing that will keep them warm and take frequent breaks to rehydrate. They should also avoid standing in cold areas for extended periods of time.
Shoveling snow is a strenuous activity that can lead to back injuries. Workers should be sure to warm up before shoveling, scoop small amounts of snow at a time, and avoid twisting when lifting. To prevent back pain, workers should lift with their legs, not their backs. They should also remember to rehydrate frequently and always read the manual provided with their snow removal equipment for operational directions and safety instructions.
Property owners who are responsible for public sidewalks and parking lots must make a reasonable effort to remove snow and ice before pedestrians walk on them. Failure to do so could result in a lawsuit in the event of an injury caused by icy conditions. Pre-treating paved surfaces with de-icing products can help prevent snow and ice from building up, so that it is easier to clear when the weather gets warmer.
Businesses that have employees and customers should train them on the best way to move snow, including moving heavy equipment such as snow blowers. It is also helpful to create a snow removal plan and stockpile sand and salt. Those with commercial properties should consider hiring a professional snow removal service that can handle the snow and ice removal efficiently and safely. The last thing a business owner wants is to be sued for an injury sustained on their property due to untreated snow and ice.
Legality
Owners, landlords and tenants as well as many other cities across the country, are legally responsible for clearing snow and ice from walkways and parking lots that lead to their properties. If they fail to adhere to these requirements, they could face premises liability lawsuits from individuals who get hurt on their property. They also might be subject to fines or other penalties if they are found in violation of local laws on snow removal.
Snow removal is important for the safety of pedestrians and people who use public areas, but it is not the only safety measure that should be taken. Pedestrians can be struck and injured by snowplows if they are crossing the street in front of the plow while it is operating. In addition, pedestrians can be injured or killed if they are struck by a snowplow while standing in the crosswalk. These injuries are caused by the negligence of the plow operator, as well as by the negligent behavior of the pedestrian.