Sidewalks, roads, parking lots, entryways, etc. get blocked with snow in the winter months and can cause discomfort, commercial inactivity or inefficiency, and most importantly, ice damage to commercial property. This isn’t ideal for anyone.
Clearing snow off these structures is very important. However, it isn’t something anyone can do regularly. If you have a Milwaukee snow emergency, for example, you won’t call your neighbor to control the ice damage.
Salting and plowing snow are best left to the experts. But everyone should know the basic safety tips and pointers when it comes to clearing snow in winter. In this guide, we’re going to look at the safety measures surrounding clearing snow and salting.
Safety measures for salting sidewalks, roads, and parking lots
Salt is a great way to clear the sidewalks or roads of snow in winter. However, salt can be dangerous if it gets into the storm drain system, so you should have an alternative plan in mind before you start salting the sidewalks.
Salt is also less effective than specialized products at clearing ice from walkways and driveways. If you want to keep those surfaces clear of snow and ice, use a deicer like calcium chloride or magnesium chloride. These products will not damage your home’s foundation, and they’re safe for children and pets to handle.
Salting isn’t an easy process and should consult someone who’s an expert to understand the step-by-step process. We’re giving a basic lowdown on the same with safety in mind. This is especially important for Oshkosh snow removal.
Clearing snow safely
The first step to clearing snow from your sidewalk is to make sure it’s safe.
If the weather is cold enough, you may need to clear snow from the area at night. This will allow you to work without being exposed to the elements. However, do not salt sidewalks or walkways after dark!
It’s important to clear snow from sidewalks in the winter because it can be slippery and cause injuries. But you don’t want to end up doing more harm than good. Here are some safety tips for clearing snow from sidewalks in winter:
- Be sure you have plenty of room to work. If there’s not enough room to use a shovel or push broom, then use a snow blower instead. Make sure you have plenty of time to clear the sidewalk, too.
- Keep kids away from the sidewalk and other people so they don’t get hurt as well.
- Wear protective gear when clearing sidewalks with shovels or push brooms, such as rubber boots, gloves, eye protection when using a snow blower, and ear protection when using a leaf rake (or similar tool).
- Don’t use a power saw for cutting ice or removing tree limbs on city property (you may be ticketed).
- Don’t use an electric lawnmower during storms if there is dangerous ice or flooding on sidewalks since it could become loose and fall into traffic lanes which could cause an accident or injury
- Make sure that no one walks on your sidewalk until the salt has had time to dry out. Otherwise, they will slip and fall on top of it. If this happens, wash off as much of the salt as possible with water before someone else comes along and falls over it again!
Commercial snow removal services might be required here to ensure nobody gets hurt during the process. Such the biggest players in the US Midwest as Earth Development Inc can handle all your snow management and ice damage control services.
FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions that property managers and business owners have regarding clearing snow from sidewalks, roads, parking lots, entryways, etc. as well as salting procedures.
Should I salt before or after the snow?
You should put rock salt before the snow falls. Clearing snow with a shovel and then putting salt can turn the next layer of snow into mush, which is hard to shovel.
How do I sprinkle salt in the winter?
Treat the ground before the snow falls. Focus less on salt and more on shoveling. Also, take note that a pavement temperature of below 15F makes most salts ineffective. A spreader is a good way to sprinkle salt.
How to correctly remove snow from my property?
Start in the middle with a shovel, throwing snow toward the edges. Make a U-turn, throw snow on the opposite edge, come back, and repeat. Keep alternating this way.
How to stay safe when shoveling snow?
Shoveling is a whole task, don’t multitask (for example, smoking while shoveling). Stretch before you begin and take it slow. Remember, the first order of business is to shovel light, powdery snow that’s still fresh and not the deeper, harder ice. Pro tip: Pushing the snow to the edge is less labor-intensive than lifting it. If you must lift, use a smaller shovel or only partially fill it.
In conclusion
Considering safety is important before you start salting or clearing snow. We have supplied enough information regarding general snow clearing and salting for all types of properties which will hopefully help you control ice damage and manage snow around your commercial property.
Remember to be frequent and early when it comes to shoveling snow or salting your property. Snow left over long durations can easily turn to ice and cause irreparable damage.
If you have any questions or comments, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
