Yellow Weather Warning - Snow & ice
Over the next few days we have had a Yellow Weather warning covering much of our operational area.
Ice and some snow leading to difficult travel conditions in places.
What to expect
Some roads and railways likely to be affected with longer journey times by road.
Some injuries from slips and falls on icy surfaces
Probably some icy patches on some untreated roads, pavements and cycle paths
Leave extra time
Whenever you’re planning to travel, don’t be in a rush. During winter months, conditions can be tricky – if you’re running late, it might be tempting go faster than is safe in the conditions. Make the journey as smooth as possible and get there in plenty of time.
Drive to the conditions of the road
Leave extra stopping distance from the vehicle in front, keep both hands on the wheel and take your time. It’s better to arrive later and safely, rather than the alternative.
How to reduce slips, trips and falls in ice, frost and snow:
To reduce the risk of slips on ice, frost or snow, you need to assess the risk and put in a system to manage it
Identify the outdoor areas used by pedestrians most likely to be affected by ice, for example: – building entrances, car parks, pedestrian walkways, shortcuts, sloped areas and areas constantly in the shade or wet
Monitor the temperature, as prevention is key
You need to take action whenever freezing temperatures are forecast. Keep up to date by visiting a weather service site such as the Met Office or the Highways England
Put a procedure in place to prevent an icy surface forming and/or keep pedestrians off the slippery surface:
Use grit or similar, on areas prone to be slippery in frosty, icy conditions
Consider covering walkways e.g. by an arbour high enough for people to walk through, or use an insulating material on smaller areas overnight
Divert pedestrians to less slippery walkways and barrier off existing ones
Gritting
The most common method used to de-ice floors is gritting as it is relatively cheap, quick to apply and easy to spread. Rock salt (plain and treated) is the most commonly used ‘grit’. It is the substance used on public roads by the highways authority.
Salt can stop ice forming and cause existing ice or snow to melt. It is most effective when it is ground down, but this will take far longer on pedestrian areas than on roads.
Gritting should be carried out when frost, ice or snow is forecast or when walkways are likely to be damp or wet and the floor temperatures are at, or below freezing. The best times are early in evening before the frost settles and/or early in the morning before employees arrive. Salt doesn’t work instantly; it needs sufficient time to dissolve into the moisture on the floor.