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About commercial snow removal
Commercial snow removal, also known as snow ploughing, is the clearing of snow by means of either a mechanical snow plough or pedestrian snow blades depending on the area that requires clearing. Snow is less predictable than the formation of ice because it can fall at any time. This is different to ice and frost, which usually form overnight. What this means is that sometimes a large amount of snow can fall quickly during the day onto ground that has not been gritted. In these situations, Ice Watch carry out commercial snow removal to clear snow from car parks, pathways and forecourts to prevent dangerous, hazardous conditions.
When snow falls, how do Ice Watch respond?
Ideally we will be notified of snow fall either through our forecasting system or via a telephone call from our clients, so that we can grit the areas before too much snow falls, to avoid the snow settling. However, if snow falls and lays before we are able to grit, we do offer a snow clearance service.
Once notified of either the potential for snow fall, or the start of snow fall we will organise our operatives to visit the sites to spread grit to avoid the snow settling. On the occasions where too much snow has already fallen, we organise our operatives to clear the snow.
What machinery is used for snow ploughing?
Snow is cleared either with a mechanical snow plough or pedestrian snow blades depending on the area that requires clearing. The snow is removed to a safe area as discussed with and agreed upon with the client. It must not be left in a place where it could melt and run down onto areas where ice forming could be a hazard.
When is it used?
Snow ploughing is generally carried out if snow fall is 5cm and above. Any less than this and it is unlikely to settle and will therefore melt in which case our standard gritting service can be carried out to prevent ice forming.
Where can it be carried out?
Any areas no matter what size can be snow ploughed. Larger areas are ploughed with mechanical snow ploughs and smaller more difficult to reach areas are ploughed with the pedestrian snow blades.
How regularly is it carried out?
Snow removal is carried out as and when necessary. We are usually notified of snow fall either via our daily weather forecasts or via our customers. Because snow fall is more erratic than ice formation, we do rely more on our clients around the country to inform us of snowfall.
Whilst snow is falling it is advisable that the site is reviewed daily to ascertain whether snow clearing is required.
At what time of the day or night is it typically carried out?
Snow ploughing needs to be carried out when the areas involved are clear of cars and people. Therefore snow ploughing is generally carried out, during out of office hours. Typically from 7pm onwards in the evening.
After ploughing is anything else carried out to the site?
Grit is laid directly behind the snow ploughing to avoid ice forming and becoming hazardous to employees and the public.
Why is it important?
December 2010 was the coldest December since 1910 and was also the coldest month on record since February 1986. With an average mean temperature of minus 1 degrees, snow and ice were a huge problem for UK businesses. There were around 10cm of snow in most places and towns in the north east of England such as Blackpool, Preston, Liverpool and Stoke on Trent were the worst affected. In addition, January was the eighth coldest on record and the UK's worst since 1987.
It is not enough to simply react to bad weather. When heavy snowfall strikes, there is chaos in the country as roads become unusable, schools close and businesses struggle to carry on. It is essential to have a sufficient strategy in place, such as Ice Watch's comprehensive gritting and snow ploughing service to rely on to minimise risks to staff and protect your business from damaging claims.
All types of business, from small private firms to large public companies must address this important issue.
Ice Watch have contracts with Hospitals, Medical Centres, Local Authorities, Utility Companies, Schools and Colleges, Industrial Parks, Retail Premises, Car Parks and Property Management Companies.
Whatever your size and type of business, contact us today for a free, no-obligation quotation. |
