As winter brings colder temperatures, snow, and ice, facility managers face unique challenges in maintaining safe, functional spaces. Proactive maintenance strategies are key to preventing slip hazards, managing the effects of salt, and ensuring efficient HVAC performance. Here’s a practical guide to protecting your facility during winter.
1. Preventing Slip Hazards: Prioritize Walkway Safety
Slippery sidewalks, entryways, and parking lots are some of the most common risks during winter. These hazards not only endanger occupants but can also lead to liability issues.
Tips for Safer Walkways:
- De-Icing Solutions: To provide traction, apply eco-friendly ice melt or sand to walkways, steps, and parking areas. Avoid overuse to minimise environmental impact.
- Mat Placement: Install high-quality, absorbent floor mats at all entry points to capture snow and water brought indoors.
- Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect outdoor and indoor surfaces to address potential hazards promptly.
2. Managing Salt Damage: Protect Flooring and Landscaping
While road salt is effective for melting ice, it can also significantly damage indoor flooring, outdoor surfaces, and landscaping.
Minimise Salt Damage:
- Entryway Cleaning: Clean floors near entrances frequently to remove salt residue that can stain or corrode finishes. Use neutral floor cleaners designed to counteract salt’s effects.
- Seal Outdoor Surfaces: Apply protective sealants to concrete and asphalt to reduce salt absorption and prevent cracking.
- Landscaping Care: Use calcium magnesium acetate or potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride, which can harm plants and soil.
3. HVAC System Maintenance: Ensure Optimal Performance
Winter weather puts extra strain on HVAC systems, which work to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. Neglecting these systems can lead to energy inefficiency, costly breakdowns, or poor air quality.
Best Practices for HVAC Maintenance:
- Schedule Pre-Winter Inspections: Ensure professionals inspect and service HVAC systems before peak winter usage.
- Change Filters Regularly: Replace air filters every 30–60 days to maintain airflow and improve energy efficiency.
- Seal Ductwork: Inspect and seal duct leaks to prevent heat loss and reduce utility costs.
4. Snow and Ice Removal: Safeguard Facility Accessibility
Heavy snowfall can obstruct access to your facility and pose additional risks to staff and visitors.
Efficient Snow Management:
- Invest in Snow Removal Equipment: Ensure you have reliable snow shovels, blowers, or plows available for timely clearing of parking lots and walkways.
- Partner with Professionals: Consider hiring snow removal services for extensive facilities to maintain accessibility and safety.
- Monitor Roof Loads: Remove excessive snow from roofs to prevent structural damage or collapse.
5. Emergency Preparedness: Plan for Power Outages and Weather Events
Winter storms can disrupt operations, making preparedness crucial for minimising downtime and ensuring occupant safety.
Prepare for Emergencies:
- Stock Essentials: Keep de-icing supplies, backup generators, and emergency kits readily available.
- Create a Communication Plan: Establish protocols to notify staff and tenants of weather-related closures or hazards.
- Inspect Pipes: Insulate pipes in vulnerable areas to prevent freezing and bursting.
6. Promote Awareness Among Occupants
Facility safety during winter requires collective effort and educating occupants on best practices to reduce risks and maintain cleanliness.
Educational Initiatives:
- Use signage to remind visitors to wipe their feet on mats and avoid tracking snow indoors.
- Distribute tips on personal safety during icy conditions, such as wearing appropriate footwear.
Winter Maintenance as an Investment
Proactive winter maintenance prevents accidents and costly repairs and ensures a comfortable and welcoming environment for staff, visitors, and tenants. Facility managers can protect their assets by addressing slip hazards, salt damage, HVAC efficiency, and snow management while embracing sustainability and safety.
