Get a grip on winter

In recent years we have witnessed more extreme weather patterns with increasingly intense storm events throughout the UK.

Severe winter conditions such as low temperatures, snowstorms and ice have led to severe disruption. Extreme weather

conditions cause lost time and site closure, but worse, they can put your staff at risk. At Arco we can provide expert advice and have a fully comprehensive range of products to help you effectively deal with these conditions.

Be prepared and don't leave it until the last minute. Stock up on essential workplace safety items and necessary kit for your employees. Ensure that they are kept maintained and are in good working order.

A Guide to Safer Salting

Spread Uniformly - Ensure the whole area is covered and there are no missed patches that can become slippery.

Pre-salt - It is important to try and put out salt before ice forms. This can be done at a much lower application rate than salting to melt ice that has already formed and is thereforemore cost effective.

Application Rate - For pre-salting ideal application rates are half a cup,

approximately 20g, per square metre. Full salting will be one cup, approximately 40g, per square metre. If it rains after pre-salting and then freezes, you will have to salt normally. The application rate will vary depending on frost or snow.

Suggested De-icing Salt Spread Rates -

Frost 0�C to -5°C     10 to 20g       Snow 0°C to -5°C     25 to 40g

Frost below -5°C      10 to 20g      Snow below -5°C     40 to 50g

Salt Spreading Equipment

It can be a time consuming and labour intensive job to salt large areas regularly such as paths, pavements, car parks and playgrounds. However it is imperative to keep them clear of snow and ice so that they are safe for pedestrians and drivers. Using salt spreading equipment is a quick, convenient method of spreading the correct concentration of salt, in a uniform layer.

Snow Ploughs for Forklift Trucks

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 1992 include recommendations for keeping sites safe and preventing slips and trips at work. In severe weather conditions, arrangements should be made to minimise risks from snow on footpaths, access routes, car parks and surrounding areas. Clearing snow as soon as possible will ensure that your employees and visitors can access your site safely.

It is recommended that you start clearing snow and ice in the morning, even removing the top layer of snow is beneficial as over the day the sun will melt the ice beneath. Remove any snow that is thicker than 40mm with a snow shovel or other more heavy-duty equipment. Melt the remaining snow to prevent ice forming by spreading de-icing salt on the cleared area. Pre-salt the path before it goes dark to prevent it from re-freezing overnight.

Snow Shovels and Scoops

One of the most common and effective ways of clearing paths and access routes is a snow shovel. It is recommended to always choose the widest blade available.

When clearing an area such as a path, begin with a section running down the middle so that you have a surface to walk on. Then work along the cleared area and simply shovel the snow from the centre towards the sides. Remember not to clear snow into an area where it may cause obstruction. Finally cover the cleared patch with de-icing salt to prevent re-freezing.