A Winter's Tale - Ice Hazard Safety Signage

• there is less daylight,
• an increase in wet, slippery and cold conditions,
• insufficient lighting around sites can make it difficult to see and avoid ground hazards,
  fluctuating temperatures,
• ice and snow build up on roads and paths.

Decreasing temperatures affect wet surfaces or thawing snowfalls which can turn the ground to ice as day progresses to night. Over the course of time several days of snow laden ground can harden to ice. Even a dawn frost can occur on dry surfaces when early morning dew forms and freezes on impact with the cold surface. It can be difficult to predict when or where these conditions will occur. Monitoring temperatures and taking action whenever freezing events are forecast is key to preventative winter maintenance.

The most common method used is gritting areas by spreading rock salt which can stop ice forming and cause existing ice or snow to melt. It is most effective when “ground down” by vehicle or foot traffic, but this will take far longer on pedestrian areas than on roads. Also, salt does not work instantly and needs sufficient time to dissolve into the moisture on the ground.

Knowing when to grit is just as important for effective prevention. The best times are early evening before frost settles and/or early in the morning before people arrive. However:

• If grit is applied in heavy rain showers the salt will be washed away, causing problems if the rain then turns to snow or ice.
• Compacted snow, which turns to ice, is difficult to treat effectively with grit.
• Pre-emptive gritting for a frost event that does not occur can also be a waste of costs and resources