The winter months are extremely challenging for hotels for maintaining safe outdoor walkways for both guests and staff.
Icy, snow-covered paths present obvious slip-and-fall hazards that need to be promptly addressed. Hotel owners basically have a duty of care to their patrons under the Hotel Proprietors Act 1956. Not providing secure walkways opens hotels up to potential lawsuits, damages, and lost revenue because of negative reviews and, ultimately, reduced bookings.
Fortunately for them, hotels have many excellent options to choose from for keeping their grounds hazard-free during the colder weather.
Choosing the right walkway safety products on top of diligently monitoring and maintaining outdoor areas means hotels can create ideal winter safety conditions. They can then ensure the safety of all guests and personnel as well as maintain their reputation (not to mention limiting potential liabilities).
Manual snow removal tools
Having quality tools on hand for prompt removal when the snow begins to fall is key to preventing slip-and-fall incidents before these happen. To that end, here are some of the best manual snow removal tools that hotels should have on hand:
- Snow shovels – A sturdy snow shovel (which are available in various sizes and designs) allow hotel staff to clear walkways soon after snow accumulates. There are also ergonomic models to help reduce back strain during shovelling.
- Snow pushers – These wide clearing tools attach to the front of snow blowers or vehicles for quick snow displacement from sizeable areas. Snow pushers can help a hotel rapidly clear main entrances, parking lots, and primary walkways.
- Ice scrapers – Handheld ice scrapers make fast work of removing ice from steps, sidewalks, and other areas before de-icer is applied. Scrapers allow focused ice removal, helping hotels use less de-icing product overall as well.
- Brooms – Both traditional and push brooms help sweep away remaining snow and ice debris after the initial clearing. Using a stiff-bristled broom helps ensure that walkways are left clean and dry after shovelling.
Having these basic manual snow removal tools on hand empowers hotel staff to take quick action at the first sign of accumulating snow or ice. This allows them to stay ahead of winter hazards before they escalate into dangerous situations.
Salt and de-icers
Applying quality de-icing products is imperative for keeping walkways ice-free after snow build-up. Salt and de-icers work by lowering the freezing point of water, causing ice and snow to melt upon contact. Hotels have various salt and de-icer products to choose from:
- Rock salt – This budget-friendly option provides efficient ice melting on walkways and steps. However, rock salt can damage vegetation, concrete and metal over time. It also loses effectiveness once temperatures drop below 15°F.
- White Grit Salt – Comprised of crushed white limestone and salt brine, this product offers added traction on slick surfaces thanks to its gritty texture. It works well in extremely cold temperatures.
- Calcium chloride – This advanced de-icer melts ice even in sub zero conditions down to -25°F. It prevents refreezing and is gentler on vegetation and concrete compared to salt. However, calcium chloride is more expensive.
- Magnesium chloride – Ideal for low temperatures, this organic de-icing compound starts working quickly and inhibits ice build-up. It’s minimally corrosive and safer for plants and paved surfaces.
- De-icing liquids and sprays – Pre-mixed de-icing liquids offer quick ice melting action when sprayed or poured onto walkways. Potassium acetate options are better for the environment.
No matter the de-icing product used, proper storage and application training is key. Stores of salt and other de-icers should be kept in a dry, covered area to prevent clumping. Staff should understand correct product amounts and placement to avoid overuse or hazardous build-up.
Proactive maintenance and monitoring
So, while using the right snow clearing tools and technology is important, consistent monitoring and proactive maintenance also plays a crucial role in making sure walkways are safe in winter. Diligent upkeep measures need to include:
- Hourly walkthroughs during snowfall to assess accumulation and remove new hazards immediately.
- Thorough post-storm inspections to touch up any missed areas, avoid re-freezing and improve traction.
- Re-application of de-icers as needed to maintain clear, wet surfaces without allowing excess build-up.
- Periodic sweeping to prevent slipping hazards from compacted snow and ice residue.
- Daily equipment checks and calibration to ensure snow removal tools are functioning optimally.
- Careful inspection and repair of any pavement cracks, spalling or damage that allows ice formation.
- Pruning landscaping and trees around walkways to allow maximum sun exposure and snow/ice melting.
Making outdoor walkway safety a top priority instead of an afterthought allows hotels to take control of winter conditions. Preventing slippery hazards before they occur reduces liabilities and helps sustain a reputation for security and guest enjoyment.
Conclusion
Efficiently and reliably clearing snow and ice from outdoor hotel walkways is an involved yet critically important process. Identifying high-risk areas, establishing detailed maintenance procedures and training staff ensures the most effective, consistent safety for guests and employees all season long.
Though initially demanding, proactive winter maintenance pays off considerably in averted injuries, reduced liabilities, satisfied patrons and sustained business during the slower winter months.
Ultimately, a hotel’s diligence and readiness when it comes to securing outdoor walkways against winter hazards speaks volumes. The effort put into maintaining safety during inclement conditions shows guests and employees alike that their wellbeing is a top priority.
Skimping on walkway maintenance to cut costs only leads to avoidable risks and damages down the line. When snow and ice arrive, those hotels willing to take every step necessary to ensure safe footing will always stay ahead of the competition.
