How to Avoid Ice in your Warehouse & Loading Bays
At this time of year, heavy snow, ice and cold weather snaps are common, but not always easy to predict.
If you work with a warehouse or loading bay, this can make weather extremes even more challenging – particularly if the site gets icy.
So below, we’ve shared a handy list of tips for using warehouses and loading bays during the winter. This includes best practice guidance for businesses, to keep their warehouse loading bays and doors clear, safe and in working order.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your business can continue to work at full capacity, even when the temperatures drop.
Winter Tips for Warehouses and Loading Bays
Make sure that snow is quickly cleared from key areas – After a snowy spell, shovel away the snow from key areas of your site as your first priority. This includes stairs, parking areas, vehicle ramps, pathways and entrances/exits.
De-ice key areas – To remove any ice from these areas, you should also add gritting salt on a regular basis.
Ensure all walkways are kept clear – Remove any debris or rubbish, and ensure the walkways are well-organised at all times.
Keep your workways clean – You also need to keep your walkways clean, particularly if snow or water is being walked in, and spread around the warehouse. With specialist equipment like Floor Scrubber Dryers, you can manage this ongoing build up of dirt and moisture easily and effectively. At Alpha Power Cleaners, we have a wide range of specialist cleaning machines available for both hire and sale.
Keep your drains and gutters clear – Ensure any debris is removed from your drains and gutters, as this is a common cause of leaks, particularly during the winter.
Minimise heat loss – For example, you can do this by keeping all doors shut when not in use.
Improve visibility on site – This is particularly important in winter as, not only does it get dark earlier in the day, but it is important that your staff can see hazards or ice patches. So, install safety lights around key areas, and ensure any lights that are in place are clear of snow.
Train your employees – Help keep your employees safe and informed, by educating them about cold-weather related safety risks and general first aid.
Equip your staff with cold weather gear – This can include non-slip shoes and thermal clothing.
Thoroughly inspect your equipment – At this time of year, equipment inspections are more important than ever. This is because most electrical equipment is more prone to failure in colder conditions.
Carefully maintain your equipment – It is imperative that you thoroughly maintain your electrical equipment, to minimise the risk of failure. You can do this by using a cold weather lubricant for any moving parts, for example.
Keep your doors in good working order – Ensure your doors are clean and that they seal fully, to prevent ice from entering the unit and obstructing its operation.
By implementing an ongoing winter maintenance schedule, and ensuring these key points are in place, you can keep your site safe and fully operational throughout the winter.
To find out more about our range of specialist commercial cleaning equipment, or to invest in one of our solutions for your warehouse, speak to the Alpha Power Cleaners team today.
