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What Are the Hazards of Freezing?
Frost and freezing conditions can present various hazards depending on the context. Here are some common hazards associated with frost and freezing temperatures:
1. Slippery Surfaces: Frost can cause surfaces such as roads, sidewalks, and stairs to become slippery, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
2. Poor Visibility: Frost on windshields, windows, and mirrors can impair visibility for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, leading to accidents.
3. Hypothermia and Frostbite: Exposure to freezing temperatures for extended periods can cause hypothermia (dangerously low body temperature) and frostbite (damage to skin and tissues).
4. Icy Roads: Freezing temperatures can lead to the formation of black ice on roads, which is difficult to see and can cause vehicles to skid and lose control.
5. Frozen Pipes: In cold weather, water pipes can freeze and burst, causing water damage and disrupting water supply.
6. Damage to Plants and Crops: Frost can damage or kill plants, especially sensitive vegetation and crops, impacting agriculture and landscaping.
7. Power Outages: Freezing conditions can cause power lines to become coated with ice, leading to power outages due to downed lines or equipment failures.
8. Increased Fire Risks: People may use alternative heating sources or methods during freezing conditions, increasing the risk of fires if not used safely and monitored properly.
To mitigate these hazards, it's important to take precautions such as using appropriate winter clothing, driving carefully on icy roads, keeping walkways clear of ice and snow, insulating water pipes, and following safety guidelines for heating systems and fire prevention.
What to Do When Encountering Freeze Hazards?
Here are some steps you can take now and later to keep your employees and visitors safe from ice and snow on your property.
Keep an Eye on Freeze-Thaw Cycles
On sunny late winter and early spring days, a lot of thawing occurs. When that happens, overnight refreezing creates a slick surface just in time for employees and visitors to slip and fall on their way into the building in the morning. Apply ice melt and put up cones or signs to warn walkers of any hazardous areas well before the first arrivals each morning.
Watch Temperature Drops Closely
Recognize that sidewalk and parking lot surfaces can be colder than the air temperature. Also, work from the assumption that traction is worse at temperatures hovering at freezing than at lower temperatures. Treat surfaces accordingly.
Be Wary of Fresh Snow
It may hide a layer of ice which can be extra dangerous since it's not visible.
Take Photos and Record Any Problems
For example, reevaluate where you are piling snow, especially as melting begins. Where is water flowing during the melt? Will it be dangerous as it refreezes each evening? Are there any areas where better drainage may be needed? Any low spots on sidewalks or in lots that need to be raised before next winter?
Monitor Drains for Blockages
Remove any leaves, twigs, or other barriers as soon as possible to keep water flowing during the melt.
Look For Any Shortcuts
People often create their paths to building entrances during inclement weather. Be sure you have them prepped for safety or blocked off to avoid accidents.
Make Sure your Lighting is Adequate
Double-check that your automatic lights come on early enough and stay on long enough to light the way for employees working late or arriving early.
Other Things
Check any trees close to your parking lots or building. If they've experienced a heavy load of ice or snow this winter, they may crack and fall. Remove hazardous branches immediately. Keep snow away from fire hydrants and gas meters.
Post time: Apr-02-2024
