The Best Strategy for Snow and Ice Removal? Be Prepared!

By Sandy Hanberry

Historically Pittsburgh and surrounding areas receive the most snow in January, so you still have time to prepare before winter arrives.

It is best to first develop an action plan for inside and out and discuss it with your maintenance crew. Make it clear you expect snow and ice to be removed quickly and treated, especially in high traffic areas. Always salt after snow has been removed, this will decrease use of product and prevent the snow from melting and refreezing. Colker Janitorial Supplies recommends our new Storm Chaser ice melter for fast action salting. 

Always use the proper equipment while working outside in winter. A wide, ergonomic shovel or one of our heavy duty snow shovels are a perfect example. And always use a hand spreader or heavy duty wheeled spreader meant for ice melt and not fertilizer. To prevent gutters from getting clogged and developing ice dams that cause damage and spillage onto walkways, use a gutter scoop to remove debris.

Check entranceways and place rugged outdoor matting to prevent slips and falls—these are also great for removing salt from shoes before entering a building. Have an absorbent indoor mat on the other side of the doorway to dry shoes and to prevent slips and damage to the floor. Eliminate unauthorized walkways by using hazard tape and barriers, such as a wet floor signs.

Clean up melted snow and puddles immediately as salt can damage and dull floors. We recommend using a neutral floor cleaner, such as our Steel City Brand Neutralizer that removes salt residue and provides multiple uses throughout the day.

Finally, be prepared! Download our Weather Checklist to help in our planning and contact your Colker Janitorial Supplies representative or any of our team to help you develop the best action plan for your facility to make sure you have a safe and healthy winter.