Snow/Ice Clearance & Campus Gritting Plans

The University aims to maintain a safe and uninterrupted educational, research and working environment to the University community throughout the year.  This includes during periods of adverse weather. 

The safety of staff, visitors and students and the continuation of business as usual during adverse weather is our primary aim and this guidance outlines the individual responsibilities to ensure we safety achieve this objective and identifies how we will manage clearance of snow/ice and gritting the University campus.  Estates management will take reasonable steps to keep premises free from snow and ice hazards although it should be noted that all staff have a duty to consider their own as well as their colleague’s health, safety and wellbeing at all times.

Estates Directors and Managers

Will carry out a formal snow/ice clearance and gritting risk assessment prior to the winter season.  Risk assessments will include reference to manual handling, personal protective equipment for staff and how the University will communicate with staff, students and visitors on appropriate access routes during adverse weather conditions.

Will prepare, prior to the winter season, campus gritting plans.

Will ensure, before the winter season, that all sites under their control are fully equipped with appropriate, fit for purpose snow clearing and personal protective equipment and adequate stocks of rock salt and grit.

Will compile a list of those staff willing to participate in the snow/ice clearance and gritting rota and emergency call-out rota.

Will determine the campus routes and areas to be cleared/gritted and will arrange to communicate all such information to staff and the Central Services (Security) Team prior to the start of the winter season, or as plans change throughout the season.

Will  monitor weather conditions in order to forecast when snow/ice clearance and gritting activities require to be scheduled.

Will regularly review the snow/ice clearance and gritting plans to ensure accuracy and suitability.

Estates Team Supervisors/Team Members

Will undertake the immediate clearance of snow/ice and gritting activities in designated areas.

Will ensure that equipment provided remains fit for purpose and is maintained in a satisfactory condition.

Will monitor supplies of rock salt and grit throughout the winter period and will act to replenish stock as required.

Will  temporarily close access areas around the campus in line with snow/ice clearance and gritting plans and will identify those areas which will not be gritted immediately, ensuring that all such areas are clearly marked.

Will maintain accurate records of area snow and ice clearance/gritting and all access route closures Paths

A pathway of at least one meter wide will be cleared to allow suitable access for pedestrians and wheelchairs. Snow and ice will be removed using a snow scraper or shovel.  It will not be brushed or dissolved using hot water which can result in a much more hazardous surface.  Rock salt/grit will then be applied to reduce re-freezing and to aid grip underfoot. 

Roads

Disabled Parking Spaces

Pathways will be cleared from disabled parking spaces adjacent to buildings.

Building Steps and Stairs