Effective snow removal is critical for maintaining safe and accessible municipal buildings, such as community centres, administrative offices, libraries, and recreational facilities. In Alberta’s harsh winter climate, municipalities must implement clear, efficient, and proactive snow removal policies to protect public safety, ensure accessibility, and minimize liability. This bulletin provides best practices for developing and implementing snow removal policies for municipally-owned buildings.
1. Develop a Comprehensive Snow Removal Policy
- Define Scope: Clearly outline which municipal buildings and areas the policy covers. (e.g., parking lots, walkways, entrances, and emergency exits)
- Prioritize Areas: Designate high-traffic areas (e.g., main entrances, accessible ramps) as priority zones for immediate snow and ice removal.
- Set Triggers: Establish measurable triggers for snow removal (e.g., snowfall accumulation of 5 cm or icy conditions) to ensure timely response.
- Compliance: Align the policy with Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and local bylaws to ensure legal compliance and worker safety. To limit your liability exposure, you must follow your own policy and procedures you have set in place.
2. Establish Clear Responsibilities
- Assign Roles: Designate specific staff or contractors responsible for snow removal, including after-hours and weekend coverage.
- Training: Provide training for staff on safe snow removal techniques, equipment uses, and de-icing material application to prevent injuries and property damage.
- Communication: Ensure all staff and contractors are aware of the policy and their responsibilities through regular briefings and documentation.
3. Implement Proactive Snow and Ice Management
- Pre-Season Preparation: Inspect and maintain snow removal equipment (e.g., snow blowers, plows) before winter. Stockpile de-icing materials (e.g., salt, sand) in advance.
- Weather Monitoring: Use reliable weather forecasting tools to anticipate snow events and mobilize crews proactively.
- Pre-Treatment: Apply anti-icing agents to walkways and parking lots before forecasted snow or freezing rain to reduce accumulation and ice formation.
4. Ensure Accessibility and Safety
- Accessible Routes: Prioritize clearing pathways, ramps, and parking spaces designated for persons with disabilities to comply with Alberta’s accessibility standards.
- Signage: Use warning signs or cones to alert the public of slippery conditions during snow removal operations.
- Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting in parking lots and walkways to enhance visibility during early morning or evening snow clearing.
5. Use Environmentally Responsible Practices
- Eco-Friendly De-Icers: Select de-icing materials that minimize environmental impact, such as calcium magnesium acetate, where feasible, to reduce harm to vegetation and water systems.
- Snow Storage: Designate snow storage areas away from drainage systems to prevent contamination from melting snow mixed with de-icers.
- Minimize Overuse: Apply de-icing materials judiciously to avoid excessive runoff into local waterways.
6. Maintain Clear Documentation and Communication
- Record Keeping: Document all snow removal activities, including dates, times, areas cleared, and materials used, to demonstrate due diligence in case of liability claims.
- Public Communication: Inform the public about snow removal schedules and temporary closures via municipal websites, social media, or signage.
- Feedback Mechanism: Provide a channel (e.g., municipal hotline or online portal) for residents to report snow or ice hazards at municipal buildings.
7. Contractor Management (If Applicable)
- Clear Contracts: Ensure contracts with third-party snow removal services specify response times, priority areas, and compliance with municipal standards.
- Monitoring: Regularly evaluate contractor performance to ensure adherence to the policy and quality standards.
- Insurance: Verify that contractors have adequate liability insurance to cover potential incidents. Utilize your designated Risk Advisor to assist and advise on the appropriate coverages that contractors require to properly protect your municipality.
8. Regular Policy Review and Updates
- Annual Review: Evaluate the snow removal policy annually to incorporate lessons learned, new technologies, or changes in regulations.
- Stakeholder Input: Engage facility managers, maintenance staff, and the public to identify areas for improvement.
- Adapt to Climate Changes: Adjust policies to account for changing winter weather patterns, such as increased freeze-thaw cycles.
Key Considerations
- Liability: Failure to maintain safe premises can result in legal liability under Alberta’s Occupiers’ Liability Act. Regular snow and ice removal reduces the risk of slip-and-fall incidents.
- Budgeting: Allocate sufficient funds for equipment, materials, and labor to ensure consistent snow removal throughout the winter season.
- Emergency Preparedness: Develop contingency plans for extreme weather events, such as blizzards, to ensure critical facilities remain accessible.
Conclusion
A well-defined snow removal policy for Alberta municipal buildings enhances public safety, ensures accessibility, and reduces liability risks. By adopting these best practices, municipalities can maintain safe and functional facilities during winter, fostering community trust and compliance with provincial standards.
For more information please contact: risk@rmainsurance.com