4site Consulting give you their top tips for winter health and safety.

With the unpredictably nature of our weather the possibility that extreme weather conditions could cause serious damage to your properties is ever present over the winter months. As such we have some advice below, to help your property to remain protected and safe from the elements over the coming months.

Remember, winter damage can lead to unexpected costs and hassle with the possibility that insurance claims are questioned where proper maintenance hasn’t been carried out. In addition, there is the potential cost of legal action and compensation claims in the event of Health and Safety failing.

Roofs

• If there is a heavy fall of snow, bear in mind that the accumulated weight could cause damage, especially to a flat roof. Also, bear in mind when temperatures rise and the snow starts to melt, there is the possibility of further damage from flooding.
• Following a very heavy snowfall, every effort should be made to remove snow build up on and around the property. Removing snow from a roof should only be done if considered necessary and only by an approved contractor due to the risks of working at height.

Water

• Leaking overflows, leaking outside taps, blocked guttering, and downpipes liable to freezing should be repaired as a matter of urgency before the cold weather starts. Any water should be cleared up before it turns to ice and causes a slip hazard.

Cold Water Storage Tanks

• If you have a cold-water storage tank in the loft or on the roof make sure the area the tank is located and the tank itself are insulated against the cold. If the water freezes it will expand which could cause the tank or pipework’s to split, and when it thaws, lead to flooding. 
• Heat rises, so if you have a loft containing pipes and tanks, consider opening the hatch and letting warm air in from other parts of the property to help prevent pipes from freezing.

Pipes

• Where possible, insulate external pipes and unheated internal areas (such as in the loft or roof) so that they don’t freeze.
• If your pipes freeze within the property, warm them with a hairdryer. Start at the frozen tap end or the valve and work along until the water starts to flow.
• Alternatively, put a hot water bottle over the pipe or soak flannels or towels in hot water and wrap them around the pipe. Never use a blowtorch or naked flame.

Taps

• It is important to know where the stop tap or stopcock is located for each flat and the block as you may need to turn the water off quickly to minimise damage to your property if a problem occurs.
• Consider turning off external taps at the stop tap, ensuring all the water is drained from their pipes to prevent infrequently used outlets from freezing and bursting.

Pathways and drives

• Salt and grit can help reduce and clear snow and ice from pathways and drives. Ensure equipment such as snow shovels, salt and grit is available around properties for use during cold periods.
• Try clearing snow early in the day – it’s easier to move fresh, loose snow.
• Don’t use water – it will likely freeze and turn to black ice, causing a serious slip hazard. 
• Consider restricting car washing on managed roads and drives during cold periods.
• Think about providing information to all tenants on the risks of slippery steps and pathways during extremely cold periods. If necessary, apply warning signage internally and externally to remind people to take care.

Are there any legal restrictions on clearing snow?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has debunked the myth that health and safety regulations prevent people from clearing snow. As part of the HSE Myth Busting Panel, which I have had the privilege of sitting on since 2012, Dame Judith Hackitt, the then Chair of the HSE made the situation clear in the following statement:

Anyone can clear ice and snow from public spaces, so don’t be put off because you’re afraid someone will get injured. Remember, people walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to themselves to be careful.

Health and safety legislation is designed to protect people where there is a genuine danger that someone could be killed or seriously injured, not to stop people from getting on with their lives and certainly not to stop people from reducing the risk for themselves and others by clearing snow and ice.

There are no health and safety regulations that prevent people from clearing snow at their home, their business or at their neighbours’ homes, despite newspaper stories in previous winters to the contrary. You can clear ice and snow from footpaths and pavements but always be careful that you don’t put yourself in danger. The government has put together guidance so people are aware of the facts, including practical tips online for anyone clearing snow at https://www.gov.uk/clear-snow-road-path-cycleway.