Gritting in cold weather
As we approach the winter months and the weather gets colder, the risk of snow and ice increases. These conditions can present a risk to both our colleagues and our customers, and so we have a gritting procedure to outline our responsibilities and what you can expect from us.
Gritting pathways and roads can stop ice from forming, and cause existing snow and ice to melt.
Our responsibilities
Supported housing schemes
At supported housing schemes where offices are located or where there is a permanent colleague presence on the scheme and where facilities are provided, colleagues who are able to do so may spread grit around the main entrance of the scheme up to a vehicle pick up or drop off point only, and if necessary or where warranted, along a main communal footpath or walkway (but not public highway) through the scheme. Speak to your Scheme Manager for more information.
Affordable and social housing schemes
We will not generally grit general needs schemes or street schemes unless a specific risk has been identified which places customers at a significant risk due to vulnerability or mobility impairment. Please contact us if you this applies to you.
Care and support services
The role of colleagues is to take reasonable care of themselves and others. The same principal apply for access and egress points. For anywhere else, the local risk assessment will state who will grit and where based on customer needs. Speak to your Project Manager for more information.
Where we will not grit
We will not perform gritting on the public highway (roads), public footpaths not owned or controlled by NCHA, customers footpaths between a communal walkway and their front door (unless a specific risk is identified and this forms part of the customers support plan/package), and other areas not under our control.
We will also not grit in general areas where a grit bin is located for customers or the general public to use on the public highway, although we may maintain the grit bin and keep it filled with grit.
When to grit
Unfortunately is not possible for NCHA to perform a pro-active gritting service due to the dispersed nature of our schemes and offices.
Where colleagues or customer are performing gritting, in most cases it should be done at the beginning of the day with the aim to provide the safest system for access and egress to the building.
Depending upon the temperature and weather conditions, gritting may need to be repeated on a day to day basis, especially if it has rained between days, or thawing has caused the previous grit to dissolve or disperse.
Gritting should be carried out when frost, ice or snow is forecast or when walkways are likely to be damp or wet and the floor temperatures are at, or below freezing.
Remember that the best way to avoid slips, trips and falls during snow and icy weather is to stay indoors unless it is absolutely necessary to go outside.
