Prepare A Commercial Snow Removal Plan
If you own a retail business that is located in a region that frequently experiences heavy snowstorms, it is important to set up a commercial snow removal plan. This type of plan should involve preparing paved surfaces, plus marking properties that will ultimately be covered with snow.
Potential Hazards
- wheel stops (parking barriers)
- shopping carts
- damaged pavement
- waste receptacles
- branches
- rocks
Clean It Up
A disorganized parking lot can become hazardous after snow has fallen. It can also impede a snow plow operator's ability to remove snow from pavement in a timely manner. If a plow operator isn't aware of the location of loose items or fixtures, their plow may strike these objects during an active plowing session.
Before the first snowstorm of the season occurs, clean up your parking lot. Remove large pieces of debris. Reserve an area for carts to be stored while a snowstorm is underway. Consider having paved surfaces professionally cleaned and resealed.
These basic steps will ensure that a plow will be able to move along the pavement in straight lines, efficiently removing snow that it comes into contact with.
Have Repairs Made
Gaps and holes in an asphalt parking lot could damage a plow. Damaged parts of asphalt could become much more prominent in size if a plow blade strikes the damaged pavement at a sharp angle.
Hire a paving contractor to inspect and repair damaged pavement. Filling agents and resurfacing tools can be used to provide pavement with a level surface.
If any of the wheel stops or walkways that are on your property are also in need of repairs, a paving contractor can assist with upgrading each paved surface.
Mark The Property
Marking permanent fixtures on your property will notify the plow operator of their presence. Reflective driveway stakes are narrow markers that can easily be inserted in snowbanks. These types of markers will clearly identify where curbs, wheel stops, and other fixtures are located.
Purchase a group of markers before the first snowfall. Once several inches of snow has fallen, use the markers to indicate where the edge of a fixture is located. The reflectors that are affixed to the driveway stakes will ensure that the plow operator will clearly be able to see the stakes if they will be removing snow from your property at night.
Once the plow operator spots a stake on your property, they will take measures to avoid plowing close to the snow-covered area that contains the stake.
For more info about commercial snow removal, contact a local company.