Commercial property safety concerns are one of the key reasons that maintenance is required. All year round people will visit your commercial property; residents, clients, patients or customers as well as employees, and visitors. You need to do everything you can to keep your property safe, especially during the colder months.
Alberta autumn months are ideal for preparing your commercial property
Ideally, in the autumn you have your landscape management team perform an outside safety check; which includes:
- sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots to identify any issues that could pose problems when snow and ice accumulate
- downspouts and drainage should be looked at after a rainfall to confirm that no water is pooling which will turn into ice when temperatures are cold enough.
- irrigation system(s) need to be winterized
Winter brings with it less light and more hours of darkness. Make sure the outdoor lighting to high-traffic areas of your property; especially the main entrances, walkways, stairs, and parking lots are well lit.
A September or October inspection will give you time to make any needed repairs.
Now winter has arrived, commercial property safety is paramount!
SNOW REMOVAL
While it is nice to hire the neighbour’s son to clean your home driveway, snow removal for commercial property is best done by qualified professionals who have the training, insurance, and equipment. After a winter storm, you want your parking lot, sidewalks and stairs cleaned quickly and thoroughly so your business is up and running.
MATS
Often overlooked is the importance of investing in good commercial grade mats for the outside and inside entrances and exits. The mats should provide traction and be rubber underneath to avoid slipping.
SALT AND SAND
Don’t stop at snow removal because ice buildup can be costly and dangerous. Untreated it will thicken as the cold temperatures continue so salt and sand walkways, parking lots, common areas, and steps. De-icing should be part of the winter services package offered by your maintenance company.
Proper winter maintenance is not where you should cut corners, the consequences can be serious and costly. Also to be considered, when your property is plowed and maintained it says a lot about your business and dedication to it’s well-being.
Do you operate a school, shopping center, medical building or other commercial property? Contact us to find out about year-round property maintenance plans that meet your needs and annual budget.
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