From constant freeze-thaw cycles to frequent snowfall, winter weather can put a lot of strain on a building. And your warehouse is no exception to this rule. Observing the following safety protocols will help to ensure that your storehouse is better prepared for the colder times ahead.
Prepare the Loading Dock
Nothing would be worse for your business than an inoperable loading dock. Ensure that the driveway to the dock is free of snow and ice. This can be achieved by regular plowing and salting.
If your loading dock does not have roll-up doors that can operate at high speeds, consider installing them to keep winter precipitation out of the warehouse. The doors you currently have should be resistant to inclement weather conditions no matter what kind they are. If this is not the case, they should be promptly replaced.
Enhance Visual Perceptibility of Important Areas
Pavement markings that have faded in the warmer months should be touched up before winter arrives. This will help keep drivers and warehouse workers safe by providing them with clear directions, even in wintry conditions. Essential areas of your warehouse should be well-illuminated to increase the visibility of these markings.
Clean Your Roof
In normal winter conditions, your warehouse’s roof should be able to handle snow, sleet, and hail. However, in extraordinary circumstances, the accumulation of such precipitation can become a structural hazard. If your warehouse is situated in an area that receives a lot of snowfall, consider installing a building monitoring system to warn you if the weight is becoming too much for your roof to handle.
Hire a professional roofer to remove debris from your roof and drainage pipes in autumn. Empty gutters and downspouts will direct meltwater away from the roof during thaw periods, decreasing the chances of collapse. If any trees or branches pose a risk of falling onto the roof, have a tree service remove them during the summer or autumn seasons.
Keep the Interior Warm
Keeping the inside of your warehouse warm will help your workers stay healthy and prevent heavy machinery from becoming damaged by cold weather. Place commercial heaters in areas that require extra heating and distribute heat-dispersing fans throughout the warehouse to promote temperature consistency within the building.
Winter can create a plethora of safety hazards and structural problems in a warehouse setting. Fortunately, preparing for the season can mitigate and even prevent issues that could lead to disastrous consequences if left unchecked.
