Staples Advantage offers tips and tricks to prepare for winter woes

by Ann Withanee — November 4, 2011—The problems of winter arrived early all along the U.S. eastern seacoast this past October, and many facilities managers and their maintenance crews were caught short as employees stumbled over slush and snow and buildings showed the damaging effects of the surprise storm. Aware of winter’s potential havoc on facilities, Staples Advantage points out the possible risk of slips and falls to building occupants and cautions about the damaging effects that salt and sand have on flooring.

Through its facilities solutions division, Staples Advantage offers these proactive tips to stay ahead of the harsh impact of winter:

• Prevent slips and falls: One of the biggest concerns in winter for building occupants is falling on icy walkways. Deicers keep snow from sticking to the ground and increase the surface temperature enough to prevent ice from forming. Facilities managers can apply these in anticipation of each storm to keep people safe from injury.
  
• Protect surface areas inside and out: Consider the impact deicing agents may have on walkways, carpeting, floors and even the plants around the building. Careful use of ice melt products can minimize damage to these surfaces. Also, consider installing quality, absorbent floor mats to help keep ice melt residue from being tracked into the building.
  
• Evaluate winter maintenance costs: The salt and urea-based ice melt products available range in effectiveness and cost. Take for example rock salt, which is the most common and the least expensive. However, it can be slow to melt and harmful to vegetation alongside walkways. Since labor is the biggest cost of winter maintenance, make product effectiveness a primary consideration. Factor in product availability and disposal costs, and order winter maintenance products well in advance to ensure best selection and price.