Download the Hammersmith snow clearance priority map [PDF, 294KB]

Contact us

For more information contact the Building Manager, Darsi Wickham +44 (0)20 7594 8946; Mobile: +44 (0) 7725 159809

Planning and responsibilities

Supplies and clearance

From 1 November five day weather and 24 hour forecasts will be observed by the Building Manager. Although forecasts cannot be relied upon for accuracy, this will assist in planning for necessary clearance when snow or below zero temperatures are forecast.

The Building Manager will take responsibility for ensuring that sufficient essential supplies are held on the premises (please see below), they will undertake a stock check in advance of the onset of each winter, in early October. Orders for supplies will be placed by the Building Manager with the Soft Services team. Supplies will be replenished as necessary, subject to availability. Please note that orders for supplies may be subject to cancellation without notice due to diversion to Highways Agency regions if the Government deems this to be the main priority.

The Maintenance Team will be responsible for clearance of snow and ice at building entrances. This task will take precedence over most other activity planned for those days when snow or ice is on the ground.

Contingency arrangements

In extreme weather conditions it may not be possible to undertake clearance of snow and ice from all areas detailed in this policy as staff may be unable to get to work. If snow fall occurs during periods when designated staff are unavailable for clearance (ie. on weekends), Security will assist with clearance of priority areas where possible.

Signage

Appropriate signage will be put out by the Cleaning staff at the front and rear car parks at Burlington Danes.

Areas to be cleared

Areas to be cleared are shown on map 'Snow Clearance Priority- Hammersmith'. These areas will be prioritised and scheduled according to the number of designated staff available to carry out the task and according to the amount of resources available. Areas will include main entrances and steps leading into all campus buildings, ensuring sufficient cleared area to accommodate wheelchairs. The NHS Trust is responsible for clearing the remainder of the site. The Public rights of way will not be cleared (see comments under ‘Liability’ above).

Training in the correct procedures to do this safely will be given following consultation with the Health and Safety Manager.

Equipment and supplies

The Hammersmith site will be equipped with:

  • 1 x Salt spreader
  • 1 x Pallet Ice melt with scoops
  • 1 x Pallet Rock salt
  • 3 x Shovels
  • Appropriate protective clothing for staff.
  • 2 x Appropriate signs ie. ‘Take Extra Care, Slippery Surface’ to be stored in cleaning cupboard at Burlington Danes.

Method of clearance

Clearing and Gritting

  • Remove snow using shovel. Brooms will not be used as they cause surfaces to become slippery and neither will hot water be applied as it can refreeze and increase the hazard.
  • Apply rock salt, or equivalent, to melt any remaining traces of ice. This should be applied sparingly near to entrances as it can be corrosive to the fabric of buildings.
  • If further snow falls, then pathways will be re-cleared and re-salted.

Student, staff and visitor responsibilities

Staff, students and visitors also have a responsibility to be careful themselves, for example by wearing appropriate footwear, taking care when walking in wintry conditions, keeping to cleared pathways and avoiding areas which have been indicated as particularly hazardous.