In the event of any severe winter weather being forecast, please ensure you check the University’s homepage and/or the portal for announcements about any disruption to University operations/services.
Our facilities teams will be working hard to keep the campuses open, with priority being given to building entrances, steps, ramps and key pedestrian routes. However, the arrival of ice and snow does present health and safety risks as the potential for slips, trips and falls increases significantly.
So, please do take extra care when on campus and be aware that the application of grit to pathways and roads does not immediately guarantee areas are free from ice/snow as it does not work instantly; it needs sufficient time to dissolve into the moisture on the surface. Furthermore, in severely cold weather (below -8 degrees Celsius) salt will not prevent roads and paths from icing up.
All staff and students are therefore reminded to :
- Keep to the designated walkways around campuses as these will have been salted or treated for ice
- Wear sensible footwear with lots of grip
- Take smaller steps when walking in winter conditions and walk slowly
- Keep your hands free and use them for balance. Don’t keep them inside your pockets
- Get rid of distractions when walking. Put your phone away and try not to carry big loads.
Some people may choose to drive to work, particularly when transport strikes take place It is safer not to drive in heavy snow and icy conditions. But, if you must drive, keep yourself and others safe by:
- Planning your route – in particular check for delays and road closures (your journey is likely to take longer)
- Checking your car before setting off – check your wipers, tyres and screen wash
- Packing essentials, such as an ice scraper/de-icer, a phone & charger, warm clothes, high visibility clothing (to be worn should you break down), food and drink, jump leads and/or an empty fuel can
- Maintaining a safe steady speed whilst driving and allowing plenty of distance between yourself and other vehicles.
To report any hazardous conditions on site, please raise a ticket via the FM helpdesk, so we can take steps to address any areas of concern at the earliest opportunity.
To report any Health & Safety incidents or near misses, please raise a report via the University Incident reporting system.
