Winter Maintenance and Gritting

Policy statement

It is the policy of St. George’s, University of London to attempt to maintain safe pathways and pedestrian walkways and surfaces at all times, as far as available resources permit. This document sets out the SGUL policy and provides additional information where available.

The objective of St. George’s, University of London is to initiate and manage procedures for dealing with severe weather situations, enabling as far as reasonably possible, the safe movement of staff, students, visitors and members of the general public throughout the premises for which SGUL has responsibility.

At times of predicted low temperatures the university aims to provide a winter maintenance plan enabling, as far as reasonably possible, the safe passage of people on all pathways and hard surfaces across the main campus and halls of residence.

The university has agreed that it will be the responsibility of the following to conduct a daily inspection of all pathways and hard surfaces throughout the winter months and in times of hazard. This will commence on the 1^st November and will continue until the last day of March.

Pre-salting and snow clearance of the SGUL pedestrian routes will be carried out based upon information received from the weather forecasting service and as a result of daily site inspection outcomes. In certain circumstances it may be necessary to apply more grit after the formation of icy patches due to unforeseen circumstances such as a further drop in temperature.

When snow falls and accumulates on outdoor surfaces, shovels and other appropriate tools will be used to clear the pathways and hard surfaces and grit will be spread to help melt the snow and prevent ice forming.

Pathways and hard surfaces will be cleared of snow and icy areas will be gritted in descending order of priority, until such time as all such areas are cleared or gritted. Then, if other areas are physically blocked or particularly hazardous, further action will be taken.

St. George’s, University of London, is not usually affected by long periods of extreme weather conditions and consequently resources are only provided to deal with conditions that might reasonably be expected. In the event of prolonged periods of severe weather, the procedures will need to be reviewed by the Estates & Facilities management team. Where there are continuous potential hazards in severe weather then the Estates & Facilities management team will take further action and consider activation of the SGUL Crisis Management Plan.

For full details of the Local Authority’s Gritting Responsibilities, please visit Wandsworth Council’s website.