Zurich Risk Engineering Services Corporation

Winter Hazard Control Program

January 16, 2014Bill Enos, Senior Risk Consulting Engineer

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Learning objectives

By the end of this program we hope that you will be able to:

• Understand and list why you need a winter hazard control program

• Explain the major components of the program

• Implement the appropriate and effective elements and techniques of the program

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Cost of Winter Weather

According to the National Weather Service the economic impact of winter weather can range from $3 billion during a normal season to up to $6 billion during a severe winter.

• During the period from 1988 thru 1995, the contribution from winter storms to the total damage estimate of $114 billion was a little over $3 billion. During this same 8-year period winter storms accounted for 372 deaths and 5690 injuries with the bulk of the injuries associated with ice-storms. Associated fatalities were primarily attributed to overexertion.

• The economic effects of winter storms may

be more indirect than the damage-driven effects of weather phenomena such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and hail.

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Are you prepared?

Develop a written program for winter hazards that includes:

• Structures• Parking areas and walkways/stairs• People• Driving • Contractor controls

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Building and Structural Controls

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Building preparedness

Building preparedness generally includes the following areas:

• Roofs

• Utilities – electrical, water, natural gas, etc.

• Sprinkler and HVAC systems

Develop checklists and document actions!

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Building maintenance

Evaluate building exterior in serviceable weather

• Roof coverings and drains/scuppers

• Wall claddings

• Window glazing

• Doors – personnel and service

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Building Inspections - roofs

Conduct formal inspections quarterly looking for:

• Roof drains, gutters, downspouts free of debris• Bottom of downspouts are free and clear to drain• Roof flashing and coping intact and

vents tight• Condition of roof• Roof-mounted equipment properly

anchored and secured

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Roof inspection examples

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Roofs and the risk of collapse

Building snow loads may be exceeded if

• Heavy snow event, repeat snow events, snow followed by rain and ice

• Addition to building where roof is higher than existing structure-potential for drifting

• New rooftop equipment added so dead load is increased-HVAC units, solar panels, antennas/towers

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Roof Inspection Checklist

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Roofs – Removal of snow accumulation

Know your building design snow load!

Monitor each snow event and have a plan for snow removal:• Manual monitoring (weigh a one-foot sample)• Automatic deflection supervision system

When action is needed:• Used trained professionals or qualified persons and provide

them with roof plans• Remove drifted snow first• Prevent damage to roof membrane• DO NOT USE SALT

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Building inspections

Windows:• Broken• Missing• Replace cracked or missing glazing

Doors:• Keep closed• Check seals• Loading dock and personnel doors

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Building heat

• Check all heating systems annually prior to the cold weather season

• Monitor the temperature in unoccupied buildings, spaces

• Maintain adequate supplies of fuel – oil, propane, coal

• Maintain distribution of heat to all building systems subject to freezing:– Fire sprinklers– Domestic hot and cold water– Steam condensate return lines– Process water lines

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Fire protection systems

Maintain adequate heat:• All areas with wet pipe sprinkler systems• Dry valve closets• Fire pump houses or rooms• Fire alarm low temperature sensors

Maintain drains:• Dry pipe system low point drains• Fire department connections• Fire pump header• Fire hydrants• Post indicator valves

• Maintain adequate pressure on the dry pipe systems

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Power sources and equipment

• Make sure emergency generators are fueled and tested

• Check emergency lighting

• Inspect electrical supply lines

• Review emergency equipment shut-down procedures and lockout/tagout procedures

• Back up computer data and keep offsite or in cloud

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Protection of People

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People safety

• Review weather alerts

• Establish or check your internal notification plan

• Educate employees on hypothermia, over-exertion, frost-bite

• Encourage employees to stay home when sick

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Slips, trips and falls

• Snow removal from parking lots and walkways• Review your lease to determine who is responsible• Check ice melt supply• Ensure maintenance of removal equipment• Adequate lighting• Walk-off mats at entrances to buildings

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Slips, trips and falls

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Avoiding slips, trips and falls

How do I walk safely on snow and ice?

• Always observe your surroundings. This applies when parking your car, walking to and from your car, as well as walking to and from work. Take note of walking distances and surface conditions before you park your car. If possible, plan your route and allow sufficient time to reach your destination.

• Do not hurry and jump out of your car. Swing both legs around and position yourself with both legs squarely in front of you with feet properly positioned on the ground (avoiding ice if possible). Support your arms by holding onto the vehicle, and then carefully stand up.

• Before you take a step, take a deep breath and relax. Bend and relax your knees, walk slowly, and take small steps to maintain your center of balance over your feet.

• Walk carefully, anticipate the possibility of falling, and never run or hurry on icy walkways. Walking slowly will help you to react quickly to a change in traction if needed.

• Keep your eyes focused on where you are going and plan your next steps and moves.

• To help your balance, keep your hands at your sides and not in your pockets.

• If handrails or railings are available, use them, but be sure to wear your gloves to help protect from the elements and assist with your gripping ability.

• Avoid carrying big or bulky items and try never to carry heavy boxes or items on stairways when in slippery, wet or icy conditions. If you need to carry items, try to keep one hand free to hold onto railings. Also, try to make sure your vision is not obstructed.

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Contractor and Vehicle Controls

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Contractor controls

• Review contracts for insurance requirements– WC, GL, Auto

• Check for up-to-date certificates of insurance with minimum limits

• Review contract details• Pre-select contractors• Check references

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Winter driving safety

• Maintain vehicles• Winterize vehicles• Inspect vehicles pre- and post-trip:

– Windshield wipers and fluid– Lights– Brakes– Tires– Belts and hoses– Battery, cables and clamps– Anti-freeze– Oil

• Keep vehicle adequately fueled – 1/2• Keep emergency supplies in vehicle• Review winter driving safety

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Vehicle inspection checklist

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Emergency vehicles supplies

Emergency items should be kept in each vehicle:

• Rain gear and extra clothing (including mittens, gloves, hats and socks)

• A fully charged cell phone, flashlights with extra batteries• A small sack of sand (for traction)• A snow shovel• A brightly colored cloth to use as a flag (if needed)• Bottled water• Food such as a box of crackers

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Other helpful winter resources

• www.zurichna.com• www.weather.gov• www.theweathernetwork.com (Canada)• www.meteoalarm.eu (Europe)• www.noaa.gov• Local television and radio• NOAA weather radios• National weather service

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Summary

• Do not let the winter weather negatively impact your bottom line

• Review all business continuity plans

• Contact your local Zurich Risk Engineering Consultant or BB&T office for assistance in your preparation efforts

Your success is our success!

Questions/comments

Thank you! © 2014 Zurich Services Corporation. All rights reserved. The information in this publication and presentation was compiled by Zurich Services Corporation from sources believed to be reliable. Further, all

sample policies and procedures herein should serve as a guideline which you can use to create your own policies and procedures. We trust that you will customize these samples to reflect your own operations and believe that these samples may serve as a helpful platform for this endeavor. Any and all information contained herein is not intended to constitute legal advice and accordingly, you should consult with your own attorneys when developing programs and policies. We do not guarantee the accuracy of this information or any results and further assume no liability in connection with this publication and presentation and sample policies and procedures, including any information, methods or safety suggestions contained herein. Moreover, Zurich Services Corporation reminds you that this cannot be assumed to contain every acceptable safety and compliance procedure or that additional procedures might not be appropriate under the circumstances. The subject matter of this publication and presentation is not tied to any specific insurance product nor will adopting these policies and procedures ensure coverage under any insurance policy.