CBIZ INNKEEPERS INSURANCE BLOG

Insights and tips on how to protect your inn or bed & breakfast, giving you and your guests peace of mind.

Ward, Hayden
/ Categories: BLOG Articles

How To Properly De-Ice Your Inn

De-icing Inn

Keeping outdoor walking surfaces clear of ice in the winter is a crucial practice at many inns. Not only does ice removal offer aesthetic benefits, but it can also help keep you, your coworkers and your guests protected from the risk of slips and trips on-site.

Here’s how you can achieve effective and safe de-icing and snow removal measures at your inn this winter.

Ice Removal Best Practices for Innkeepers

Utilize the following guidance to ensure proper ice removal procedures on your property:

Use the right mixture. The most effective method for de-icing an outdoor walking surface is by applying a chemical mixture throughout the area to either melt ice that already exists or prevent ice from forming. This mixture typically includes rock salt (sodium chloride), magnesium chloride pellets or calcium chloride pellets. Make sure to use the correct mixture for the conditions at hand. Rock salt is most effective in temperatures above 5°F.

Consider incorporating sand into your mixture before applying it. Doing so will help limit the amount of mixture that you use and allow for extra traction, thus minimizing the risk of slips and trips.

Watch the weather. Keep an eye on the weather forecast to determine when you need to apply the de-icing mixture to outdoor walking surfaces. It should be applied when temperatures are below freezing or if conditions such as snow, hail or sleet are possible.

Apply the mixture correctly. Make sure you apply the de-icing mixture in thin, even layers across outdoor walking surfaces. Try to apply one layer before conditions occur, one or more layers while these conditions are taking place and a final layer after conditions have passed. Keep in mind that if there’s snow on a surface, it will need to be shoveled before you apply the de-icing mixture. Simplify the de-icing process by shoveling snow after every few inches of accumulation rather than once it’s piled up.

Protect your hands. Keep your hands properly protected when applying the de-icing mixture by wearing thick mittens and using a scoop to distribute the mixture.

Eliminate excess materials. When temperatures warm up and the de-icing mixture is no longer necessary, be sure to properly dispose of any remaining mixture left on outdoor walking surfaces. Leaving excess mixture on a surface when it isn’t needed could end up creating, rather than removing, slip and trip hazards, as well as potentially damaging the surface itself.

Operating Snow Removal Machinery at Your Inn

When winter arrives and brings snowy conditions, routinely clear your parking lot, driveway and any other areas surrounding your property of snowfall. That’s where equipment such as a snow blower or snowplow can help.

However, while using such equipment allows you to clear snow promptly, there are also numerous safety risks to keep in mind.

Before You Begin

  • Read the equipment’s operating manual.
  • Look for items hidden in the snow that you wouldn’t want to hit or run over.
  • Make sure the area is clear of people.

When Using a Snow Blower

  • Be aware of where you’re aiming the chute.
  • Never blow snow toward people or cars.
  • Do not override automatic shutoff features.
  • Operate the blower at a speed no faster than a walk.
  • Never reach into the blower shoot with your hands for any reason, even if the machine is off.

When Using a Snowplow

  • When beginning a pass, always start moving and then drop the plow blade.
  • Begin to stop as you approach the end of your pass.
  • Raise the plow blade before moving into position to make another pass.
  • Always turn around and look while driving in reverse.

It’s SNOW Problem with CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance

Adhering to the best practices for snow removal and de-icing at your inn can prevent costly winter-related insurance claims. For more business safety guidance and innkeeper insurance solutions, connect with a member of our team.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. In an actual claim situation, coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

Print
3445 Rate this article:
No rating

Leave a comment

This form collects your name, email, IP address and content so that we can keep track of the comments placed on the website. For more info check our Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use where you will get more info on where, how and why we store your data.
Add comment

Theme picker

CBIZ_Innkeepers-Insurance-Program_logo

 

885.945.5221 | innkeepers@cbiz.com 

700 W 47th Street, Suite 1100 |
Kansas City, MO 64112 

Monday - Friday | 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. (CST)

ABOUT US

CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance, a division of CBIZ Insurance Services, Inc., is the largest insurer of innkeeper businesses in the United States. As part of an $850 million New York Stock Exchange traded company (CBZ), we developed a specific policy coverage to meet the needs for inns and bed & breakfasts, and the amenities offered by these businesses. Our policy is underwritten by an A.M. Best Rated A++ (Superior) company.

The CBIZ Innkeepers Insurance team knows insurance, specifically the risks and exposures related to beds & breakfasts. We won't confuse you with technical "insurance speak" — our representatives will explain your coverage in simple terms. With hands-on, personal customer service, we guarantee swift communication. As specialists in the industry, we leverage our knowledge and passion to ensure you and your inn are protected.

EXPLORE

COVERAGE
BLOG
ABOUT US
CONTACT US

FREE CONSULTATION

PROUD MEMBER OF

Association of Lodging Professionals Logo.

EXCLUSIVELY ENDORSED BY

Select Registry Endorsement logo.