University of Texas at Arlington
Tier2-4: Snow and Ice Removal

POLICY

GROUNDS MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
For
DE-ICING CAMPUS

SUPPLIES:

(1) The Grounds Maintenance Department keeps about 500 lbs. of De-Icing Compound on hand in the Grounds Maintenance Warehouse. If the need arises to order more during a storm, it usually is delivered the next day. The use of chemicals should be limited to major building entrances, steps and handicapped ramps because of the danger of damaging concrete surfaces with the compound. It is especially harmful to aggregate surfaces. The De-Icing compound works well if the ice is fairly thin, the temperature is not below about 25°F, and the sun is shining or at least day light. In the darkness, it usually just melts little holes in the ice that will then just re-freeze. A bucket of De-Icer and sand are kept at ARRI (Automation and Robotics Research Institute), ARDC (Arlington Regional Data Center) and the Santa Fe building, for the Building Attendant to apply.

(2) Bagged sand and bulk sand are kept on hand. One utility scooter is equipped with a sand-spreading attachment. Cyclone fertilizer spreaders are also used to spread sand. The sand is used mainly on aggregate sidewalks in spots that have historically been problem areas, mostly in shady spots. These include the North side of the Life Science Building (where the aggregate walks had to be re-surfaced due to damage from De-Icing compound), the mall area between Ransom Hall and the University Center, the front entrance and steps at the Library and others. Sand is also to be spread on the “sharp” curve at the intersection of West Nedderman and South Nedderman in the SW corner of the Davis hall parking lot.

(3) For the Pedestrian Bridges over Cooper Street, rubber non-slip safety matting has been purchased to roll out over the top of the ice on the bridges. Two (2) lanes 3ft wide for a total width of 6ft is to be laid on each of the three bridges. The bridge on Mitchell Street can be treated with De-Icing compound. However, use of this chemical is not to be used on the Cooper Street bridges as it will cause deterioration of the metal support structure as well as damage to vehicles passing below. The rubber matting is to be stored in the equipment rooms below each bridge. Each roll is a maximum length of approximately 32 ft. At this length, the roll weighs approximately 125 lbs. This is light enough for two people to safely carry over ice.

(4) De-Icing maps are kept on hand ready to be used on the campus. These maps show priority areas for De-Icing. (See sample attached). The estimated time to completely De-Ice the campus is two hours using 12 – 15 people.

PROCEDURES:

(1) When the weather forecast predicts an accumulation of ice or snow, two (2) pickup trucks and the sanding scooter are to be parked inside the bay at the Grounds Maintenance Warehouse where they are to be loaded with chemicals, sand, shovels and gloves.

POLICY – De-Icing Campus
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(2) A current list of employees and their phone numbers is kept on hand. Everyone is briefed on procedures and the use of chemicals, supplies and equipment, and is provided with a De-Icing map of the campus. Several Grounds Keepers that live near the campus are alerted to be ready to respond quickly, if they are phoned early in the morning.

(3) If the weather forecasters’ predict a very good chance of
freezing rain, ice or snow, people are asked, in advance, to report at 6:00am. If the ice event does not happen, these people resume their normal duties.

(4) The Grounds Supervisor will check the weather conditions from his home starting around 5:00 a.m. Depending on the severity of the accumulation, if there is only a small amount of patchy ice or snow that, in their judgment, would not be severe enough to close the University, they will phone a small crew to arrive on campus around 6:00 a.m. De-Icing compound does not work well before daylight and often re-freezes if applied before daylight.

(5) If there is a heavier accumulation, the inclement weather number is called for the announcement of whether the University will be open or closed. Usually the announcement is made by 6:00 a.m., which allows time to call in a crew to start De-Icing procedures around 6:30 a.m. if the University were to open.
If the University has a delayed opening the entire Grounds Staff
reports to work two hours before the University opens.

(6) As the De-Icing procedures start, first priority is to be given to the Student Health Center, the slippery tile steps at the Nursing Building and the pedestrian bridges. Then complete the areas marked on the De-Icing map. After that, give special attention to problem areas that have been noticed. Then go back and start scraping ice off of steps, etc with shovels, if necessary. Respond to calls from the Campus Police and others. Barricades are to be placed at all entrances to the handicapped ramps at the center bridge over Cooper Street due to the steep grade. Place barricades at the walk-over connection between Ransom, Carlisle and Preston Halls. The De-Icing compound has, historically not worked well there because the area is shaded from sunlight and the walk-over remains slippery.

(7) During the day, when the forecast predicts freezing temperatures for the night, clear away water on walking surfaces that would re-freeze if it were left standing.

(8) If an announcement is made to close the campus on a regular class and work day, someone is to be sent as close to 8:00 a.m. as possible to check the greenhouse, water the plants and apply some De-Icer at the Student Health Center and at the Campus Police Station

(9) After the inclement weather has improved and temperatures are to remain above freezing, sweep and wash the sand and the De-Icing compound off of the concrete areas. Roll up the rubber matting on the bridges and put it back in the storage areas. Re-order De-Icing compound and sand to replenish the stock.