Winter weather can be unpredictable and pose safety hazards to everyone using your property. Slip and fall accidents are common, particularly in areas where winter weather is a regular and often unpredictable occurrence, like Edmonton. These incidents can cause significant liability issues, leading to potentially expensive lawsuits. However, there are ways to prevent these incidents from happening. One effective solution is renting or purchasing a winter grit bin.
What is a Winter Grit Bin?
A winter grit bin is a container designed to store materials that provide traction on icy surfaces. These materials are usually gravel, salt, or sand. When spread on icy surfaces, they create a rough surface that provides better traction for pedestrians and vehicles. Winter grit bins come in different sizes and materials, so choosing the right one for your property is essential.
Gravel is a popular material used in winter grit bins because it provides excellent traction and doesn’t melt like salt or sand. However, it can be heavy to handle and challenging to spread evenly. Salt is another popular material, as it melts ice and snow quickly, making it an excellent choice for areas with high foot traffic. However, salt can harm plants and animals, and it’s not recommended for use near bodies of water or properties that use well water. Sand is an excellent alternative to salt because it doesn’t melt ice, but it provides excellent traction. It’s also environmentally friendly and won’t harm plants or animals, or corrupt the integrity of well water.
Benefits of Renting or Purchasing a Winter Grit Bin
The benefits of renting or purchasing a winter grit bin are numerous. First and foremost, it’s an affordable way to maintain the safety of your property, especially when compared to the costs associated with lawsuits and potential liabilities. Furthermore, it provides peace of mind knowing that you have a quick and easy solution on hand to handle any winter weather conditions.
Renting a winter grit bin is an excellent option for those who don’t have the space or budget to purchase one outright. Depending on your needs, rental options are available for short- or long-term use. Additionally, renting a winter grit bin means you don’t have to worry about storage or maintenance, as the rental company usually handles these tasks.
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Purchasing a winter grit bin is an excellent option for those who have the space and budget to do so. A purchased bin can last many years with proper maintenance, making it a cost-effective investment in your property’s safety. As well, owning a winter grit bin means you have complete control over its contents, allowing you to choose the materials that work best for your property.
Choose the Right Winter Grit Bin for Your Property
Several things must be considered when choosing a winter grit bin for your property. These include size, material, and storage capacity. You’ll also need to consider how much winter weather your property typically experiences and how frequently the bin will need to be refilled.
Size is an essential factor to consider when choosing a winter grit bin. The size of the bin will depend on the size of your property and the amount of foot traffic it receives. A larger property with high foot traffic will require a larger bin than a smaller property with low foot traffic.
Lastly, you’ll need to consider how much winter weather your property typically experiences and how frequently the bin will need to be refilled. For example, if your property experiences heavy snow and ice, you may need to refill the bin often. On the other hand, if your property experiences mild winter weather, you may only need to refill the bin occasionally.
How to Use a Winter Grit Bin
Once you’ve chosen the right winter grit bin for your property, you’ll need to know how to use it effectively and safely. Using a winter grit bin is relatively straightforward, but following the instructions carefully is important to ensure the best results.
Step 1: Fill the Bin
Firstly, you’ll need to fill the bin with the appropriate grit material, whether it’s salt, sand, or gravel. Ensure that you have enough grit material to cover the areas you need to treat adequately.
Step 2: Store the Bin Properly
You’ll need to store your bin in a dry and sheltered location, away from any sources of moisture, such as rain or snow. Moisture can cause the grit material to clump and become less effective. Proper storage will also help prolong the life of the bin, ensuring that it’s ready for use when needed.
Step 3: Apply the Grit
When it’s time to use the winter grit bin, you should start by clearing any snow or ice from the areas you want to treat. Then, spread the grit material evenly over the surface, using a shovel or scoop. Be sure to apply the grit material sparingly, as too much can be wasteful and less effective.
Step 4: Be Safe
Be sure to wear protective gloves and eyewear when handling the grit material, as it can be abrasive and harmful to the skin and eyes. Also, avoid inhaling the grit material, as it can irritate the lungs and airways.
Step 5: Store the Bin Safely
After you’ve used the winter grit bin, be sure to store it safely and securely. Empty any remaining grit material and clean the bin thoroughly before storing it in a dry and sheltered location.
Proper handling and storage of winter grit materials are also crucial for maintaining their effectiveness and safety. Keep the grit material in a dry and covered area to prevent moisture damage, and keep it away from any flammable materials, as some grit materials can be combustible. It’s also essential to dispose of any excess grit material properly, as it can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of correctly.
Renting or purchasing a winter grit bin is an affordable and effective way to maintain the safety of your property during the winter months. A winter grit bin provides peace of mind knowing that you have a quick and easy solution to handle any winter weather conditions. When choosing a winter grit bin, consider the size, material, and storage capacity, and how much winter weather your property typically experiences.
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