Appendix 5
Communities, Parish and Town Assistance Salt Bag
Scheme
During the winter months Herts County Council is required to focus its gritting
resources on keeping the major roads in the county clear. In periods of
severe weather is not possible for us to get gritters out to all minor roads or
pavements in residential areas.
Our salt bag scheme has been launched to support local communities to help
themselves in areas which fall outside of our normal gritting network.
Participating Parish and Town councils can receive one tonne of salt
(delivered in 25kg sealed bags or 850 kg Grab hippo type bags). For those
parts of the county without a town or parish council, local community groups
who would be willing to support this initiative may contact us for a delivery of
bagged salt.
The guides on this page have been produced to help volunteers to clear
snow and spread salt safely and effectively. This information will also be
useful for any residents who wish to take action to clear their local
pavements and pathways. Contrary to popular myth, there is no law stopping
you from doing this, providing you take a careful and common sense
approach.
The links listed 'In this area' will provide you with further information and
guidance.
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
Winter maintenance letter of agreement (MS Word 36KB)
Winter Salt Bag scheme. Risk Assessment form (MS Word 83KB)
WINTER MAINTENANCE LETTER OF AGREEMENT
This letter is intended to set out the terms that have been agreed between
District/Borough/Parish Councils in respect of the support that your Council has
agreed to give to Hertfordshire County Council/Hertfordshire Highways in the
event of extreme weather conditions to assist in keeping locally known “hot spots”
passable by the public on foot and in vehicles.
Although your District/Borough/Parish Council will be assisting Hertfordshire
County Council/Hertfordshire Highways in keeping the priority footways and roads
passable, each of our respective councils will be responsible for their own
employees and insurances that might be applicable to that assistance, including
but not limited to Public Liability insurance and Employers Liability insurance.
The Hertfordshire County Council Winter service manager (Assistant Network
manager strategy) will, in the event of extreme weather conditions, contact each
District/Borough/Parish Council in order to suggest mobilisation of your Volunteers
/employees as part of the Winter Service Operational Plan. Any help that your
District/Borough/Parish Council are able to provide to Hertfordshire County
Council/Hertfordshire Highways will be welcomed.
In the event of any confusion/disagreement about the clearing of snow and/or ice
in relation to the Winter Service Operational Plan, the Hertfordshire County
Council winter service manager (Assistant Network manager strategy) is happy to
provide guidance and advice.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank your District/Borough/Parish Council
on behalf of Hertfordshire County Council/Hertfordshire Highways for any
assistance in keeping the highway network in the county safely accessible and
passable to members of the public.
Further advice on winter operations can be found at www.hertsdirect/salting or
following us on Gritter Twitter.
Yours sincerely
Derek Twigg
Assistant Network Manager
Network management Strategy(ITS & Winter operations lead)
Winter Salt Bag scheme
Parish / Town Council
Winter Plan and Risk Assessment
This plan has been prepared to assist Parish / Town Council in assisting
Hertfordshire Highways delivering the winter service operational plan.
The Council has chosen to take part in the salt bag scheme being offered by
Hertfordshire County Council. To be a winter partner, the County Council has
encouraged our Council to look around the parish and identify areas that the local
community will need to access during periods of heavy snow which would not be
treated by Hertfordshire County Council.
The locations that the parish council has identified as ‘priority sites’ are set out in
the table below. For each priority site at least one volunteer has been identified
who is confident they can clear snow from the priority area, that they have access
to suitable equipment and are confident they are physically able to undertake the
activity. Each volunteer has been allocated at least one bag of salt which they
will store in a secure and dry location per priority site they are responsible for.
Priority Site
Reference
Start point for
snow
clearance
Along to end
point of snow
clearance
Volunteer who
will be
undertaking
the activity
Number of
bags
allocated
EG - Church Road
The pavements starting at the road
junction with Ford
Lane
Mr James Smith
2
EG - Shops on
forest Avenue
One walkway
along the side of
the roadway
outside the parade
of shops
Up to the large oak
tree and bus stop
Aprox 30m of
pavement on either
side
Access paths to
each shop
entrance off the
main walkway
Mrs Joyce
Sheppard, Adle
Store Manager
1
ETC
Each volunteer has been provided with the snow clearing guidance note produced
by Hertfordshire County Council. When the snow comes it will be for the
volunteer to decide if they feel able to undertake the activity safely and if so to
attempt to clear the snow.
Risk Assessment for the Volunteer
As a volunteer it is important to review your priority site and consider the situation
you will be in when the snow comes and you will be clearing snow. This risk
assessment form is an opportunity to set out your thoughts on what could be
potential hazards / risks to you or others and what solutions (control measures)
you have identified to minimise these risks.
A series of general points have been added to start you off but please update the
sheet to be relevant for your specific location.
Activity:
The movement and storage of XX bags of salt. Each bag weighs 25kgs
The manual removal of snow from the footpath along priority site reference:



EG - Church Road
EG - Shops on forest Avenue
etc
The spreading of a thin layer of salt over the cleared pavement
Significant hazards / risks








Cold and wet weather
Slipping on ice or compacted snow
Vehicles losing control in the vicinity
Working in close proximity to roads / fast moving vehicles
Manual handling of salt and physical clearing of snow
The piled snow causing a blockage – blocking drainage channels
preventing melt water to run off or blocking people’s access to their
property.
Skin irritation caused by salt
Working in poor visibility conditions
Who could be harmed?



The volunteer
Members of the public
Property (buildings, vehicles, gardens)
Competence Requirement:
The most important thing is to look after yourself. If at any point you don’t feel
confident to complete the task then you should not participate.
COMPLETE THIS SECTION
This section must be filled in by the volunteer / parish council to
identify the local concerns that are specific to each priority site
the volunteers are working at.
Please identify the specific risk and suggest possible solutions that could be taken
to minimise the risk to the volunteer.
The activity
Possible
risks
EG Cold Weather
Clearing
snow from
the
pavement
along Church
Road
Who is at risk
Possible Solutions to
minimise the risk
The volunteer
The volunteer will have read the
how to clear snow guidance
note
The volunteer will ensure they
wear suitable clothing to keep
warm including boots, gloves,
hat and a high visible top
They will make arrangements to
have suitable shelter available
near to the site
General control measures which should be in place:

Prior to the snow, walk the route and identify where there is open space, grass
verges, and front gardens into which snow can be deposited.

Clearing snow is hard physical work so make sure as a volunteer you are up to it,
ensure you take plenty of breaks and know when to stop. Suitable clothing goes
without saying, boots or wellies and plenty of warm and water proof clothing. 25%
of your body heat is lost through your head and hands so wear gloves and a hat.
When working, the body will build up a sweat so be prepared to shed layers as
you work.

Make sure you are close to a suitable refuge (building or vehicle) so you can take
shelter in case the weather turns inclement or people get too cold. You can also
use the refuge to take plenty of rests as the work is very physical.

Minimise the effort required by going out as early as possible so you can move the
snow before it becomes compacted by people walking over it.

If you are working near a road it is advisable to be as visible as possible and wear
reflective vest/jacket and have a torch with you. Work towards the oncoming
traffic so that you are facing the vehicles and can see if anything is out of control
giving you the opportunity to react to the situation.

If you are working alone ensure you have informed someone of where you are
and how long you intend to be, have a charged mobile phone with you and remain
in contact every ½ hr and inform friends/family of any changes to location or
estimated return time.

Do not use water as this can refreeze and create black ice.

Be aware of pedestrians. Stop work if someone approaches.

Consider how you are going to get salt to the area to be treated. Never carry
buckets of salt, you are at a far greater risk of slipping over in snow conditions and
carrying buckets is a manual handling risk. Use a wheelbarrow or other suitable
means.

If you are touching the salt, wear gloves that will protect your hands

On completion of the works ensure that all equipment is cleared and no trip
hazards/ obstructions are left behind.
Form completed by (print):
Date:
Signed:
Date
reviewed:
Initials:
GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY HCC FOR PARTNER ORGANISATIONS – WINTER
MAINTENANCE
Contents





Overview for Partner Organisations – Ice and Snow Clearance
o Responsibiliites
o When to grit / salt
o Method of Shelters
o Insurance
Good Techniques for Lifting
Snow Clearing Guide – basic principles
Snow Clearing Guide – looking after yourself
o Preparing yourself for snow clearing
o Planning the work
o Suitable tools to use
o Clearing the snow
o How to tackle compacted ice
Snow Clearing Guide – salting
o Pre-salting in preparation for snow
o How salt works
o How to use salt
OVERVIEW FOR PARTNER ORGANISATIONS - ICE AND SNOW CLEARANCE.
The following information is based on best practice and offers guidance to partner
organizations on a common sense approach to the clearance of snow and ice during
periods of bad weather.
Responsibilities
Hertfordshire Highways
Will provide Town & Parishes and recommended community groups up to 1 tonne of
bagged salt available upon request. This salt will be provided prior to the High risk
period of the season. Re-supply may be provided dependant on resource and weather
conditions. Consideration should be given to procuring alternative de- icing materials
during periods of extreme weather when rock salt may be unavailable for non highway
use.
Partner organisations
A formal snow clearance/gritting risk assessment should be carried out in advance of
bad weather, your risk assessment must include reference to manual handling issues,
personal protective equipment for staff, agreeing pre-determined areas to clear during
bad weather, following mobilisation. Providing training and equipment for snow
clearance such as shovels and hand spreaders.
When to grit/salt

Check the Council's Highways website for our planned actions and messages for
mobilisation, also check local weather reports.

Check with Hertfordshire Highways Winter Duty Officer, if concerned.

Whenever there is a risk of air temperatures dropping sufficiently to create ice /
freezing conditions.

Remember even weak sun will melt ice and assist the process.

Pay special attention to areas that are shaded, as they may not thaw out during
daylight hours.

Once an area has been gritted/salted, it should continue to be treated on a regular
basis until the risk of ice has passed.

To gain the most economical and environmental solution the minimum amount of
salt should be used , as a guide a good handful is sufficient to treat 1 m2 .

There is no advantage in gritting/salting deep snow; this should be cleared from
the path first.
Method of Clearance
A pathway of at least one meter wide should be cleared, this will allow suitable access for
pedestrians and pushchairs/ wheelchairs. Snow and ice should be completely removed
using a suitable snow scraper or shovel, snow and ice should NOT be brushed, or
dissolved using hot water, as this will make surfaces more hazardous. Once the path has
been cleared rock salt should be used to assist with the prevention of ice. During
exceptional periods a mix of rock salt and sharp sand can also be used.
Spreading should be undertaken either by mobile hand spreader or by shovel, it must be
noted that only a small amount of salt is required to prevent ice build up and every effort
should be made to minimise salt usage.
Paths should be regularly checked throughout the day to ensure -freezing or further snow
coverage has not occurred. Additional care should be taken when clearing sloping
pathways and steps, it may be necessary for safety reasons to consider the temporary
closure of some non essential areas of the premises (e.g. steep pathways, car parks, etc)
to avoid risks
All persons clearing snow should be provided with suitable snow scrapers, shovels, rock
salt /sharp sand, protective gloves, footwear and clothing (i.e. high visibility vests), staff
should take regular breaks from the task.
This note is for guidance and to ensure current best practice is followed. Use in
conjunction with appropriate organisations risk assessments.
Insurance
Hertfordshire County Council, Insurance Section will claims handle - any claims that arise
during this period/as a result of this operation.
Only when a District or Borough has caused a hazard/defect in their own right will a claim
be passed on and or are they will be bought into proceedings under a Part 20. For
example an unorthodox method of removal is used - boiling water, removal undertaken
when no tools (grit/salt) available.
Districts and Boroughs will provide HCC Insurance Section with details in relation to the
gritting/salting undertaken i.e. dates, times, method, to assist with handling of claims.
Further information on Self help guidance can be sought via the link below
www.direct.gov.uk/en/Nl1/Newsroom/DG_191868
GOOD TECHNIQUE FOR LIFTING
Extract from "Getting to Grips with Manual Handling - HSE. Page 1 of 1. Issued:
November 2009.
Think before lifting/handling. Plan the lift

Can handling aids be used, e.g. sack barrows?

Where is the load going to be placed?

Will help be needed with the load?

Are there likely to be any obstructions on the route?

For a long lift, consider resting the load midway on a table or bench to change grip.
Keep the load close to the waist. Keep the load close to the body for as long as
possible while lifting. Keep the heaviest side of the load next to the body. If a close
approach to the load is not possible, try to slide it towards the body before attempting
to lift it.
Adopt a stable position. The feet should be apart with one leg slightly forward to
maintain balance (alongside the load, if it is on the ground). Be prepared to move your
feet during the lift to maintain your stability. Tight clothing or unsuitable footwear may
make this difficult.
Get a good hold. Where possible the load should be hugged as close as possible to
the body. This may be better than gripping it tightly with hands only.
Start in a good posture. At the start of the lift, slight bending of the back, hips and
knees is preferable to fully flexing the back (stooping) or fully flexing the hips and
knees (squatting).
Don't flex the back any further while lifting. This can happen if the legs begin to
straighten before starting to raise the load.
Avoid twisting the back or leaning sideways, especially while the back is bent.
Shoulders should be kept level and facing in the same direction as the hips. Turning
by moving the feet is better than twisting and lifting at the same time.
Keep the head up when handling. Look ahead, not down at the load, once it is being
held securely.
Move smoothly. The load should not be jerked or snatched as this can make it harder
to keep control and can increase the risk of injury.
Don't lift or handle more than can be easily managed. There is a difference
between what people can lift and what they can safely lift. If in doubt, seek advice or
get help.
Put down, then adjust. If precise positioning of the load is necessary, put it down first,
and then slide it into the desired position.
SNOW CLEARING GUIDE. BASIC PRINCIPLES
Removing or dealing with snow is basic common sense.
Before going into details there are a few principles that need to be understood that will
make the job easier:

The only effective way of removing snow is by mechanical means or put simply hard graft and elbow grease

Undisturbed snow is the easiest to remove as once walked on it becomes
compact and turns to ice, making it more difficult to work with

Pre-salting an area prior to snow is useful in preventing the compacted snow from
bonding to the pavement surface but it will not remove snow on its own

Once the area has been cleared of snow a very thin layer of salt should be spread
to prevent any melt water from refreezing on the pavement creating a risk of black ice
SNOW CLEARING GUIDE. LOOKING AFTER YOURSELF
The most important thing is to look after yourself. If at any point you don't feel
confident to complete the task then you should not participate. Clearing snow is hard
physical work so make sure participants are up to it ensure they take plenty of breaks
take on fluids and know when to stop. Suitable clothing goes without saying, boots or
wellies and plenty of warm and water proof clothing. Twenty five per cent of your body
heat is lost through your head and hands so wear gloves and a hat. When working,
the body will build up a sweat so be prepared to shed layers as you work.
Preparing yourself for snow clearing
Before venturing outside make sure you are properly kitted out with warm clothing and
suitable footwear. If you are working near the road it is advisable to be as visible as
possible and wear reflective vest/jacket.
If you are working alone ensure you have informed someone of where you are and
how long you intend to be, have a charged mobile phone with you and remain in
contact every 1-2hrs and inform friends/family of any changes to location or estimated
return time. Make sure you are close to a suitable refuge (building or vehicle) so you
can take shelter in case the weather turns inclement. You can also use the refuge to
take plenty of rests as the work is very physical. Those not used to physical work will
tire quickly so be very conservative with what you think you can achieve. As a guide,
an experienced labourer could only be expected to clear and treat by hand 50m of
footway per hour.
Planning the work
Before the snow comes there are some key tasks that each volunteer needs to
complete which will make your life easier when the snow has arrived. First, define the
area which you will take on responsibility for and clear the snow from. Walk the route
and identify where there is open space, grass verges, and front gardens into which
snow can be deposited. Store the equipment and salt in a location that will remain
accessible when there is snow. Consider the risks that you may face when
undertaking the task of snow clearance and write all the information on the provided
risk assessment form.
Suitable tools to use

Plastic light weigh snow shovels or wide bladed shovels are the most appropriate
tools.

A regular metal shovel is the next best alternative but not as efficient as the snow will
stick to it and need to be cleared regularly.

To spread the salt you could use a domestic grass spreader or lawn feeder (make
sure you wash out any salt before using on grass)

A small scoop or garden trowel to distribute the salt if doing it by hand.

A wheel barrow to move tools, carry salt or move snow.
Clearing the snow
Go out as early as possible so you can move the snow before it becomes compacted
by people walking over it. Ideally, when clearing a path you should aim to clear
sufficient width to allow two pedestrians to pass and follow the most likely route taken
by users. The cleared space should be widened at bus stops and areas where
pedestrians congregate.
The cleared snow should be deposited in verges; front gardens or areas that are nontrafficked i.e. to the side of the pavement. It should not be deposited in the
carriageway or drainage gullies as this will prevent melt water draining away, risking it
refreezing and turning to black ice. Extra care should be taken to avoid blocking
access to properties, driveways and paths.
How to tackle compacted ice
If you are too late and the snow has compacted and bonded to the pavement surface,
do not despair. It is only possible to remove it via mechanical means, that good old
elbow grease again!
However, this will be hard work and not very productive. Your main option is to spread
a product over the ice which can become embedded into it and provide traction when
people are walking over it.
When tackling compacted ice, it is better to purchase a cheaper and more effective
product such as course graded or sharp sand (not builders' sand) as this will have
more effect than salt. Spread this uniformly over the ice to provide traction
(alternatives include cinders or cat litter).
As people walk over the ice and sand, the pressure will embed the sand providing a
long term solution. If you do use sand or an alternative, the only draw back is that the
pavement will need sweeping once the thaw has taken place. Once swept up, this
sand can be saved and used again next year.
SNOW CLEARING GUIDE. SALTING
Pre-salting in preparation for snow
Pre-treatment before the onset of snow is possible action and is advisable for areas
likely to be trafficked before clearing operations can start or for key locations. The salt
will not stop the snow settling but create a layer of moisture that will freeze at a lower
temperature than the snow that is settling above it.
Effectively this layer of salt helps stop the snow sticking to the pavement, making life a
lot easier when it comes to removing the snow.
Pre-salting before the snow will not remove snow but it will reduce the risk of
compacted snow bonding with the pavement surface.
How salt works
The most popular de-icing material is salt or sodium chloride - rock salt. Water has a
freezing point of 0 °C. When salt is dissolved into the water / moisture on the highway
it lowers the freezing point. As a rule of thumb the water containing salt will freeze only
when it reaches @ -7°C. Salt stops being effective below this temperature. In regards
to snow, salt is ineffective as snow and ice are the equivalent to solid matter, so there
is no direct moisture for the salt to dissolve into. To clear snow and ice it must be
manually removed by hand.
How to use salt
Clearing the snow allows the sun to warm up the pavement surface temperature which
aids the process of melting and evaporating any remaining snow and ice. Where salt
is available it can be spread on to the cleared pavement. This will help prevent the
melt water refreezing and turning to black ice.
The amount of salt required to treat an area is much less than you think.
As a guide 20g/m² (about a small hand full) should be sufficient to clear and protect a
1m (3ft) length of cleared surface. Provided the surface is cleared and uniformly
treated it is possible to treat 400m of footway with a 25kg bag.
A method for spreading salt, if being done by hand, is to have the salt on a small
trowel and gently shake it off as you walk along. A large shovel will be heavy to hold
and one blade will contain sufficient salt to cover 80m. However, spreading salt from a
shovel is very inefficient and wasteful. Another method that can be used is winter was
the use of small plastic domestic garden fertiliser / seed spreaders. These give an
even coverage, was less labour intensive and quicker.
Remember, salt does not remove snow or compact ice and spreading salt in thick
layers will only be wasteful, harmful to the environment and creates a mess which will
lead to complaints from local residents and shop keepers who have the salt walked
into their properties.