Product Overview

Summary: This Snow and Ice Management in Enclosures SOP sets out clear, practical steps for safely inspecting, clearing and controlling snow and ice build-up in enclosed areas such as yards, compounds, loading docks, plant rooms and temporary structures. It helps Australian workplaces manage rare but high-consequence cold-weather events, protecting workers from slips, structural failures and equipment incidents while demonstrating compliance with WHS duties.

While snow and ice events are uncommon in many parts of Australia, when they do occur they can create sudden, serious hazards in enclosures such as warehouses, compounds, loading bays, covered walkways, temporary structures and plant enclosures. Accumulated snow and ice can cause slips, trips and falls, obstruct emergency egress, compromise ventilation, overload roofs, jam doors and gates, and interfere with critical plant. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured approach for planning, monitoring and responding to these conditions so your business is not caught off guard when temperatures drop.

The SOP outlines how to assess enclosure vulnerability, establish trigger points based on local weather alerts, and implement safe methods for snow and ice removal, de-icing and temporary access controls. It details responsibilities, required equipment and PPE, isolation of plant and services, and communication protocols with workers and contractors. By adopting this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, reduce the likelihood of cold-weather incidents, and maintain continuity of operations in logistics hubs, manufacturing facilities, construction sites, remote compounds and other enclosed environments exposed to snow and ice.

Key Benefits

• Reduce slip, trip and fall incidents caused by snow and ice in enclosed and partially enclosed areas.
• Ensure structural and plant safety by managing snow and ice loads on roofs, shelters and enclosures.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS duties through a documented, risk-based approach to cold-weather hazards.
• Standardise inspection, response and communication procedures during snow and ice events across all sites.
• Maintain business continuity by keeping critical access ways, loading areas and enclosures safely operational.

Who is this for?

• Facilities Managers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Operations Managers
• Maintenance Coordinators
• Warehouse Managers
• Construction Project Managers
• Event and Venue Managers
• Emergency Response Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls on icy or compacted snow surfaces within enclosures and access ways
• Structural overloading or collapse of roofs, awnings, temporary structures and enclosures due to snow accumulation
• Restricted access to emergency exits, fire equipment and evacuation routes from snow and ice build-up
• Mechanical failure or unsafe operation of doors, shutters, gates and plant affected by freezing conditions
• Cold stress, hypothermia and reduced dexterity for workers conducting clearing activities
• Falling ice or snow from overhead structures, gutters, roofs and canopies
• Electrical hazards from ice-affected cables, light fittings, power outlets and heating equipment
• Vehicle and mobile plant incidents in enclosed yards and loading docks due to reduced traction and visibility

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Snow, Ice, Enclosures, Critical Access Areas)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Risk Assessment for Snow and Ice in Enclosures
• 6.0 Weather Monitoring and Activation Triggers
• 7.0 Pre-Season Planning and Enclosure Preparedness
• 8.0 Required Equipment, Tools and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• 9.0 Isolation of Services and Plant Prior to Snow and Ice Management
• 10.0 Safe Work Method for Snow and Ice Inspection in Enclosures
• 11.0 Safe Removal and De-Icing Procedures (Roofs, Floors, Doors, Access Ways)
• 12.0 Traffic and Pedestrian Management in Affected Enclosures
• 13.0 Managing Structural and Overhead Hazards (Roofs, Canopies, Temporary Structures)
• 14.0 Cold Exposure, Fatigue and Worker Health Management
• 15.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response
• 16.0 Communication, Signage and Consultation with Workers
• 17.0 Training and Competency Requirements
• 18.0 Post-Event Inspection, Repairs and Return-to-Service Checks
• 19.0 Documentation, Record Keeping and Continuous Improvement
• 20.0 SOP Review and Revision History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state and territory variants)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and relevant state and territory variants)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 1657:2018 Fixed platforms, walkways, stairways and ladders – Design, construction and installation