Ask the expert: How to safely and efficiently remove snow and ice

Walk like a penguin to avoid falling! That is just one of many tips for people walking on snow and ice. At Michigan State University, staff from Infrastructure Planning and Facilities, or IPF, remove snow and ice to help keep the campus community safe — and to keep everyone upright.

If you live in a climate that gets a big snowfall, it is important to stay safe when it comes to snow removal. Or, if you are near the campus community or planning to visit campus in the cold winter months, here are some tips for being safe on campus.

Matt Bailey, manager at IPF’s Landscape Services, shares tips to keep you safe around snow and ice and offers insight into MSU’s snow removal operations.

What should you keep in mind if you are removing snow yourself?

According to APPA, a professional organization for educational facilities leaders, the primary goals of snow removal are safety, access and risk reduction. Individuals clearing snow at home should keep the following principles in mind:

• Clear snow early and often: Removing snow before it is compacted or refreezes is far safer and more effective than waiting. Multiple lighter passes are better than one heavy effort.
• Push snow instead of lifting it when possible: Shoveling by pushing reduces strain and helps prevent injuries. If lifting is necessary, lift with your legs rather than your back.
• Create full-width and accessible paths: Clear walkways to their full intended width, paying special attention to steps, ramps and transition areas where slips are most likely.
• Address ice proactively: Snow removal alone is not enough. It requires applying deicing materials promptly, especially during refreeze conditions.
• Be mindful of weather changes: APPA standards emphasize monitoring temperature swings, wind and precipitation type, as melting during the day can refreeze overnight and create hazardous conditions. Pavement temperatures are far more important than air temperature.
• Wear proper footwear and move deliberately: Non-slip boots and slow, deliberate movements significantly reduce fall risk.
• Know your limits: Overexertion is a leading cause of snow-related injuries. Take breaks, stay hydrated and ask for help when needed.

These same safety-first principles, adapted here for residential use, guide campus-scale snow operations led by IPF professionals.

What snow removal supplies should you keep at home?

APPA guidelines stress preparedness. Keeping the right tools on hand before winter weather hits can greatly improve safety and response time. Recommended items include:

• A quality snow shovel appropriate for your strength and surface type (pusher shovels for sidewalks; scoop shovels for deeper snow).
• Ice melt or deicing material suitable for your surfaces and pets; apply sparingly and according to manufacturer guidance.
• Traction aids such as sand or grit for added grip during extreme icy conditions. Please limit use when drains in roads and driveways lead to waterways.
• Ice chopper or scraper for compacted snow and stubborn ice, especially on steps and driveway edges.
• Snow broom or brush for clearing light snow from steps, railings and vehicles.
• Cold-weather personal protective gear, including insulated gloves, waterproof boots with good tread and high-visibility outerwear if working near roadways.
• A flashlight or headlamp for early morning or evening snow removal when visibility is limited.

What should you know about interacting with snow-removal equipment?

Snow-removal equipment is large, loud and difficult to stop. We strongly recommend avoiding darting out in front of or behind such equipment. Another great action is to make eye contact with a snow-removal driver before crossing the street in front of them.

There are also some great tips to keep in mind depending on where you are at:

• Sidewalks: Avoid parking so close to a sidewalk that your car’s bumper hangs over the walk. It creates an obstacle for snow-removal equipment.
• Parking lots: If possible, park in plowed areas of parking lots to help snow-removal workers quickly clear the unplowed areas without navigating around vehicles. For those at the university, employees are encouraged to park personal and university vehicles in the parking ramps during a snow event.
• Residence hall loops: For our campus community and visitors, parking is prohibited in these loops between 2 and 6 a.m. to allow snow-removal workers time to clear them.

How should you use ice-melt materials?

When it comes to ice-melt compounds, whether it’s outside your house or your office, remember to give it some time to take effect. It is also important to use ice-melt compounds responsibly to limit negative environmental impacts.

For the campus community, ice-melt compounds will be provided in containers at building entrances to be used as needed. The buckets will be replenished by the building custodians. Those living in residence halls or university apartments should inform the facility manager of the need for ice-melt compounds.

How does snow removal work at MSU’s campus?

Safety is a top priority — including clearing roads and sidewalks of snow and ice. Our teams at IPF are out early and sometimes late to ensure they are keeping up with falling snow. Landscape Services removes the snow and applies ice-melt compound to roads, parking lots and sidewalks up to university buildings, while custodial services, maintenance services and residential and hospitality services clear building entrances, stairs, landings and handicap ramps up to six feet out from the building. Those who take the calls for areas that need snow removal represent another important function.

With 124 miles of sidewalks, 56 lane miles of roadway, eight bridges, seven parking ramps and approximately 25,000 parking spots, clearing snow across campus is no small task.

How can you support MSU’s snow removal process?

Please use caution when traveling across campus. This includes giving snow-removal equipment and staff extra space to maneuver and stop. Always remember to wear appropriate cold weather gear and walk like a penguin in areas that may have snow or ice. The university also offers more weather safety tips.

For bikes, avoid chaining bikes to signs. It is illegal on campus and creates obstacles for snow-removal equipment.

It is important to report an area in need of snow or ice removal by calling 517-353-1760.