For those of you who might have missed it, the 'Beast from the East' is on our doorstep with another amber weather warning for snow and ice.
As College Safety Manager, I feel duty bound to pass on advice on how to survive the expected icy conditions.
Some of you may have seen the slightly light hearted advice to walk like a penguin. Although you may think this daft, there is some good advice included in the message from Argonne National Labratory, see below:
- Lean slightly forward putting weight over your front foot. You will slip more easily if you lean back or have weight over your back foot.
- Keep your hands outside of your pockets (wear gloves). This will help you keep balance if you lose your footing (like a tight rope walker) and will give you a better chance of breaking your fall if the worst happens.
- Keep your knees loose and point your toes out slightly to give yourself a good base and help you to react quicker to any icy spots.
- Wear flat feet (sensible footwear with a good tread).
Whether you waddle or walk normally, take extra care over the next few days.
Jonathan Peters
Bridgwater & Taunton College, Health, Safety & Environment Manager
