Even if you so not do provide sidewalk clearing services, curb ramps may affect your liability. Curb ramps form a transition between the driving surface and the sidewalk to provide access for the physically disabled, a group particularly susceptible to slippery conditions.

Because curbs also serve a drainage collection function, some curb ramps have a tendency to collect surface drainage. This is another design/construction condition that potentially the snow professional’s liability.

While the condition is easily identified after a rain, stains caused by the collection of surface dust on the asphalt will also indicate where water collects on the pavement. By proactively identifying these situations and establishing appropriate responses and responsibilities with the owner/property manager, the snow professional has another opportunity to distinguish their work and manage their liability. Does your snow and ice control contract establish responsibility for follow-up inspections and extra treatment services to maintain the curb ramp reasonably free from icy conditions where water is likely to collect and ice likely to form when the temperature drops below freezing?

As shown in the last issue, surface staining may identify drainage issues that start at one site component and then drain across other surfaces onto your work area.

The second photograph comes from the “What were they thinking?” file. Since this condition is indefensible in the event of a slip and fall due to ice on the curb ramp or adjacent parking lot pavement, proactively addressing the situation allows the snow professional to manage the risk.