Earlier this month, a customer requested that we help them eliminate a trip hazard in their parking lot. The parking lot contained a hole that was 10’ long x 2’ wide x 8” deep and was covered with metal plates. The hole was originally placed in the parking lot to house radiant tubing. After years of non-use, the tubing was damaged, the concrete was deteriorating, the metal plates were rusted, and the area was a complete eye sore. More importantly, some of the metal plates were missing, which left open spaces for pedestrians to fall into or trip over. The customer decided it was time to rid his property of this hazard. That is where we came in. Our crew removed the tubing, cleaned the hole of debris, and then filled it with concrete, leaving the surface even and hazard-free.
Accessing Your Parking Lot for Hazards
Common parking lot hazards include uneven pavement, snow & ice, poorly marked curbing and inadequate lighting. These hazards make parking lots a breeding ground for pedestrian slips, trips, and falls. Performing regular assessments and maintenance of your parking lot is a good way to prevent these accidents from occurring.
Below is a checklist we put together to help you understand what to look for when accessing your parking lot for potential hazards.
- Is your parking lot well lit?
- If not, replace blown light bulbs and add lighting in areas that are very dark or shadowed.
- Are there any potholes, cracks, or humps that exceed 1 cm?
- If so, it’s time to hire a qualified contractor to repair the damaged pavement. When it comes to your parking lot, maintenance is key. Putting together a pavement maintenance plan will make your parking lot last longer and will save you money in the long run.
- Are there leaks or spills from engine oil or antifreeze?
- If so, clean these areas up immediately
- Is there standing ice or snow?
- If so, clear the snow and ice early in the morning before employees and customers start arriving on the property.
- Are changes in elevation highly visible?
- If not, consider painting the parking bumpers, curbs, speed bumpers, drainage grates, etc. with yellow high visibility paint.
- Is the parking lot clean?
- If not, remove any trash, debris, and obstructions from pedetrian walkways.
About Otto’s Parking Marking
Otto’s Parking Marking is an Indiana parking lot maintenance company, serving the greater Indianapolis area, including Greenwood, Fishers, Avon, and Greenfield. Otto’s has a well-deserved reputation for fair prices, quality workmanship, and excellent customer service. Whether you have a pothole that needs repaired or parking bumpers and curbing that need painted, Otto’s can help.