From Joseph:
It’s that time of year again. Below please see an important reminder on how to deal with the danger of falling ice and snow over the doors at the Main Lib. I got FS to give us these nifty new signs that can be placed outside when needed. They’re stored in the back of the closet 201A.
FALLING ICE OR SNOW, from roof over doors
If dangerous snow or ice accumulates over a door, recruit a staff member to stand guard and alert people of the problem until signage is posted, then call Joseph x5487 and let him know about it. (Call your building coordinator if you’re working at a branch library.)
If you do not reach Joseph in person–
for front doors: There are large yellow plastic folding signs in the back of closet 201A that should be placed outside on the patio so that people approaching the building are alerted to the problem. There are also laminated 8.5″x11″ signs in the wall pocket in 201A that should be taped to the glass on the inside of the exterior doors. Once this has been done, call Facilities Services x5472 (or, if FS is closed call public safety x5911) and alert them to the situation, letting them know that you’ve posted signage.
for back door: use the portable directional signs that are stored in the loading dock and the staff room to post signs outside. Use the spare signs in 201A to post signs on the inside doors. If large icicles have formed over either door post a sign encouraging people to use the other exit.
These procedures would also be appropriate for any immediate safety hazard that you become aware of. It is very important that any and all of us react to a hazard and keep ourselves, coworkers, and the public, safe from harm. Don’t assume somebody else will notice and deal with it, please be proactive and follow up until you’re sure that somebody is working to resolve the situation and you’re not needed. There are “caution, wet floor” signs in the basement near the custodial supplies.
There is a known issue with snow and ice falling from the roof over the front door. If the weather conditions are just right, the snow melts and compacts and then slides off under the snow guards and over the gutter. Another, but less common problem, is icicles forming in the scuppers over the back doors.