TRAFFIC
Chips, salt, slag, quartz sand or ash? Icy and slippery sidewalks can become a problem in the winter months. Lawyer Gunter Österreicher explains to noe.ORF.at which granulation materials can be used and which obligations must be met.
09.01.2024 06.09
Online since today, 6:09 am
In general, blunt grains, such as grains with a core size of two to eight millimeters, can be used for spreading. However, these must have an angular shape, be dry and low in dust, and must not contain cohesive or greasy components. The use of slag, ash, quartz chips and quartz sand as well as concrete recycling chips is generally prohibited.
“The possibility of spraying salt is determined by the municipality through regulations. The best thing to do is ask the responsible municipality and find out more”, says Gunter Österreicher. While salt spreading is one of the most popular and efficient options, it can also be very harmful to the environment. There are limitations due to the fact that it irritates the animals' paws, damages the flora and contaminates groundwater and drinking water.
Owner forced to diversify
Home and property owners are required to properly clear snow and spray snow in the winter months if their home borders a public traffic area. Sidewalks, driveways and stairs within three meters of the property must be cleared of snow between 6am and 10pm and, if necessary, sanding must be carried out.
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“Good morning Lower Austria”, January 9, 2024
Piles of snow that are pushed onto the sidewalk by snowplows should also be removed. If there is no sidewalk, the law requires that the edges of the road be cleared one meter wide. Cornices of snow and ice must be removed from the roofs of buildings on streets. “Warning signs about the danger of avalanches on rooftops are only considered as an initial measure,” reports Österreicher.
These obligations also apply if the owner is absent. In this case, the functions must be carried out by a suitable person or company hired for the purpose, for example a snow removal service. Even in the case of rented properties, this obligation must be expressly transferred from the owner to the tenant, if necessary due to weather conditions.