The city center is the most taken cared of part of every city. If skyscrapers have window cleaners who are hanging in a rope, here we got snow on the roof removers. I don't really know if there is a title for such a job. The guy below is a watcher. His job is to make sure pedestrians don't walk under where they're de-snowing.
If you go outskirts or visit some smaller areas in the city, these guys are seldom seen. In general, they remove snow on the roofs of all blocks and buildings before spring. They just do it more often in the downtown.
That is why in those areas, signs like this are found. I saw it yesterday from a building close to the Metro station going to the market.
WARNING!
FALLING SNOW
AND FRAZIL
FROM THE ROOF
Perhaps they forgot about ICICLES!
Or maybe they are too big not to be seen, therefore, a warning sign isn't necessary. :)
I honestly didn't know what a frazil is (obviously, they are never produced in my tropical country) until I've translated the word.
See this thick snow just above the mini icicles? It's melted snow forming into ice. A frazil so to call. If cold temperature succeeds, it'll harden. That is why roof de-snowing is necessary.
I've seen it falling on people's head. I was once hit too. Luckily it wasn't ice but a thick wet snow. It was painful though. Don't worry, nothing bad happened to my brain, my skull was hard enough :)
It's the busiest time for such workers. The big work has begun. Ice-cracking on the roads, de-snowing of roofs and mud cleaning. Yes mud, where do they come from? They use ground on icy pavements instead of salt for traction. So in spring when ice melts, it becomes muddy in some areas. That's probably one thing I don't like about spring 'coz it can get really messy. But there are always puddles where you can wash the sole of your boots if you got muddy :) It's always fun to play.
Linking with: signs, signs
Glad I live where I do :). We saw similar 'falling ice and snow' signs in Canada
ReplyDeleteinteresting to use ground, but i'm sure it is less expensive (and less destructive to cars) than salt. what a job to have! removing snow and ice from roofs! could be dangerous!
ReplyDeleteIt pays to keep your eyes open when walking there!
ReplyDeleteGreat post as always. A new word (I hope I never have a reason to use it in ordinary conversation though!)
ReplyDeleteSorry for the two comments. I hit send too soon by accident. Your snow and ice pictures are so interesting and I love hearing about daily life .... And if I had to do any of these jobs I would rather be the watcher than the guy up on the roof :))). Thank you for this very interesting post!
ReplyDeleteOn one hand, it's nice that jobs are available during these times.
ReplyDeleteMy SIGNS, SIGNS
They have snow removers on many roofs in the US too. Where I live it snowed then melted then snowed then melted several times. Right at the moment there is a little accumulated snow on the ground but the weather is cold. I imagine we will have more snow before the winter is through.
ReplyDeleteNeat term to use - 'de-snowing'. I think I've heard of frazil over here as little bits of ice floating together in a river, forming icy slush. At least they do warn pedestrians when they're de-snowing the roof!
ReplyDeleteBRRRRRRRRRR! Thanks for the translation. Tom The Backroads Traveller
ReplyDeleteThere's more hazards to snow and ice than just walking or driving around!
ReplyDeleteI love your winter so charming
ReplyDeleteReally rough conditions here. Beware for falling snow, ice and the unlucky cleaner.
ReplyDeleteI sure don't want to be below the roof when they are de-snowing. Watchers and signs are important. I'm bit scared for the snow removers on the roof. Can be dangerous. I hope warm, muddy spring is coming soon :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, ice and snow falling from roofs is definitely a hazard! And the weight of ice and snow can sometimes make a roof cave in.
ReplyDeleteI didn't realise how dangerous snow could be (apart from slippery). Those icicles look deadly
ReplyDeleteOh, I remember icicles falling. I was always warned when I was a little girl to be careful around them.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking down your blog and enjoying this. I don't know very much about Russia so this is a great opportunity to learn!
Your posts are fascinating to me! I love having a glimpse into your life in Russia (all of my grandparents came from Russia). I was once walking in New York City when a chunk of ice fell off of a very tall building and went right through the shopping bag I was carrying. Luckily it missed my head. Freaked me out for days.
ReplyDeleteYes, it can be dangerous to be underneath that falling snow and ice. It can do damage to the roof if left there too. Interesting post, Mari! :)
ReplyDelete