For many facility managers, wintertime evokes thoughts of freezing weather, icy parking lots, snowy sidewalks, slip-and-falls, injuries, and finally costly lawsuits. As you work to take the proper precautions, remember these helpful ice melt tips.
First, be sure to select the best product for your property. “It is important to remember that different ice melt compounds are only effective down to specific temperatures,” said Tim Fegley of Kissner Milling Company Limited. Rock salt works down to 5°F and helps provide instant traction on snow and ice. Calcium chloride, found in most ice melt chemical blends, is fast, long-lasting, and melts to -15°F.
Once you have chosen and received your product, treat surfaces in the calm before the storm. Tim Fegley explains that applying salt to your parking lots and sidewalks in advance will prevent snow from freezing to those surfaces. “Pre-treating allows the salt to form a layer of brine, which breaks the bond between the ice and pavement.” This makes it unmeasurably easier to shovel or plow after the snow event.
For best results, use a mechanical spreader for accurate coverage. “Using a push type or handheld spreader will help you apply salt and ice melts evenly and avoid piling,” said Fegley. He suggests that you shovel off excess slush/water and then reapply to any areas with heavy ice.
