Supply and storage of salt and grit

Although in winter, County Council vehicles can be seen ‘gritting’ icy/snowy roads, in practice they are most likely to be spreading finely crushed rock salt which is a naturally occurring mix mainly (90 +%) of salt plus some fine marl (which gives the characteristic pink-brown colour). Salt depresses the melting point of ice which unless it is exceptionally cold (below minus 8 to 10 degrees centigrade) helps to melt ice or snow on the roads/paths.

Pure grit is another material entirely (often sharp sand) and does not directly melt ice but may bond to an icy/snowy surface and provide increased ‘grip’ It is sometimes used on packed snow or ice which cannot effectively be removed or melted to provide some traction.

In the interests of safety it is advised that rock salt is generally the most effective and economical method of over-covering slippery conditions.

The Establishment Manager/Unit Coordinator is responsible for making arrangements to ensure that a sufficient supply of rock salt is available for use by designated staff at the start of the cold season.  Supplies should be ordered well in advance of adverse weather conditions.

Bags of rock salt for snow and ice clearance can be obtained from County Supplies and Contract Services (see current catalogue), note that this material is only available for a limited period during autumn (please order early) or from other suppliers.

An appropriate container e.g. salt/grit bin will enable a reasonable amount of rock salt to be kept on-site ready for use.  The container also overcomes the problem of finding a suitable storage space for this bulky and only occasionally used commodity. However, a large container implies transporting heavy material (salt) around the site. If large quantities of salt do need to be transported around the site, then consideration should be given to using a salt/sand spreader to reduce moving and handling issues.

Important

In the past, there has been at least one incident of clients picking white crystalline salt granules off the ground and tasting them, thinking they were snow or ice particles.  Where sites are used by young children or persons with learning difficulties, use rock salt rather than pure white crystalline salt for treating icy surfaces.  Children/clients should be warned accordingly.

The guidance notes below are for guidance and should be used in conjunction with appropriate risk assessments and the premises clearance and gritting plan.