Keep Surfaces Clear=

Winter Maintenance Basics=

  • Anti-ice before the storm.
  • Remove snow from surfaces as quickly as possible to reduce compaction.
  • Plow before applying deicers to avoid dilution of the salt.
  • Minimize deicer use during the storm.
  • Never plow or blow snow into bodies of water, wetlands, traffic or into streets.
  • Minimize back-up maneuvers to reduce chance of accidents.
  • Limit use of salt and sand during the storm; use only to reduce bonding.
  • Do not use salt to burn off snow.
  • Use application rate chart to determine how much salt to use.
  • Don’t apply dry salt (sodium chloride) below 15º F pavement temperature. It will not melt fast enough to help.
  • Below 15° F, use a wetted salt.
  • For extreme cold, skip melting and use sand.
  • Clean up spills.
  • Accurately record the material used at each site.
  • Pay attention to its effectiveness and record observations.
  • Use only what is needed based on proper application rates for the conditions.
  • Put extra back in salt pile or return extra bags.
Information: dollar symbol Because it uses less materials, mechanical snow and ice removal is the best strategy for protecting the water

.

Loading/hauling

  • Don’t overfill the truck or spreader: material will spill out as it is driven or pushed. This is a common practice and wastes salt.
  • Large snow piles may need to be hauled to another site.
  • Schedule this work when the mall or facility is closed to minimize conflicts with vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Clean up loading area, sweep extra back into the pile.

Deicing/Anti-Icing Information

Anti-icing=

Anti-icing is the most cost-effective and environmentally safe practice in winter maintenance. This is the direction to pursue.

Anti-icing is a proactive approach. It should be first in a series of strategies for each winter storm. Applying a small and strategic amount of liquid on the pavement before a storm will prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. This buys time for the clean-up efforts.