Action of de-icing salt
De-icing salt works by lowering the freezing point of water , allowing snow and ice to melt more quickly. When de-icing salt is spread on a snowy or icy surface, it dissolves in the water , creating a salt solution . This salt solution has a lower freezing point than pure water, causing snow and ice to melt faster. De-icing salt can also help prevent ice from forming again by preventing water from refreezing after it melts.
De-icing salt, de-icer, what type of chloride?
There are different formulations of de-icing salt. Sodium chloride is the most commonly used type because it is effective and economical . However, it can be corrosive to vehicles and infrastructure. Other types of salt, such as calcium chloride and magnesium chloride , are more expensive but less corrosive. They are often called de-icing salts because they are very effective on black ice . They are frequently used in environments where corrosion is a major concern, such as underground parking garages or sensitive surfaces.
| Chloride | Cost | Corrosion | Typical usage |
| Sodium (road salt) | Economic | Corrosive (vehicles, infrastructure) | Roads, sidewalks, large areas |
| Calcium | Higher | Less corrosive | Black ice, sensitive surfaces |
| Magnesium (de-icer) | Higher | Less corrosive | Underground parking lots, sensitive surfaces |
Application, use, and storage of de-icing salt
For effective snow removal, it is recommended to use a de-icing salt spreader. A de-icing salt spreader is a device that allows you to spread salt evenly over a surface . This ensures an even distribution of the de-icing salt, which allows for faster melting of snow and ice. Using a de-icing salt spreader also helps reduce salt waste , which can be economical.
Regarding storage , moisture is the enemy to combat . Salt bins and bags are commonly used to store de-icing salt. These must be airtight to prevent moisture from penetrating . It is recommended to store de-icing salt in a dry and cool place to preserve its quality.
Assemble your snow removal kit according to the site
| Situation | Equipment |
| Entrance, sidewalk, exterior staircase | Snow shovel or pusher, road salt in 10 kg bags |
| Parking, courtyard, walkways | Spreader (SW20C or SW35C), road salt in 25 kg bags |
| On-site storage | 100L salt and sand bin (with lid) or 200L |
| Sensitive surfaces, underground parking lots | Magnesium de-icer |
| Response teams | High-visibility clothing, parkas, slippery floor signage |
Staff equipment and user safety
In the event of a slippery area, appropriate signage such as "slippery surface" signs or safety barriers will prevent users from being in danger. Regarding staff equipment, high-visibility clothing, and especially parkas, will be necessary to protect against the cold. Regularly sweeping the area with professional outdoor brooms, such as street sweepers or road sweepers, will help remove the bulk of the snow and reduce the amount of salt needed.