Salt:  Our #1 Deicer

      Salt has been, is, and probably will be for the foreseeable future, the number one deicer in the annual battle against snow and ice control.  Snow and ice are a major threat to safe travel on our streets, roads, and highways; traffic accidents sharply increase under winter storm conditions. 
Municipalities must provide a transportation system that insures mobility and safety.  In the wintertime, salt provides the reliable and economic means to accomplish safe road travel.

        Many salt alternatives have been developed, used and tested.  Because of the adverse environmental effects associated with salt use, many materials are still being explored.  So far the results have not proven effective and economical in battling ice.  To balance the needs of winter mobility and safety with environmental concerns, our most promising approach for salt use is to avoid salt abuse.

Environmental Concerns
      Let’s look at some of the major problem areas that can confront us:
Corrosions
      Salt is a corrosive substance.  Although this is a major problem, there are essential lifesaving aspects of sensible salting for snow and ice control.   Various materials and techniques have been and are being developed to lessen the corrosion problem.  Vehicle manufactures have addressed the problem through improved vehicle design and the use of new noncorrosive materials including improved paints and anti-rust coatings.  Anti-corrosion warranties increase in length every year.  Older vehicles can also be treated with anti-corrosion coatings.  Washing vehicles thoroughly once a week during winter weather also mitigates rust problems.
       Bridges (both concrete and steel) can also receive protective coatings. Deck designs now specify thicker construction with air-entrained, high density concrete over reinforcing steel.  The rebars are epoxy coated for added protection.  To stop corrosion, cathodic protection systems can be used on older bridges.  Again, proper maintenance is important.  Protecting exposed steel surfaces with coating systems, sealing deck cracks and joints, and checking and cleaning drain systems are all part of good maintenance.  Flushing the bridge deck and structure in the spring can also decrease the salt residual and prevent deterioration.
       Concerning roads, the National Asphalt Pavement Association has determined that salt has no effect on asphalt.  Still, sealing joints and cracks prevents melting snow from entering the road structure and prevents the structural degradation of the road.  Maintaining the road surfaces-whether asphalt or concrete-includes the provision of a waterproof surface with good drainage.

Roadside Vegetation

      High concentrations of salt can sometimes be harmful to roadside vegetation.  The degree of harm to vegetation relates to four factors: the amount of salt, type of soil, total precipitation and plant species.  If salt was used effectively and conservatively, salt accumulation on roadsides would be insufficient to cause vegetation problems.  A ten-year study conducted in Maine by their Department of Transportation and the Maine Agricultural Experimental Station along I-95 near Bangor showed no adverse effects of salt accumulation in roadside soils.
      In addition, roadside vegetation is subjected to many other problems affecting the roadside environment -- compacted soils, plant and root injuries during road construction, soil moisture level changes and toxic effects of vehicle emissions.  Effective salt use coupled with roadside landscape planning using salt tolerant plant species should eliminate any salt-related problems.  There are numerous studies from various agencies on salt tolerance of vegetation that provide lists of recommended salt tolerant plants for roadside plantings.

Wildlife and Fish

      Salt is an essential nutrient for animals.  It is particularly valuable in agriculture as a carrier of trace minerals needed in small quantities but unavailable in regular feed.  Salt licks are widely used to give domesticated and wild animals (such as deer) access to the salt they need.  Animals instinctively limit their intake of salt and cannot be harmed by eating salted snow or rock salt pellets.
      Since saltwater fish tolerate as much as 30,000 ppm (about 15 teaspoons of salt per quart of water), it is obvious that freshwater fish pose the greatest concern for salt runoff.  Biologists from the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratories have found that fresh- water fish can tolerate 
between 7,500 and 10,000 ppm of salt.  This amount is equal to three to five teaspoons of salt per quart of water -- far more than any possible run off from an effective and efficient deicing program. 

Human Health

       Salt is an essential nutrient for humans as well as animals.  During the 1960s and 1970s, salt was considered a public health hazard and concerns were raised that deicing salt washed from the roads into streams and rivers could present a health risk in our drinking water.  Recent research has shown, however, that salt is not a major health hazard, as once believed.
      In 1988, the National Primary Drinking Water Regulations (issued by the federal Environmental Protection Agency or EPA) eliminated sodium as a regulated drinking water contaminate.
      Some of the sodium from deicing salt disperses into roadside soils, never reaching water supplies.  Chloride, the other component of salt, is more likely to end up in the drinking water because of its high water solubility.  Chloride affects taste but has no effects on health at the levels possible from road salt.

The Real Problems

        Almost all environmental problems associated with the use of salt for snow and ice control stem from two conditions - excessive use and improper storage.
 Municipalities need to store salt in bulk because adequate salt must be available to meet the anticipated winter storm needs.  The potential stockpile problems result from rain and snow, causing brine runoff in sufficient quantities to harm nearby water supplies and vegetation.  This problem can be eliminated through proper storage practices.  Salt should be covered by a roofed structure or by a secured waterproof covering. 
       Salt should be stored on an impermeable pad, not on the ground. Asphalt pads are recommended.  Concrete pads should consist of high quality, air-entrained concrete treated with linseed oil or asphalt coating.  Additionally, any potential runoff from the stockpile should be contained by an adequate drainage design. 
       One source for details on proper storage is the “Salt Storage Handbook” from the Salt Institute.  For more information on implementing a successful salting program request the LTAP Library Catalog and order “The Snowfighter’s Handbook” published by the Salt 
Institute.
      You may also want to consider prewetting salt with a chemical such as calcium chloride and/or magnesium chloride.  This technique reduces the amount of salt needed to get the results you want.  Prewetting can also save you money.  Request LTAP Tech sheet, “Prewetting Rock Salt with Calcium Chloride for Safer Winter Roads and Economic Savings”, for more details.
      Much of the proceeding information was obtained from the Salt Institute.  This organization provides a valuable resource on any salt issue and welcomes requests for their materials and information.  The Salt Institute can be reached at: Salt Institute, 700 North Fairfax Street, Fairfax Plaza, suite 600, Alexandria Virginia 22314-2040, Telephone number: (703) 549-4648.
 Effective salt use and proper salt storage will eliminate major environmental problems and - and at the same time - still provide for a safe transportation system.
 
 

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Salt and the 
Environment

Meet the Advisory   Board

How to Become a Better Listener

Winter Storm Checklist

Plowing Don’ts

How to Deal With Staff Stress

Watch What You Eat on Snowplow Nights

Winter Safety for Schools

Winter Vehicle Checks

Terry Little

      Terry Little, a native Idahoan, has been a member of the Idaho Technology Transfer Center’s Advisory Board since 1996.  He is currently employed as a Traffic Manager for Ada County Highway District.
      Terry’s goals for the T2 Advisory Board are to, “Bring the useful knowledge to those who can use it, and encourage networking.”
     He received his (BSCE) Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1973, and graduated with a (MPA) Masters in Public Administration from National University in Sacramento.  Since then Terry has spent 4 years with the Federal Highway Administration, 14 years with the Sacramento County Public Works Department, and 7 years in his current position.
      In addition to his commitments with the advisory board and Ada County, he is a Fellow in the Institute of Transportation Engineers, a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, a part of the Transportation committee for the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce, and a University of Idaho Civil Engineering Department Advisory Committee member (95-97).
       Terry also enjoys backpacking, mountain biking, playing basketball and tennis, as well as teaching and leadership in the Baptist church.

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Employees have concerns and ideas based on their unique perspectives.  Your ability as a supervisor to listen effectively to employees can have a positive effect on you and your organization.  Try these tips:

Pay attention.  Focus directly on the person who is speaking with you. Avoid distractions and don’t do other work while the person is speaking.  Maintain eye contact and concentrate on ideas, not just the facts.  Ask yourself: Why is this person telling me this?  What does it mean? How can I interpret it?  Don’t fake it; you may learn something.

Be Optimistic.  Find a relevant or interesting idea to focus on and take away from the 
exchange.

Don’t Interrupt.  Many people try to talk and listen at the same time.  Fight that impulse.  Any comments you make will only cause the speaker to slow down and lose their train of thought.  Even if you disagree on certain points, wait until the person has completely finished.  Then you can raise any questions or offer comments and arguments.

Paraphrase.  When the person is finished, paraphrase or recap to verify the ideas presented.  The speaker will then have a chance to clarify any areas of confusion.  This technique also lets the individual know that you have indeed been listening and retaining the information. 

Question.  When it seems that you and the speaker have come to an understanding about what was said, ask the right questions.  Stick to asking questions about specific ideas already mentioned.  This will keep you focused on the main point.  You will get the best responses when you ask open-ended “how” questions that require more than a one-word answer.  This is also a good way to keep the other person from straying off the topic of discussion.

Respond.  Now that you’ve shown the other person respect and have paid careful attention, you can respond.  It is best to offer a comment or question first.  Avoid saying something like “well, that seems to be a good idea, but…” The only thing the other person may focus on is the negative.  Try saying something like “Your enthusiasm impresses me.  The only concern I have is…” This way you can both try to work on the problem together.

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ITEMS TO KEEP ON HAND

¨ Flashlight and extra batteries. Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable (AM-FM) radio to receive emergency information. These may be your links to the outside world. 

¨ Extra food and water. High energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best. 

¨ Extra supply of medicine and baby items.

¨ Heating fuel. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm. 

¨ Emergency heating sources,   such as fireplaces, wood stoves, space heaters. Learn   to use them properly to    prevent a fire. Have proper ventilation. Fire extinguisher and smoke detector.   Test units regularly to ensure they are working properly.

ON THE FARM 
 

¨ Move animals to sheltered areas.

¨ Haul extra feed to nearby feeding areas. 

¨ Have a water supply available. Most animal deaths in winter storms occur from    dehydration.

IN CARS AND TRUCKS 
 

¨ Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports on current conditions.

¨ Fully check and winterize    your vehicle before the winter season begins. 

¨ Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT: 

     ¨ Blankets/sleeping bags 
     ¨ High-calorie, nonperishable food
     ¨ Flashlight with extra batteries
     ¨ First aid kit
     ¨ Knife
     ¨ Extra clothing to keep dry
     ¨ A large empty can with plastic cover, and tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
     ¨ A smaller can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
     ¨ Sack of sand (or cat litter)
     ¨ Shovel
     ¨ Windshield scraper and brush
     ¨ Tool kit
     ¨ Tow rope
     ¨ Booster cables
     ¨ Water container
     ¨ Compass and road maps

¨ Keep your gas tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines which could leave   you stranded.

¨ Try not to travel alone. Let someone know your primary and alternate routes and anticipated timetable.

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1. Don’t: Plow too fast

2. Don’t: Throw snow 
    over bridges onto traffic 
    below

3. Don’t: Leave snow along the centerline, in intersections, on railroad tracks, or in places   where it can melt back onto pavement

4. Don’t: Assume traffic knows what you are going to do

5. Don’t: Plow a false shoulder

6. Don’t: Plow off gravel

7. Don’t: Plow off salt before it works

8. Don’t: Plow against flow of traffic if it can be avoided.

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    Road crews often battle snow and sleet throughout the night, but usually for only a night or two.  That means they are also battling sleepiness since their bodies are adjusted to the usual daytime shift.  Sleepiness can be dangerous.  At least 10,000 accidental deaths a year are sleep-related and 200,000 traffic accidents annually are due to driver fatigue.

    Recent research on sleep deprivation shows that what you eat before and during nighttime work can affect sleepiness.  Since the body slows down at night, it does not want to digest a donut, a “Big Mac,” or most other fast foods.  Greasy, heavy, protein foods bring on sleep, according to information in the Shiftworkers Handbook.

     Drivers can still enjoy eating, though.  Take light, well-balanced meals and eat snacks that are compatible with slower, nighttime digestion.

Main meal before night work (5:00-7:00 p.m.)
¨  Eat light protein foods like chicken, turkey, fish, or cooked beans and peas.  Vegetables, fruits, breads, pasta and potatoes are good, as are low-fat milk, cheeses, and yogurt.  If you’re planning to sleep before work, make this a lighter and smaller meal.

Meals during breaks
¨  Eat soup and salad, soup and a light sandwich, or light protein foods and vegetables.

Snacks before and during work
¨  Good snacks include low-fat dairy products, fresh and dried fruit, popcorn, cereal, plain cookies, pretzels, and baked crackers.

Avoid caffeine and nicotine
¨  Coffee and tea contain caffeine; smoking and chewing tobacco contain nicotine.  These are stimulants at first but soon become depressants.  They make the heart beat slower.

Do not consume alcohol before or during snowplowing operations.

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The Idaho T2 Center now has the latest Windows 95 version of the following software:

RSMS  Road Surface Management System.  This is a program that is used in pavement management and evaluation of how well different treatments are performing on your roadways.   (3.5 inch floppy)

SIMS Sign Inventory Management System.  This program is designed to manage your sign inventory, identifying the various types, sizes, locations, and posts used on your roadways.   (3.5 inch floppy)

MEMS Municipal Equipment Management System.  This is a fleet vehicle and equipment maintenance tracking system.  The system can compile maintenance and repair costs on each piece of equipment and identify when the next scheduled PM is due. (CD-ROM)

All three of the above programs are developed and distributed by the New Hampshire T2 center under a grant from the Federal Highway Administration.  We have one master set of each and will reproduce each system for $10.00.  Each system requires Windows 95 and at least 8 MB of RAM.

MDMS  Maintenance Data Management System.  This program is developed by the North Dakota T2 center.  The program functions as a cost accounting program to track expenses of materials, equipment and labor on maintaining roadways.  This program requires Windows 95 and at least 8 MB of RAM and is available on 3.5-inch floppy.  Reproduction cost is $10.00.

If you are interested in any of these programs please call us at (800) 393-7289.

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While pre-trip inspections are necessary in all seasons, some items require extra attention in winter.

Coolant Level and Antifreeze Amount:

 Make sure the cooling system is full and there is enough antifreeze in the system to protect against freezing.  This can be checked with special coolant tester.

Defrosting and Heating Equipment

 Make sure the defrosters and heaters work and that you know how to operate them.  If you expect to use other heaters (e.g. for taillights, mirrors, battery boxes, and fuel tanks), check their operation as well.

Wipers and Washers

 Make sure the windshield wiper blades are in good condition.  Check that the wiper blades press against the window hard enough to wipe the windshield clean; otherwise they may not sweep off snow properly.  Make sure the windshield washer works and there is washing fluid in the washer reservoir.  Use windshield washer antifreeze to prevent freezing of the washing liquid.  If you can’t see well enough while driving (for example, if your wipers fail), stop safely and fix the problem.

Tires

 Make sure you have enough tread on your tires.  The drive tires must provide traction to push the equipment over wet pavement and through snow.  The steering tires must have traction to steer the vehicle.  Enough tread is especially important in winter conditions.  You should have at least 4/32-inch tread depth in every major groove on front wheels and at least 2/32-inch tread on other wheels.  More would be better.  Use a gauge to determine if you have enough tread for safe driving.  Check air pressure in all tires.

Tire Chains

 You may find yourself in conditions where you can’t drive without chains, even to get to a place of safety.  Carry the right number of chains and extra cross links.  Make sure they will fit your drive tires.  Check the chains for broken hooks, worn or broken cross links, and bent or broken side chains learn how to put the chains on before you need to do it in the snow and ice.  Lights and Reflectors

Make sure the lights and reflectors, which are especially important in bad weather, are clean.  Check from time to time during bad weather to make sure they are clean, not covered with snow or ice and working right.

Windows and Mirrors

 Remove any ice, snow, etc., from the windshield, windows, and mirrors before starting.  Use a windshield scraper, snowbrush, and windshield defroster as necessary.

Handholds, Steps, and Deck Plates

 Remove all ice and snow from handholds, steps, and deck plates, which you must use to enter the cab or move about the vehicle.  This will reduce the danger of slipping.

Radiator Shutters and Winterfront

 Remove ice from the radiator shutters.  Make sure the winterfront is not closed too tightly.  If the shutters freeze shut or the winterfront is closed too much, the engine may over heat and stop.

Exhaust System

 Exhaust system leaks are especially dangerous when cab ventilation may be poor.  Loose connections could permit poisonous carbon monoxide to leak into your vehicle.  Carbon monoxide gas will cause you to be sleepy.  In large amounts, it can kill you.  Check the exhaust system for loose parts and for sounds and signs of leaks.

Snowplows

 Check left and right-blade lights, augur light, and beacon or strobe lights.  Reverse the blade to check for loose bolts on plow assembly and leaks in plow hydraulic line.  Raise the plow to check evenness of raise.  Lower the plow to check clearance.  Check wheel and shoes.

Spreaders

 Start the hopper box and check the chain and the spinner.  Check left and right augurs or chutes.  Check calibration chart.

Safety Equipment

 Check seat belts, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, flares, flashlight, blanket, and candle (for emergency warmth in unheated cab).  Test radio.  Check backup alarm and caution sign.

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How can you ease the effects of stress on your employees:  First, be on the lookout for warning signals:
 

Do numerous conflicts arise between co-workers, or between workers and supervisors?

Do workers complain of being overworked?

Has absenteeism increased?

If your answer to any of these questions is yes, here are some recommendations:
 

Provide forums to let employees talk about and solve problems.

Offer incentives and bonuses for improved quality or productivity to make up for the added stress of busy times.

Train new employees thoroughly 

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    Children can be especially susceptible to the dangers associated with winter weather.  Their youthful enthusiasm often takes over when common sense and safety should prevail.  Even if they are cold, wet, or exhausted they often are not conscious of the potential impact these conditions could pose.

    School administrators and principals need to be aware of the dangers winter weather pose to children and be prepared.  Emergency plans and procedures need to be established before the onset of the winter season. When formulating a winter weather safety plan consider the following: 

    The best source for the latest information is National Weather Service (NWS). Most counties are within the coverage area of NOAA Weather Radio. Commercial radio or television are also sources of winter weather conditions.  Arrangements can be made with county sheriff’s offices to have critical weather forecasts they receive from the NWS, relayed to the school. 

    All schools need to have a plan and procedures regarding closures or early dismissal due to snow, ice, or extreme cold. 

    During the winter months, guidelines need to be established regarding children’s outdoor activities. Temperatures and wind chills should be monitored and established guidelines implemented to ensure children’s safety. 

    School bus drivers should receive defensive training on driving during winter conditions. Snow and ice can often accumulate quickly and unexpectedly on roads creating dangerous driving conditions. 

    To allow extra travel time for parents and guardians, it may be necessary for some children to be dropped of at school earlier than usual. Schools should make the necessary provisions. 

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