Our Solution
Gritting
Our solution is pro active gritting. We apply grit with either towalble gritters which are manoeuvrable for small areas or via hand onto foot paths, steps, emergency exits etc.
Pedestrian Spreaders
We also use pedestrian spreaders for smaller areas, pathways and driveways.
How do we decide when to grit?
We monitor the weather conditions & forecasts using a variety of information sources. A decision to commence operation is based on the forecast and predicted temperatures for a given area, especially road surface temperatures, as they can be up to 5 -7 degrees lower than air temperature!
When do we start gritting?
Salt is ideally spread before roads become icy or snow starts to fall.. This is known as precautionary salting. After a sub zero temperature has been forecast we spread the salt ideally in advance of the temperature fall and freezing conditions.
Prevention of ice formation is far better practice than treating already formed ice/fallen snow.
Gritting is carried out over night to minimise disruption to site use. During adverse weather such as snow and freezing rain we may require to grit during the day or as and when required.
How much salt do we use?
The recommended guidelines are to spread approximately 10-15gms/m2 for precautionary salting and 20-40gms/m2 during ice and snow conditions. Although of course this may differ, as we evaluate each visit on a needs basis.
How does the salt work?
The Salt works by lowering the freezing point of moisture on the surface. Salt can stop ice forming and cause existing ice or snow to melt. However, salt doesn’t work instantly; it needs to be ground down by pedestrian/vehicular traffic in order for it to be activated. We pay close attention to foot paths and areas of pedestrian traffic. When the surfaces are dry there may be a white appearance caused by the salt, this will soon disappear. Any residual salt will itself attract moisture and can give the surface a damp appearance, this again is perfectly normal and the salt should prevent the moisture from freezing.
After gritting will our surfaces be 100% safe?
There is no such thing as an absolutely safe surface, although we will do our absolute best to minimize the risk!"
Who supplies the Salt
Two options, we can either supply salt or clients can supply their own grit. We can store salt for clients under cover in segregated areas allowing salt from different clients not to get mixed up. We have plenty of space for artics to tip.
Record keeping
A copy of every met office forecast is kept as evidence and can be supplied to clients. This, along with any photographic evidence can help in any dispute regarding gritting. When using clients salt we can supply An inventory of their salt use so they know exactly what is happening to their salt pile.
Freezing rain
Last year gave us some of the worst winter weather we have experienced yet. On numerous occassions we had had to deal with freeing rain. In this scenario we gritted as usual, then it would rain and freeze. This causes dangerous black ice and ice to which we had to immediately respond to by gritting again to regain control.
Warning - The presence of salt will not always guarantee an ice-free surface, so due care and attention is always essential
