AA Salt FAQ's - UK Snow Ploughing

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1. Why should I be worried about ice and snow forming?

During winter months, a high number of accidents involve slipping on ice and snow. AA Salt will advise you how to ensure your employees / tennants are safe in these circumstances.

2. Why use salt?

Road surfaces can be treated with salt to stop the formation of ice to minus nine degrees C. Spreading salt to prevent formation of ice is much more effective than trying to melt ice once it has formed. Salt will lower the freezing point of the moisture on the roads surface. The higher the concentration of salt in the moisture, the lower the temperature has to fall before the moisture freezes.

3. How do we decide when to grit?

Weather forecasts are monitored from Head Office by our operations manager, via the internet, from the Met office and from local independent weather stations. A decision is made based on the predicted forecast and the level of service you have requested.

4. When do the salt spreaders go out?

Salt must be spread before the road becomes 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. Preventing ice forming is better for the environment than treating already formed ice as less salt is required. This is why you see the gritters on the road during the late afternoon and early evening as well as during the night.

5. Why don’t we grit every night sub zero temperatures are predicted?

Because we are a local independent business we have good local knowledge of the prevailing weather conditions and can react accordingly. Sometimes when a frost is predicted it does not always mean conditions will cause ice to form on roads. There can be enough heat in the ground to keep the roads from freezing. Also if there have been consecutive sub zero nights there might be enough grit/salt on your surfaces already especially if there hasn’t been any rain to wash it or wind to blow it away and the traffic volumes have not been too high. Conversely temperatures can stay above zero, but conditions can allow ice to form.

6. Do you use salt spreading for snow clearing?

Gritting while snowing is less effective than having salt on the surface prior to snowing. So we try to get a layer of salt on the road before a snow fall which acts to slow the rate of the snow from settling. The most effective treatment for a snow fall is to move it using the snow ploughs. These are most effective with 75mm of snow or more.

7. What happens when it rains and then immediately freezes?

This is the most difficult situation to orchestrate at the right time as heavy rain will often wash away salt before it has a chance to work. In this instance salt may be spread on already formed ice or snow after the rain has stopped. It will still be effective but means more salt will have to be used to raise the melting point of the ice or snow.

8. Where are salt bins placed?

Salt bins are used in areas which are too small to be practically serviced with a salt gritter. Eg. Managed flats and apartments, pub car parks, small office sites, pathways, small car parks and any area which is prone to freezing. Small industrial units may wish to have one at the front of the units to safe guard members of staff and visiting public.

9. Can I just order salt?

Yes salt can be provide in 25kg bags or loose bulk.

10. Can I buy water softner salts?

Yes. Due to the number of enquiries for water softner salts, we now supply water softner granules and tablets but not blocks.

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