Managing winter weather is an important aspect of any business, as you want your customers to be able to come to you regardless of what it’s like outside. This often means stocking on bulk de-icing products to help keep roads, parking lots, and sidewalks safe and accessible. However, improper storage and handling of these materials can lead to a lot of problems. From reduced effectiveness to simple waste, managing these products can have an impact on your bottom line.
To get the most out of your investment, it is crucial to develop and adopt strategies to maximize the shelf life of your bulk de-icing products. Salt distributors near you should be able to give some guidance on some of these protocols – such as the specific types of salt you should use or other pieces of insight. There are a number of ways you can extend the life of these products, which can help ensure they last longer and don’t impact your bottom line.
Understanding Shelf Life
Different types of de-icing products have varying shelf lives, depending on their chemical composition and their physical form. Some of the common de-icing materials include rock salt, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, and a variety of blended or enhanced products. Rock salt typically has an indefinite shelf life if stored properly. Calcium chloride and magnesium chloride also have to be stored properly, as they are hygroscopic. That means these types of salt can absorb the moisture in the air, causing them to harden.
Moisture is the biggest culprit in spoiling your bulk salt. For example, if rock salt is exposed to moisture, it can cause it to clump and reduce the salt’s effectiveness. Many de-icing products can also contain additives that help improve their performance. These blends differ in their storage requirements, which should be clearly explained on the packaging. If not, you can ask your trusted bulk salt distributor for the best practices in storing those types of products.
Proper Storage of De-Icing Materials
Making sure you keep your de-icing products stored away from moisture is the best, first step in extending its shelf life. Exposure to water or high humidity can lead to clumping, degradation, and loss of effectiveness. To prevent this, make sure to store products in a dry, covered area – like a warehouse, garage, or storage shed. Use pallets to keep bags and bulk materials off the ground, where moisture is most likely to accumulate. Be sure to regularly inspect the storage area for leaks or condensation, and address any issues immediately.
If your bulk de-icing materials don’t have their own storage, or don’t have proper storage, make sure to get the right storage containers to maintain the product’s quality. Sealed containers or other airtight bins are a great way to prevent exposure to the air and moisture. These containers should also be made of durable materials that are resistant to corrosion and chemical interactions. Always clearly label your containers with the type of de-icing material being stored inside, as well as the purchase date of the product. This will ensure proper rotation and usage.
Proper storage is vital for these products, particularly for large-scale operations that need to have a lot of these products on hand at one time. For these bigger operations, bulk de-icing materials like rock salt are typically stored outdoors. This can be cost-effective, but it can also expose the material to environmental risks. That means it’s important to protect them, if they’re being stored outside. Use tarps or weather-resistant covers to shield them from rain and snow. Building storage structures like salt domes or covered bins can provide additional protection. Make sure that there is proper drainage around the storage areas to prevent water from pooling.
Protect from Temperature Extremes & Contamination
De-icing products are designed for cold conditions, as they’re meant to help get rid of pesky snow and ice during the colder months of the year. However, extreme fluctuations in temperature during storage can lead to degradation. Make sure to avoid storing these products in direct sunlight, as the heat can have an impact on their chemical stability. Make sure that your storage areas are insulated to prevent temperature swings, especially if products are stored for long periods of time.
Contamination can also compromise the effectiveness of your de-icing materials. Along with losing their de-icing ability, this can also lead to some serious environmental concerns. To prevent contamination, make sure to store different types of de-icing products separately to avoid mixing. Keep storage areas clean and free of any debris, dirt, or other chemicals. Be sure to use clean tools and equipment when handling de-icing materials, as anything that comes into contact with them might alter the chemical makeup of the product.
Monitor and Manage Inventory
Once you have the de-icing materials properly stored and free of contamination, it’s important to maintain effective inventory management. This is key to reducing overall waste and maintaining the quality of your de-icing products for a long period of time. It’s important to implement your own best practices to match your needs, but there are some baseline procedures that can help tremendously. First and foremost, make regular inspections. Set a routine where you check for signs of clumping, hardening, or other contamination.
If you have a substantial amount of de-icing materials stocked up, implement a “First In, First Out” (or FIFO) protocol. This simply means using up older stock before newer purchases to ensure that no product sits unused for extended periods of time. It’s also important to track the usage of these materials. You’re likely not using them every day, all year round, so keeping detailed records of your inventory levels and usage patterns can help you plan purchases more accurately. This will save you money because you won’t be wasting product, and it will save you time by knowing what to expect.
Leverage Technology for Monitoring Your Inventory
Modern technology has a way of helping out in a variety of areas, and that technology can also be used to help monitor your bulk de-icing products. This can help simplify storage management and reduce the risk of product loss. There are a number of tools to consider, and all of them can help you monitor and maintain the area where your de-icing materials are being stored.
Humidity sensors are a very popular option, and can be used in spaces of all sizes. These sensors do exactly what their name implies, as they monitor the moisture levels in your storage areas so you know your materials are staying dry. Temperature loggers are another popular item, as they can track and control temperature fluctuations in the storage area. Inventory software can also automate and track your inventory, giving prompt alerts when it’s time to reorder.
Train Staff on Proper Handling
Even with the best storage setup, improper handling by your staff can lead to a degraded product. Be sure to provide the proper training to the people that will be handling the de-icing materials on a regular basis. They should be instructed on the importance of proper storage practices, and how to handle and transport de-icing materials safely. They should also have some insight into identifying and addressing signs of product deterioration. This will help keep you fully stocked with reliable products you know are safe to use.
If the staff is trained properly, it helps make the entire process go more smoothly. One of the biggest issues is over-ordering. While having a surplus of de-icing products can provide some peace of mind, overstocking can lead to storage challenges and waste. If your workforce that’s handling these materials knows the safety protocols and how to identify issues with the de-icing material, it will help ensure that you won’t have too much product – or a large quantity of de-icing materials that are no longer effective. Use historical data and trends to avoid this, and coordinate your deliveries with suppliers.
Dispose of Expired or Contaminated Products Responsibly
If your de-icing materials have become unusable due to prolonged storage or contamination, it’s vital for them to be disposed of properly. These materials can have a negative impact on the environment, so steps must be taken to ensure that you get rid of them the right way. Be sure to check local regulations for guidelines on disposal of chemical products. Avoid dumping the materials in areas where they could potentially harm water sources or vegetation. It’s also important to work with waste management professionals to ensure safe disposal.
There are a lot of things these de-icing materials could damage if they aren’t disposed of properly. At their core, they are causing a chemical reaction with the ice to melt it. That means there are chemicals involved with the product. For more information on the impact de-icing materials could have on the environment, or for more tips on how to get the most out of those de-icing products, reach out to the experts at Clarity Salt today.