Purpose: Provide introductory training for local government administrative and management personnel to introduce them to the concept of sound winter maintenance practices and the value of adopting a ‘sensible salting’ program encompassing all aspects of winter operations.

Learning Objectives: Review winter service problems and effects in comparison to the available sound winter maintenance solutions, to accomplish two items:

1. Present the major components needed to understand a comprehensive sensible salting program.
2. Provide an overview of the direct and indirect benefits of a winter operations program, touching on all the various items that they need to know, hopefully sparking an interest in seeking additional information through further training or other means.

I. General Information

A. Learning objectives
B. Weather creates problems
C. Public expects mobility
D. Bad weather causes increased accidents
E. Lack of mobility results in economic loss
F. Affects "just-in-time" delivery for manufacturing

II. Introduction to Salt

A. Why salt is the popular choice
B. How salt works
C. Proper equipment and training
D. Lifesaving benefits
E. Salt and the environment
F. Results of salt bans and what happened

III. Advantages of Using Salt

A. Provides continuous mobility
B. Satisfies and meets public expectations
D. Reduces accidents
E. Cost benefits
F. Effectiveness of using salt
G. Shared services/resources with local agencies

IV. Salt Substitutes

A. List of alternatives (sand, CMA, etc.)
B. Rate and frequency of application
C. Cost benefits of alternatives
D. Cost comparisons of alternatives

V. General Information on Salt Application and Techniques

A. Equipment required
B. Rates of application and timing
            Amounts needed
            When needed
C. Different types of weather conditions
D. Planning and prioritizing
E. Anti-icing and deicing
F. Salt storage
G. Clean-up after storms

VI. Summary

A. How salt is used
B. Importance of customer satisfaction to elected officials
C. Reduction of accidents
D. Results of salt bans
E. Reference to Marquette report
F. Cost benefits
G. Cost comparison to alternatives
H. Sensible use and benefits

[About Salt Institute] [About salt] [About the salt industry] [News] [SI Member Business (password required] [E-Mail Salt Institute]

Search web site: