A gritting job is automatically activated when the temperature trigger is met, typically 0°C. Gritting is normally carried out in the evening or early morning before ice forms.
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, helping to prevent ice from forming or helping to melt existing ice, especially when crushed by foot or vehicle traffic.
During a gritting visit, salt is spread evenly across the site and will activate when in contact with any moisture, creating a saline solution to help prevent the formation of ice. This means you may not see any salt on the ground. You will receive a post-service notification confirming our visit however, with a link to download a Service Report with all the service information including breadcrumb tracking. Alternatively this can be obtained from the client portal.
We typically use sustainable sourced white marine salt, which is better for the environment and doesn’t leave any grit (sand) on your site as in the case of brown salt. Other de-icing products can also be used if required.
Light frost requires 10–15g per m², while heavier ice or snowfall may need 30–40g per m².
Salt is most effective as a preventive measure before ice forms, but it can also be used after snow clearance to prevent re-freezing.
Businesses, landlords, and property managers are responsible for gritting private car parks, footpaths, and entrances, while local councils manage public roads and pavements.
Entrances, footpaths, car parks, loading bays, emergency exits, and high-traffic zones should be prioritised to reduce slip hazards.
Salt remains effective until washed away by rain or displaced by traffic and its effectiveness will vary widely depending on conditions. Best practice is to apply salt overnight in preparation of freezing conditions for the following morning.
Salt is corrosive so incorrect or unnecessary high application can lead to avoidable damage. Applying the right amount minimises damage, while less corrosive products are also available.
A professional gritting contractor ensures a proactive and reliable service with consistent coverage and professional weather monitoring. Gritting and snow clearance form part of any standard ice and snow risk assessment. If you are unable to deliver the service yourself, a professional provider is your best option to ensure consistency and reliability
A snow clearance job is automatically activated when snow accumulations are forecast to exceed 5cm on your site (other activation levels are available). Clearance is normally carried out towards the end of the snow event.
Clearance is done mechanically for large areas using either a 4×4 with a mounted snow plough, or a JCB. Pedestrian areas will be cleared manually with a push plough.
As a minimum, we will clear snow from the main entrance and exit roads, the main pedestrian areas and a usable portion of the car park.
Snow will be pushed to a pre-agreed or less-used area of the site to melt out of the way. Snow is not generally removed from site.
Property owners, businesses, and landlords are responsible for ensuring safe access to their premises, including car parks and footpaths.
Not if done responsibly. The UK government’s “Snow Code” advises clearing snow carefully to avoid creating hazards.
Entrances, footpaths, car parks, loading bays, emergency exits, fire escapes, and high-traffic zones.
If managing a property or commercial site, hiring a professional ensures efficient and timely snow clearance.
Local councils maintain public bins, while businesses and private landowners are responsible for bins on their property.
In high-risk areas like hills, bends, footpaths, entrances, car parks, and busy pedestrian zones.
Typically, between 50 and 400 litres, with larger bins used for commercial or public areas.
We typically use sustainable sourced white marine salt, which is better for the environment and doesn’t leave any grit (sand) on your site as in the case of brown salt. Other de-icing products can also be used if required.
After heavy use or snowfall. Councils refill public bins periodically; private bins should be checked regularly.
Public grit is for roads and pavements only, not for private driveways or land.
Simply contact OUTCO’s helpdesk, providing your site reference and we will arrange a refill or replacement – helpdesk@outco.co.uk, 0800 0432 911
Use a shovel to spread between 10 and 40g per m² before ice forms. Avoid overuse to prevent surface and vegetation damage.
Yes, they should be kept clean, checked for damage, and refilled as needed. Damaged public bins should be reported to the council.
Common options include white marine salt, brown rock salt, liquid brine, Pro-Coat treated salt, and Viaform for different applications
White salt is pure marine salt and is sustainably sourced and causes less problems on sites. Brown salt is mined from the ground and is part ‘grit’ (sand) making it more visible but can also stain surfaces or lead to the blocking of drains. Brown salt is however cheaper than white salt.
Liquid brine is a pre-mixed salt solution used for pre-treatment, offering faster and more even coverage than traditional dry salt
Pro-Coat is a white marine salt which has a corrosion inhibitor added allowing it to be used as a low corrosive de-icer.
Application rates vary, but 10–40g per m² is typically required depending on weather conditions and surface type.
Salt should be kept in a dry location and covered or grit bin to prevent moisture absorption and clumping.
Yes, standard rock salt is effective down to between -6 to –8 depending on conditions , while specialist products like Viaform and liquid brine work at much lower temperatures.
Overuse can cause concrete erosion, metal corrosion, and harm to plants, so proper application and eco-friendly alternatives should be considered.
Salt can be purchased from directly from OUTCO, simply contact us for a quote – helpdesk@outco.co.uk, 0800 0432 911
Salt should be applied before ice forms, ideally in the evening or early morning, and reapplied after heavy use, rain, or snowfall.