The use of chemical deicers remains prevalent during winter, helping to maintaining safe outdoor surfaces. In fact, it’s estimated that around $2 billion is spent each year on chemicals, materials, labor, and equipment for winter road maintenance. But, though effective at melting ice and snow, these substances pose significant health risks to outdoor workers who handle them.
These chemicals have the potential to irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory systems of the workers that handle them.
Additionally, overexposure to chemical deicers can harm the environment by polluting groundwater and damaging aquatic ecosystems, as well as causing dehydration and death in plants.
Understanding these hazards is crucial for implementing effective safety measures and ensuring the well-being of both your employees, and your worksite.
Let’s break it down.
Related Article: Overcoming Respiratory Health Challenges this Holiday Season.
Related Article: 10 Reasons To Prioritize Workplace Respiratory Protection Programs in 2024.
What are Chemical Deicers?
Chemical deicers are substances applied to roads, sidewalks, and other outdoor surfaces to lower the freezing point of water, thus preventing ice formation.
Common types include:
Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt): The most widely used deicer, sodium chloride is effective and cheap, but can be corrosive and harmful to the environment.
Calcium Chloride: More effective at lower temperatures than sodium chloride, it generates heat when dissolved. However, it can often irritate the skin and eyes.
Magnesium Chloride: This is similar to calcium chloride, but often considered less harmful to vegetation. That said, it can still cause respiratory issues.
Potassium Acetate: A less corrosive alternative often used on airport runways, potassium acetate also comes with a higher price tag.
While these chemical deicers are essential for safety during winter months, they can expose outdoor workers to various health hazards.
Respiratory Hazards Associated with Chemical Deicers
Outdoor workers who apply or handle chemical deicers may encounter several respiratory hazards:
1. Inhalation of Particulate Matter
When deicers are spread on icy surfaces, they can generate dust particles that become airborne. Workers may inhale these particles, leading to respiratory irritation and exacerbating pre-existing conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Prolonged exposure can increase the risk of developing respiratory illnesses.
2. Chemical Irritation
Many chemical deicers contain additives that can irritate the respiratory tract.
For instance, calcium chloride can release hydrochloric acid when it reacts with moisture in the air, leading to coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing. Workers may also experience symptoms such as headaches and dizziness due to exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in some formulations.
3. Allergic Reactions
Some individuals may develop allergic reactions to certain chemical components in deicers. Symptoms can include respiratory issues such as wheezing or shortness of breath, particularly in sensitive individuals or those with pre-existing allergies.
4. Long-term Health Effects
Chronic exposure to chemical deicers may lead to long-term health effects. Studies have shown that continuous inhalation of particulate matter and chemical vapors can contribute to lung damage and increase the risk of developing serious conditions like lung cancer or chronic bronchitis.
Safety Measures for Outdoor Workers
To mitigate the health risks associated with chemical deicers, employers must implement comprehensive safety measures:
1. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Providing appropriate PPE is essential for protecting outdoor workers from respiratory hazards:
Respirators: When working in environments where airborne particles or chemical vapors are present, respirators equipped with appropriate filters should be provided.
Protective Clothing: Workers should wear gloves and protective clothing to minimize skin contact with deicing chemicals.
2. Training and Awareness
Educating workers about the potential hazards associated with chemical deicers is crucial. These include:
Hazard Communication: You’ll need to provide information about the specific chemicals being used, their health effects, and safe handling practices.
Emergency Procedures: Training should include how to respond in case of exposure or accidental spills.
3. Implementing Engineering Controls
Employers should consider engineering controls to reduce exposure risks, such as:
Ventilation Systems: Installing ventilation systems in enclosed areas where deicers are applied can help disperse harmful vapors.
Dust Suppression Measures: Using water sprays or other methods to minimize dust generation when applying solid deicers can reduce airborne particulate matter.
4. Monitoring Exposure Levels
Regular monitoring of air quality and exposure levels is essential for ensuring worker safety, which includes:
Air Quality Assessments: Conducting periodic assessments can help identify potential hazards and ensure compliance with occupational exposure limits.
Health Surveillance: Implementing health surveillance programs for workers exposed to chemical deicers can help detect early signs of respiratory issues.
Read NIOSH’s Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards.
See OSHA’s Publication on Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances.
Bringing It Together
While chemical deicers play a vital role in maintaining safety during winter conditions, they also pose significant health risks to outdoor workers. Understanding these hazards is essential for implementing effective safety measures that protect employee health.
By providing appropriate PPE, conducting training sessions, implementing engineering controls, and monitoring exposure levels, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with chemical deicers.
Prioritizing worker safety not only enhances employee well-being, but also contributes to a more productive and efficient work environment during the challenging winter months.
Stay in Compliance with Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct silica exam physicals, on-site respirator fit tests (including N95 masks), audiometric exams, as well as pulmonary function tests and heavy metal lab work, and much more, right on your job site. We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote.
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