Calcium chloride is a salt-based substance typically used in de-icing and drying surfaces. As a result many municipalities have adopted its use to reduce accidents due to winter driving conditions. While calcium chloride has provided effective in doing this, there are precautions that need to be taken when using it. Below are tips when using it on roads.
1. Ensure ventilation
Granted when you use calcium chloride on roads, you are applying it outdoors. However, many businesses and municipalities store it in structures such as barns and silos. As such, those working with it are at risk of inhaling fumes and can result in nausea, vomiting, coughing, a sore throat, esophageal burns, lung disease, and gastrointestinal illness.
To prevent from inhaling calcium chloride fumes or ingesting them, ensure as much ventilation as possible when you are in contact with it. If you are in a structure where it is present, try to keep doors and windows open. This will allow fresh air to permeate the area and effectively reduce fumes and particles. When you are applying calcium chloride to roads, a respiratory mask is highly recommended, allowing you to breath easily but preventing you from ingesting particles.
2. Wear eye protection
You are probably extremely cautious when applying calcium chloride to roads. However, accidents can happen. Fumes can get into your eyes if the calcium chloride comes close enough to them and the substance can splash up while you are putting it on surfaces. Symptoms of calcium chloride coming into contact with eyes include noticeable irritation and burning in the area.
To prevent calcium chloride from causing harm to your eyes, wear safety glasses when applying it to roads. That way, fumes cannot infiltrate your eyes and any splashback will hit the glasses. In the event the calcium chloride does come into contact with your eyes, attend the nearest eye-washing station if one is available. If not, gently rinse your eyes with clean, cool water.
3. Do not allow contact with skin
Like your eyes, you do your best to protect your skin from the calcium chloride you are using. However, incidental contact with the substance can and does occur. When calcium chloride does come into contact with your skin it can cause dry skin, redness, and burns ranging from minor to severe depending on how long it was on for.
When applying calcium chloride to roads, wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves to prevent it from contacting your skin. If it does accidentally touch your skin, rinse the affected area with water and soap as soon as you notice. Any clothes that came into contact with the calcium chloride should we washed with a strong laundry detergent to prevent further contact and ingestion.
4. Do not use on all surfaces
Calcium chloride is effective in melting ice on roads because it depresses the freezing point of water. This prevents ice from forming and can de-ice surfaces that have already frozen. However, it is not meant for all surfaces. Therefore, applying it everywhere there is ice can have frustrating and damaging consequences.
Calcium chloride is not meant to be applied to masonry and continued applications can result in surfaces flaking and breaking off. New concrete can also be damaged by calcium chloride and therefore surfaces need to be at least 6 months old. Plants and vegetation are also affected by calcium chloride as it can impact the nutrients in the soil if it comes into contact. If you apply calcium chloride to surfaces that may be negatively affected by its presence, sweep as much as you can off if possible. Then wash away with plenty of water.
