Safety Considerations for Bulk Storage of Road Salt, Brine and Dirt

Public works agencies often store bulk resources such as road salt, brine and dirt. Doing so can allow these organizations to save money, ensure timely completion of essential tasks (e.g., clearing roads and walking surfaces in the winter and performing critical construction and landscaping projects) for their communities, and limit the likelihood of having to order last-minute shipments and face possible delays.

When stored correctly, these stockpiled resources can remain fresh and usable for several months (and even years), benefiting public works agencies and their communities for extended periods. However, poor storage measures could pose serious consequences, including spoiled or lost materials, environmental pollution and contamination concerns, and increased safety hazards for employees like you.

If your job requires you to work with or near large amounts of road salt, brine and dirt, it’s important to understand the role you play in maintaining safe and effective bulk storage measures. This article outlines employer and employee responsibilities concerning these stockpiled resources.

Employer Responsibilities

Public works agencies are responsible for selecting designated areas for storing road salt, brine and dirt in bulk on-site. The layout of this area may vary based on an organization’s particular location and operational demands. Potential layouts may include indoor storage facilities or anchored outdoor tents. In any case, these areas should be established near the rest of organizational operations to limit long-distance hauling and set up in a way that keeps stockpiled resources fully covered and adequately protected against adverse weather conditions (e.g., heavy wind, rain and snow).

Additionally, public works agencies are responsible for ensuring their storage areas are safe and easily accessible for employees, equipment and machinery; properly secured with fencing, locks, warning signage and other features to prevent unauthorized access; kept clean and tidy with sufficient housekeeping protocols; and equipped with drainage systems (e.g., sloped floor pads and retention curbs) that direct potentially polluted or contaminated runoff away from public water sources. Further, organizations should be sure their bulk storage procedures comply with all applicable federal, state and local environmental discharge regulations and zoning requirements.     

Employee Responsibilities

As an employee, it’s best for you to uphold these safety measures when working with or near stockpiled road salt, brine and dirt:

• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
  Make sure you wear the required PPE for the task at hand. This may include safety gloves, glasses, steel-toed boots, a hard hat and a high-visibility jacket or vest.
• Approach stockpiles with caution. When working with stockpiled resources, remain alert and watch for possible hazards (e.g., sinkholes or collapsing piles). As you approach a stockpile, maintain solid footing and always give yourself enough room to safely exit the area and avoid being struck by loose materials; never position yourself too closely between a stockpile and an immovable object that could end up trapping you in an avalanche of falling materials.
• Handle stockpiles carefully. If you need to remove a tarp or any other type of covering from a stockpile, do so slowly and in a way that allows nearby workers to maintain full visibility and maneuver the pile safely. While working on top of a stockpile, stay at least 15 feet from the crest at all times. Refrain from eating, drinking or smoking in close proximity to stockpiles.
• Ensure safe operation of equipment and machinery. Only operate vehicles, conveyor belts, electrical tools, and other equipment and machinery within the storage area if you have been properly trained to do so. Make sure to inspect these items for possible issues or signs of wear and tear before using them; don’t operate damaged equipment and machinery. Additionally, familiarize yourself with these items’ safety guards and emergency stop devices. When operating vehicles or other mobile equipment, always wear your seat belt and follow designated traffic patterns and speed limits. Avoid parking vehicles or mobile equipment in areas that could limit other workers’ visibility or pose entrapment hazards.
• Keep the storage area clean. Comply with all housekeeping requirements and do your part in maintaining a tidy worksite. Dispose of clutter and trash as needed and return items to their assigned storage locations after using them. Alert your supervisor and take action to clean up spills or other messes as quickly as possible.
• Maintain proper communication. Be sure to communicate with your co-workers and supervisor frequently while working within the storage area to confirm everyone understands their responsibilities and is on the same page.
• Follow workplace policies and procedures. Carefully review and adhere to all organizational policies, procedures and other applicable documentation regarding bulk storage and stockpiling. Attend all required safety meetings and training sessions to ensure you know how to protect yourself and others on the job.
• Voice your questions and concerns. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your supervisor if you have questions related to stockpiling protocols or identify possible inefficiencies, compliance issues or unaddressed safety risks in the storage area.

Conclusion
By understanding your responsibilities regarding stockpiling and handling road salt, brine and dirt, you can help foster a safe work environment. Consult your supervisor for further information on bulk storage safety.