What are Grit Bins for?

There are multiple ways to use a grit bin. This would include de-icing roads and also for personal use. Grit bins act as a piece of street furniture designed for safety purposes. They are often made with fibreglass, as this is the perfect material for cold and harsh weather and does not require much upkeep. 

Grit bins are for:

1. Storing Grit
2. De-icing Roads Following Snowfall
3. Personal Storage of Grit

1. Storing Grit

Storing grit is the most obvious explanation for the use of a grit bin. But what is grit?

Grit is a combination of salt, gravel, and stones. These materials work together to melt the ice and also work to keep the ice from refreezing. This is because adding salt to water changes its chemical nature, meaning that the salty solution will now need temperatures to drop significantly to refreeze. 

Some experts have also suggested that roads should be gritted before snowfall, as this can prevent serious vehicular accidents from occurring. Reports have shown that in the UK between 2016 and 2020, 44783 vehicular accidents occurred in wintry weather, including icy conditions. 

Regular checks of grit bins are undertaken by local councils to ensure that they are topped up for icier months to reduce these accidents from occurring. Experts have suggested that if you see an empty grit bin, you should report it to your local council, for replenishment to occur. 

2. De-icing Roads Following Snowfall

The main purpose of a grit bin is for public safety on public roads. During the winter periods, these become incredibly vital to the smooth running of the road systems. Heavy snowfall can bring with it icy roads, increasing the risk of driving.

Local councils install these grit bins to have quick access to grit when conditions become a hazard to drivers. Grit is then spread either by hand using a salt spreader or by using shovels or by a winter service vehicle. This grit de-ices the roads, ultimately making the roads safer and less susceptible to ice patches. 

3. Personal Storage of Grit

Although grit bins are usually purchased and installed by local authorities, you can buy your own grit bins. If you are conscious of the winter snowfall and icy weather conditions, there is no law to stop you from getting a personal collection.

Many people buy a mini grit bin so they can clear the ice from their own driveways and surrounding areas. If purchasing your own grit bin seems drastic, grit bins on council-owned roads can be used publicly. However, this would not allow you to move the grit to your personal property and use it on your driveway. Instead, it can be used for improving safety on council-owned roads. 

Buying alternatives may then be the route for you. Alternatives include one-off bags of de-icing salt, table salt, dishwasher salt, or rock salt. 

Table Salt: 

This is great at initially melting the ice. It is also a common household item and so would not cost you much to trial.

Rock Salt: 

Rock salt is a slower alternative to table salt, however once used it is more likely to prevent ice from refreezing. This is due to being larger than table salt, meaning that it could stick around for longer.

How to Apply for a Grit Bin? 

All local councils have different approaches to the application of a grit bin. However, if you think that the council has missed a great opportunity for a grit bin location, then many councils will consider your application under special circumstances. 

These may include, but are not limited to if your location has a sharp corner, is on a steep hill, or it junctions with major travel routes. Contact your local council’s website for more information on grit bins in your area. 

Conclusion

To conclude, grit bins are a vital piece of street furniture that is designed to allow for easy access to grit. These are topped up regularly and enable the council to bring safety after heavy snowfall. This ultimately can save lives, as icy conditions can lead to higher amounts of road accidents. Make sure to keep your grit bin topped up with grit to keep you and the public safe.

For more information about what health and safety equipment should be used in the workplace and how to stay safe while at work, visit our MorSafe shop, or contact us at 01686 611 377 or sales@morsafesupplies.com

Written by Luthien, for Morsafe Supplies.