By Mackenna Moralez

Choosing the most effective ice melting products for a healthcare facilities’ needs can be difficult choices for a healthcare facilities manager. With sustainable options on the rise, the number of choices can be overwhelming. As the labor shortage continues, managers need to find an ice melt that can do the job for them so that operations aren’t strained any further than they already are. Healthcare Facilities Today talks with ice melt manufacturers on how managers can make the best choice of product for their business. 

How can facilities managers choose the right type of ice melt for their operation? 

“With today’s tight labor market, facility managers are facing challenges deploying staff to the many areas that need attention when it snows. Now more than ever, maintenance departments are relying on portable snow and ice melting mats to do the job for them.  

Another solution to consider when preparing for winter is portable heated snow and ice melting mats. Heated mats come in a variety of sizes and melt snow and ice on contact, leaving sidewalks, stairs and entrances clear and safe during winter months. Very often, portable heated snow melting mats are part of the facilities department’s toolbox when planning for winter snow and ice removal.” 

— Hillel Glazer, President, Heattrak LLC 

“The trade off to excessive ice melt is deterioration to concrete, metals, floors and plant materials. All ice melts containing the word chloride will have damaging effects to property. Facility managers should consider incorporating a non-chloride alternative into their winter maintenance operation. It does not mean that they will be done with chloride-based ice melts all together, but incorporation of a non-chloride ice melt will significantly reduce the damage caused by chloride-based ice melters.” 

— Nate Clemmer, CEO, Secure Winter Products 

Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor for Healthcare Facilities Today.