How to Set Up a Rock Salt Station at Your Business or Facility

Posted on 13th January 2026

When winter hits, fast access to rock salt and gritting tools can make all the difference between a safe, accessible site and a costly slip hazard. For businesses, schools, warehouses and commercial properties, having a dedicated winter safety setup on site ensures you’re always ready to respond to frost, ice and snow.

This guide walks you through how to build a practical, well-organised rock salt station so you can grit your premises efficiently and responsibly all season long.

Why Every Facility Needs a Rock Salt Station

From icy car parks to slippery paths and ungritted loading bays, winter brings daily challenges for facilities teams and caretakers. A central gritting station helps you:

• Act quickly during icy conditions
• Reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls
• Maintain compliance with health and safety guidelines
• Stay stocked and organised through peak winter months

With minimal investment and a bit of planning, you can keep your site safe, operational and protected throughout winter.

1. Choose the Right Location

Your rock salt station should be located where it’s:

• Easily accessible in all weather
• Close to high-risk zones (e.g. steps, entrances, car parks)
• Sheltered or protected from rain and snow
• Safe from public interference or tampering

For larger sites, consider setting up multiple mini stations — one near staff entrances, another at delivery areas, and one by the main building entrance.

2. What to Include in Your Rock Salt Station

A well-equipped gritting point should include the following essentials:

Grit Bin or Storage Container

• Keep salt dry and ready to use
• Lockable options available for security
• Size depends on the amount of salt in use (200-1000kg capacity recommended)

De-Icing Rock Salt

• White rock salt is ideal for clean public areas and entrances
• Brown rock salt is better for larger outdoor spaces and car parks
• Choose from 20kg bags or Mini, Midi, Urban or Bulk Bags depending on site size

Shovels or Scoops

• Heavy-duty plastic or metal shovels for quick spreading
• Long-handled scoops improve efficiency and minimise strain

Rock Salt Spreader (Optional)

For larger properties, a manual or wheeled salt spreader ensures even coverage

Gloves and PPE

Encourage staff to use gloves and high-vis gear when gritting

Safety Signage

• Warn staff, customers or visitors that areas are being gritted
• Temporary signs for “Caution: Icy Surface” are useful during snow or freeze events

3. How to Stock Your Salt Supply

The size and layout of your site will determine how much salt you need. Here’s a general guide to help you choose:

Bag Size	Approx. Weight	Covers (at 4cm depth)	Best For
20kg Bag	20kg	Small areas or top-ups	Entrances, doorsteps
Mini Bag	200kg	~6m²	Homes, small businesses
Midi Bag	450kg	~15m²	Schools, clinics, yards
Urban Bag	700kg	~20m²	Warehouses, retail parks
Bulk Bag	1000kg	~24m²	Councils, business parks, large sites

Tip: If you're gritting daily or covering multiple zones, order in bulk to reduce cost per kilo and avoid mid-season shortages.

4. Train Your Staff on How to Grit Safely

A good setup is only effective if your team knows how to use it. Offer quick training or guidelines covering:

• When to grit (before frost, during icy weather, after snowfall)
• How much to apply (20-40g per m² for light frost, up to 70g per m² for heavy ice)
• Priority areas to cover first: steps, paths, car parks, ramps, delivery areas
• Where to record gritting activity for compliance

Keeping a gritting log is a great way to prove due diligence, especially in the event of a slip or injury claim.

5. Stay Stocked, Stay Ready

A good rock salt station is part of a wider winter risk management plan. Review your setup weekly during cold weather:

• Check salt levels in bins and reorder as needed
• Clear access routes to the station
• Inspect tools and replace any damaged equipment
• Monitor the weather forecast to stay ahead of icy spells

With everything in place, your team can act fast when temperatures drop, keeping your site open, safe and compliant all winter long.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I check my salt supply?

Check weekly during the winter period. Reorder early if temperatures are forecast to drop or after heavy use.

Can I set up multiple salt stations?

Yes. For larger sites, placing smaller stations at key access points ensures faster, localised response.

Do I need to use both white and brown rock salt?

Many businesses benefit from using white salt for entrances and brown salt for car parks or roads, depending on surface type and visibility needs.

Can I order in bulk for multiple sites?

Yes. We offer palletised delivery and can help coordinate bulk salt across multiple properties or departments.

Be Ready for Winter with a Rock Salt Station That Works

A well-organised salt station isn't just a safety measure. It's a smart operational move. With the right tools, clear signage, and enough de-icing salt on hand, you’ll protect your people, maintain your premises, and stay ahead of winter’s challenges.

Browse our full range of de-icing rock salt today or get in touch for advice on setting up a winter-ready station for your business or facility.