by Shane Henson — September 18, 2013—Cargill Deicing Technology is helping St. Vincent Indianapolis Hospital to be better prepared for the hazards of winter with the installation of a pavement surface overlay on one of the hospital’s busiest driveways in an effort to reduce slips and falls. The installation is the first of many planned to increase safety for patients, staff and visitors.
The pavement selected is SafeLane surface overlay, Cargill Deicing Technology’s patented, epoxy-aggregate pavement surface that provides anti-icing capability through naturally reactive deicer release. The aggregate in the overlay stores deicing and anti-icing chemicals, such as brine, and releases when needed, helping prevent slippery conditions such as frost, black ice and snow pack formations.
“By installing the deicer technology within our high-risk areas surrounding our facility, we are taking important steps to ensure the health and safety of our patients, families and associates,” said Steven Fitzgerald, team leader of grounds in facility services at St. Vincent. “Initially, we applied the anti-icing overlay on our outside staircases last winter, and have now decided to extend the partnership to high-trafficked driveways around the hospital. It is our priority to protect our patients inside and outside the hospital.”
Specially designed for common pedestrian areas such as walkways, stairs, and parking ramps to provide fast-acting anti-icing and increased surface friction, SafeLane surface overlay can help to reduce the number of slips and falls associated with snow and ice conditions at any facility. The impermeable epoxy layer seals the pavement and creates a durable bond with the aggregate, which helps prevent water, chlorides and chemicals from permeating and damaging the infrastructure, says Cargill Deicing Technology.
In addition to walkways, driveways, ramps and steps, SafeLane surface overlay is also effective for dangerous intersections and curves or stretches of roads, entrance and exit ramps, and approaches to toll barriers and steep grades. The product is also available for both vehicle (HDX) and pedestrian (CA-48) traffic.