What should be monitored during de-icing operations?

Fluid expiration dates should be closely monitored during de-icing operations because the efficacy of de-icing fluids is directly tied to their freshness and chemical composition. De-icing fluids have a shelf life, and once they surpass their expiration dates, their performance can significantly diminish. This means they may not effectively prevent ice formation or remove existing ice, putting safety at risk. Proper management of fluid expiration ensures that only effective and reliable products are used, which is essential for maintaining safe operations on runways and taxiways during winter weather conditions.

While monitoring weather forecasts is also crucial for understanding the conditions that necessitate de-icing, and employee attendance is important for operational efficiency, the specific effectiveness of the de-icing efforts hinges significantly on the quality of the fluids being applied. Equipment usage rates are important for resource management, but without proper fluid management, the de-icing operation may not achieve its intended safety objectives.