The “Kazakhstan Road Research Institute” (“KazdorNII”) has developed a national standard that, for the first time, defines the requirements for anti-icing materials (AIM) applied within populated areas. The document aims to improve pedestrian and traffic safety during the winter season and to reduce the negative environmental impact of chemical de-icers.

“Until now, Kazakhstan has been using GOST 33387-2015 ‘Public Roads. Anti-Icing Materials. Technical Requirements.’ However, its scope was limited to public highways and did not take into account the specific features of urban infrastructure such as streets, sidewalks, bus stops, and pedestrian crossings,” noted KazdorNII experts.

According to specialists, the use of standard reagents in such conditions could increase the risk of injuries, accelerate the deterioration of pavements and urban landscaping elements, and have adverse effects on human health and domestic animals.

In accordance with paragraph 9 of Article 238 of the Environmental Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the use of table salt for de-icing purposes within populated areas is prohibited due to its harmful impact on soil, plants, and local ecosystems.

KazdorNII has developed a new national standard that defines the permissible types, properties, and quality indicators of anti-icing materials that are safe for the urban environment. The document is based on an analysis of international practices and Kazakhstan’s accumulated experience in winter road maintenance.

Its implementation will help improve the effectiveness of anti-slippery measures during winter, eliminate the use of unsafe reagents, and unify procurement approaches nationwide.

KazdorNII emphasizes that the development of this standard is aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing accident rates.