Some of the new De-Icer/Anti-Icer leaves a coating of whitish. residue on the surfaces. Last year at LGW had to get some steps to prod it with my fingers as it looked as if a coating of slush had re-frozen. It hadn't it was just the properties of the fluid.
So as some posters say not as clear cut, but a good call by the BA crew. I hope others would do the same for me.