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Measuring Slip Resistance within the Built Environment

This newsletter is aimed at addressing the complex issue of achieving adequate levels of slip resistance within the built environment.

Accidental slips and falls are a problematic issue within the built environment and the whole community benefits where appropriate slip resistance is provided. The correct specification of flooring products is vitally important and should be carefully considered at the relevant design stage of a project. Due to the vast choice of flooring materials available on the market and the fact that these products can exhibit different slip resistance behaviours, architects, designers and specifiers need to be aware of these behaviours when engaging with suppliers and specifying floor surfaces.

In order to mitigate against potential slips and falls, the HSA website contains essential reading for anyone involved in the specification of floor surface finishes, access compliance and all-round health &safety in the built environment. Generally accidental slips and falls are more likely to occur on wet surfaces as opposed to on  clean dry surfaces.

When it comes to the slip resistance testing of surfaces there are a number of tests that can be carried out. However as noted in the HSA website, for the purposes of specification or legal action, a robust test, such as the pendulum test, should be used as this test can accurately test the slip potential on clean, dry or contaminated floors. Thependulum test aparatus is portable and works in the conditions that slip accidents happen.

For further details on Measuring Slip Resistance within the Built Environmentclick here.

Alternatively, if you need further information on measuring the slip resistance of the floor materials of your project, please do not hesitate to contact one of our team on 01-4151285 or e-mail [email protected].