Slip resistance testing
Floor slip resistance testing is all about measuring the coefficient of friction between a foot and a floor surface, essentially determining how slippery a floor is. This is crucial for safety, as it helps identify potential slip and fall hazards, particularly in areas prone to moisture, grease, or spills.
Why is slip resistance testing important?
Prevents accidents
Slips and falls are a leading cause of injuries. By testing floor slip resistance, you can proactively identify hazardous surfaces and take steps to improve safety, like applying non-slip coatings or choosing a different flooring material altogether.
Regulation compliance
Many workplaces have regulations mandating minimum slip resistance levels for floors. Testing helps ensure compliance with these safety standards.
Peace of mind
Knowing your floors are not slip hazards provides peace of mind for ship owners, managers, and occupants.
Testing methods
There are various methods for testing floor slip resistance, each with its own advantages and limitations. Some of the most common methods include:
Pendulum test
This is a widely used method that employs a pendulum machine. A slider with a specific rubber composition swings across a test floor sample, and the machine measures the friction between the slider and the surface. The test is usually conducted under dry, wet, and potentially contaminated conditions to simulate real-world scenarios.
British Pendulum Test (BS EN 13036)
This is a standardized pendulum test method specifically used for road and floor surfaces. It measures slip (pedestrian) and skid (vehicle) resistance.
Other methods
Inclined plane testers, where a person walks on a progressively inclined wet surface until they slip, and tribometers, which directly measure the coefficient of friction under various conditions, are also used in some cases.
Factors affecting slip resistance
Floor Material
The type of flooring material significantly impacts slip resistance. For example, smooth polished surfaces are generally more slippery than those with a textured finish.
Contaminants
The presence of water, grease, oil, or other contaminants can significantly reduce slip resistance on any floor surface.
Footwear
The type of shoes worn can also influence slip resistance. Bare feet or smooth-soled shoes offer less traction than shoes with textured soles.
Test results and applications
The results of floor slip resistance testing are typically expressed as a numerical coefficient of friction value. Higher values indicate better slip resistance and a lower risk of slips and falls. These results can be used to:
Compare different flooring materials
When choosing a new floor, slip resistance testing data can help you select a material that meets the safety requirements for the intended use.
Monitor existing floors
Regularly testing existing floors can help identify changes in slip resistance over time due to wear, tear, or cleaning practices. This allows you to take corrective actions before accidents occur.
Evaluate the effectiveness of safety measures
After applying non-slip coatings or treatments, testing can verify their effectiveness in improving slip resistance.
The ERS Marine difference
We use the latest technology to ensure our quality control is top of the range including sophisticated tests for adhesion and slip resistance.
Our application techniques involve using top quality tools and highly trained staff to ensure the job is completed to the highest possible standard.
