How do I choose a floor surface that isn’t going to prove to be slippery for pedestrians?
The choice of flooring should be based on a slips risk assessment. This should consider the likelihood of the flooring being subjected to surface contamination which could cause someone to slip. Where contamination is unavoidable, and the existing flooring is frequently and regularly slippery, this indicates that the flooring is unsuitable and that a slip-resistant flooring is required. In less demanding situations, standard floorings can be installed, as long as there is a management system in place which ensures that occasional spillages are made safe before they become a slip hazard. You should pay particular regard to interfaces with areas that are prone to contamination, such as entrances to buildings. Floor cleaning also has to be done safely, to prevent people walking on floors while they are still wet. Floors need to have enough grip for pedestrians to walk safely, but what does this mean? Grip is measured as ‘Coefficient of Friction’. Suppliers of floor coverings ought to be a
Floors need to have enough grip for pedestrians to walk safely, but what does this mean? Grip is measured as ‘Coefficient of Friction’. Suppliers of floor coverings ought to be able to provide you with information on their products’ coefficients of friction. For safe pedestrian walking on the level this should be 0.36 or higher. These points are also important: • If floor contaminants are likely then the coefficient of friction measurement should relate to the floor in that contaminated condition – it’s no good testing a clean and dry floor then expecting it to be slip resistant in the wet. • Coefficient of friction tests should have been done using reliable methods such as the pendulum equipment– see Assessing the slip resistance of flooring [PDF 321kb]. Several tests currently in use (particularly sled-type tests) give misleading results. • Coefficient of friction figures should relate to the floor as it is installed not ex-factory. Many floor surfaces are treated or buffed on instal
