Slip Testing on Anti Slip Treatment Applied to Slippery Ceramic Tiles
Wet pendulum slip testing identified potentially dangerous floor
During the handover stage of a refurbishment to a south west Sydney venue, slip testing identified that the ceramic tiles installed within the amenities did not meet the minimum slip resistance recommendations of Standards Australia HB 197. To rectify the situation, the slip resistance of the surface was increased using an anti slip treatment. Global Safe technologies used an acid etching technique that allowed the slippery ceramic tiles to become functional and safe.
Results of onsite slip testing
Slip testing was conducted to AS/NZS 4586 Slip resistance classification of pedestrian surface materials after the anti slip treatment was applied. The ant slip treatment increase the slip resistance of the slippery ceramic tiles from a British Pendulum Number (BPN) of 22 (Pendulum Class Z) to a BPN of 49 (Pendulum Class W). The anti slip treatment ensured that the once slippery ceramic tiles exceeded the minimum slip resistance requirements of Pendulum Class X (BPN 35) for toilet facilities within offices and commercial buildings. This increase in slip resistance equates to a risk of slipping of less than 1 in 1 million.
Slip testing to verify anti slip treatment
Just because the floor has been treated with an anti slip solution it does not mean it complies! Independent slip testing after the anti slip treatment provides evidence that the surface meets the Australian standards, thus minimising the risk of potential slip accidents. The effect of anti slip treatments must be documented, as variations in slip resistance can occur due to the chemical resistance of the ceramic tiles, the strength of the anti slip treatment along with the length of time and number of anti slip applications.
Confirm anti slip treatments by slip testing to reduce your risk
Does the anti slip treatment company use slip testing equipment from Australian standards or a cheap toy? Onsite slip testing by Safe Environments using calibrated slip testing equipment complying with the Australian Standards can identify potential slip hazards and poor anti slip treatments that you have paid for. Slip testing using the wet pendulum slip testing method and the dry floor friction slip testing method should be carried out to confirm that the effect of anti slip treatments meet the Australian slip resistance standards.
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