Specifying Slip Resistance

Slip resistance is a significant functional design issue. Not only does ignorance of this topic compromise floor safety but insufficient specification, application and installation can expose those involved in the process, to litigious risk. It is often thought that aesthetics must be sacrificed at the experience of slip resistance, however with modern processing techniques; this is certainly not the case.

Injury due to falls are mostly due to a complex interaction of environmental and biomedical factors rather than a single cause; however slip resistance is an important aspect in floor safety by assessing the risk of slipping within the built environment. The Australian Building Codes Board indicates that falls are the greatest health and safety risk in commercial buildings. Additionally the Royal Australian Institute of Architects suggest that falls are the most common cause of personal injury claims against architects. This is often due to inadequate specification and documentation.

At present, the Building Code of Australia (BCA) does not provide prescriptive performance requirements, however many floors in new buildings must comply with AS 1428.1:2001, Design for Access and Mobility: General Requirements for Access - New Building Work, which require that: 'All continuous accessible paths of travel shall have a slip-resistant surface', and furthermore, that ramps and stair treads or nosings are non-slip or non-skid.

The following information regarding slip resistance has been provided as a guideline to assist your specification in regards to slip resistance and floor safety. Documenting this process will assist in showing that due diligence has been followed during the selection process.

Standards Australia Handbook (HB) 197 (1999), An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials provides best practice to determine an acceptable level of slip resistance for new floor installations. HB 197 provides guidance on the selection of pedestrian surface materials for specific locations, using the test methods outlined in AS/NZS 4586. Care must be taken however, on the interpretation of these tables. Other design features, which are discussed within the text of HB 197, must be considered. When considering the initial slip resistance classifications the following guidance may be of assistance:

• Identify the level of slip resistance required within the building with reference to Standards Australia Handbook 197 An Introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces;

• Specify the slip resistance test method and document the classification required. Select the test method to be specified on the basis of the test method(s) which simulate the intended conditions during normal usage in terms of footwear andcontamination. The table below will assist in determining the most appropriate test for the area being considered;

• Note that there is no correlation between ramp and pendulum test methods. In general terms, the wet pendulum and dry floor friction (Dry FFT) slip resistance testing methods should be used in all situations with additional ramp slip resistance testing in specific specialised industrial processes or barefoot situations.
• Accelerated wear testing can indicate limitations on products, and thus identify potentially dangerous products from being specified. A British Pendulum Number of 35 after 500 cycles provides an initial benchmark for level surfaces;
• As well as providing slip resistive flooring, other design features should be considered to reduce the extent and likelihood of a slip and fall. Such considerations include the installation of water absorbent matting, ergonomic handrails, high visibility stair treads and routine floor inspections;
• Where different surfaces are considered, conduct slip testing and other tests such as stain resistance, gloss measurements and aesthetics. This information will allow a comparative analysis to assess the relative benefits of each finishing system proposed;
• Confirm that the specified product meets the performance criteria by conducting onsite slip resistance testing upon installation and document the process to provide evidence of due diligence; and
• Identify any subsequent reduction in slip resistance by conducting regular onsite slip resistance testing and OHS property risk audits. This may be quarterly, bi-annually or annually depending on the nature of the environment.