Is slip resistance testing really that important? The simple answer is, yes. A comprehensive testing regime is a vital part of any new built environment project. It also plays an important role in ensuring the ongoing safety and compliance of the flooring surface, and ultimately, in avoiding slip and fall incidents.
Slip resistance testing measures the amount of friction between a flooring surface and an analog for footwear (or bare feet). The results are used to determine whether a surface meets safety regulations and project requirements, and inform the selection of flooring materials and surface finishes. More information about testing methods see the links at the bottom of this article.
Below are the top three benefits of slip resistance testing:
Improved safety, reduced accidents: Appropriate and timely slip testing can minimise the risk of slip and fall accidents on pedestrian surfaces. Regular testing can be used to monitor changes in slip resistance due to wear or inappropriate cleaning methods.
Compliance: The Australian Building Codes Board and Standards Australia outline requirements and best practice approaches surrounding slip resistance and floor safety standards, designed to minimise the risk of slips. A comprehensive testing regime can help to ensure surfaces meet the relevant standards and codes. If the correct tests have been completed and the appropriate ratings achieved, this provides something to fall back on if a slip and fall incident does occur.
Cost savings: A timely and ongoing testing regime could save money in a number of ways. It minimises the risk of slip and fall accidents that might lead to litigation cases and associated legal fees. Performing testing at key intervals throughout the design and construction phase can ensure the surface meets the relevant floor safety standards early on in a new built environment project, avoiding the need for money to be spent after installation to fix slip resistance problems. The service life of the floor finish can also be increased through regular maintenance and monitoring of the surface condition – this adds confidence in the compliance of the surface.
It is important to understand that factors such as traffic, the environment and cleaning methods can change the finish of a surface and therefore its slipperiness. A polished surface can become rougher through abrasion, while a rough, textured surface may slowly polish under traffic and become smoother and therefore less slip resistant. Periodic monitoring of the surface’s slip resistance is recommended.
For more resources see:
Expert Q&A – Slip testing: who, why and when
FAQs – Slip resistance testing
Article – Slip testing for different industries
Article – Accidents never happen!
Services – Slip resistance testing