Rawlins Paints Blog Industrial Paint Tips, Guidelines & DIY Articles
When it comes to safety, assessing slip resistance can be very helpful in the prevention of accidents in the workplace. Let us take you through what slip resistance is all about. And which products will help you get the job done!
Did you know slips and trips are the most common cause of accidents at work? If you’re re-doing the flooring of a workspace then you’ll want to make sure you’re doing everything you can to reduce hazards. It can be a hassle, but you have a duty to your employees and visitors.
Why do you have a duty? Well, the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require “floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions.” Additionally, “people must be able to move around safely.”
What is slip resistance?
Simply put, slip resistance when it comes to flooring, is all about assessing the resistance a surface has to accidents (slips) either by the company who’ve produced your flooring before it reaches you, or once you’ve had the chance to install it. You can use this information to figure out how likely your surface is to cause accidents.
How to assess slip resistance
The Health and Safety Executive recommend two methods for testing slip resistance. There are many of other methods and systems out there. You can use two tools to test surfaces thoroughly. A pendulum, used in the pendulum coefficient of friction (CoF) test or a surface microroughness meter can both be used to assess a surface. Read the full guide to make sure you’re up to speed with health and safety procedures when it comes to assessing slip resistance.
Prevention
In order to prevent slips and trips on slippery surfaces, you need to use the right products in the first places. Anti-slip tape and tread covers are ideal for this.
We recommend Heskins Safety Grip Standard Tape. This tape can be used on steps, ramps, floors, walkways, boats and more! We think it’s pretty handy as you can easily cut it to your desired length. For a quick anti-slip solution, you can simply apply this tape, available in many colours. The great thing about this anti-slip tape is that it doesn’t require drying and so on. You can use the surface and walk on it immediately!
We also suggest you consider 1102 Anti-Slip Stair Tread Covers. Tread covers are ideal for worn or slippery steps that could present a hazard. These heavy-duty tread covers are cost effective and designed with a Quartz grit surface. This Quartz grip surface provides you with slip resistance in slippery areas and even in bad weather conditions.
No one likes extra work so this system is quick and easy to install. The surface will even be ready to walk on almost straight away!
Health and safety is so important no matter where you are. If you’re struggling with anti-slip solutions, ask the experts at Rawlins Paints.