08/03/10

The Importance of Contamination in Slip Testing

The standard BS 7676 Pendulum slip test includes measurements taken in both dry and “contaminated” conditions. The default contaminant is water, but if other liquid, semi-solid, powdered or granulated substances are expected to contaminate the floor then these can be used in the test instead of, or in addition to, water to produce a more representative result.

Testing in this manner produces a far more accurate indication of slip risk, as a floor that demonstrates a high PTV in water wet conditions will not necessarily produce a high PTV when tested with a more viscous liquid.

A staple in slapstick comedy, the banana skin is an example of an obvious slip risk. Fruit pulp, however, often found in food manufacture poses a less obvious semi-solid lubricant. Intelligent flooring specification in manufacturing and careful contamination control in supermarkets effectively reduces the risk of a slip occurring.

Grip Potential staff recently conducted a large number of tests at a food manufacturing plant. The client considered it important that the testing measured real-world slip risk in the various areas of their premises. We therefore identified specific contaminants found on, or likely to be found on, the floors and included them in the tests.

Contaminants used in tests included:

Ketchup, tomato pulp, brown sauce and mayonnaise in the main production areas

Glucose syrup, rapeseed oil and powdered sugar in the stores and ingredient weigh stations.

Gear oil in the maintenance workshop

Liquid hand soap at the hand wash points

Water by the water cooler in the canteen.

A wide range of Pendulum Test Values (PTV) were obtained, encompassing low, moderate and high risk of slip as defined by the HSE. The use of local contaminants ensured an accurate reflection of slip risk in each area, and served to highlight the importance of contamination control as a first step towards reducing slip risk.

A shower floor being tested with water and shower gel. In this case the floor was found to give a high risk of slip in both water wet and soapy conditions. Our report allowed the client to recall the flooring company on the basis that the floor was not anti-slip as originally specified.

Our test data, risk assessments and impartial recommendations allowed problem areas to be addressed in a cost-effective manner whilst not expending time and resources on floors that were already safe for their current uses. Our strict adherence to BS7976, HSE and UKSRG guidelines meant we provided the client with a comprehensive report on slip risk, a document that demonstrates duty of care and gives an indisputable measure of slip resistance should the unfortunate occur.

Contamination control should always be the first step to reducing slip risk, as slips rarely occur on clean dry surfaces. Where contamination is likely, even as infrequently as twice a year (Bristol vs Ellis Case), the floor should provide safe levels of grip when contaminated.

Grip Potential Ltd provide impartial independent slip risk assessment to a wide range of industries. For help, advice and testing contact Grip Potential.

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Further information

Contamination in the Slips Potential Model - BS7976 - Surface roughness - Slip testing methods - HSE slips site - Grip Potential Ltd

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0845 163 0 163

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info@grip-potential.com

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