Slippery floors can pose a serious hazard to staff and visitors alike, with slips and trips accounting for over a third of all reported major injuries and 95% of major slips resulting in broken bones. The need for a formal risk assessment of slippery floors is often overlooked; however the risk of slips occurring can be significantly reduced with simple and inexpensive controls. The following is based on our extensive experience of slip risk assessment and HSE guidance on the mitigation of slip risk.

1) Identify slippery floor surfaces

The first step in reducing slip risk is to identify areas which pose a risk to users. Marking the location of recorded slips in the last year on a sketched map of the area is a good start. Talk to the regular users of the area to ascertain whether any near misses have occurred or if the floor feels slippery in certain circumstances. Mapping slips in this way should quickly highlight any surfaces demanding attention.

Image 1.

It is important to consider near misses as well as reported accidents when looking for high risk floors. Whilst not all near misses will be reported, users of the surface are a valuable source of information. Surfaces may only be slippery in certain circumstances, these surfaces may not be apparent in a single inspection.

2) Prevent contamination of the surface

The vast majority of slips occur on contaminated surfaces. This is because the contaminant forms a barrier between sole and floor, significantly reducing friction. A clean dry floor is unlikely to be slippery. It should be noted that contamination is not necessarily wet; dust, swarf or polythene will all reduce available friction. A simple change to the work process may eliminate contamination; otherwise consider other steps such as fixing leaks on offending machinery, or fitting a canopy over external doorways.

Image 2.

Fluid contaminants create a hydraulic uplift effect during a slip. If the surface of the floor or sole is insufficiently rough then the two surfaces fail to make contact and available friction is significantly reduced. The mechanic is similar to that of a slick tire aquaplaning on a wet road. Slips on clean and dry surfaces are very rare.

3) Reduce the impact of contamination

It isn’t always possible to prevent contamination of the flooring. If contamination is inevitable then it is a requirement of UK law that reasonably practicable steps are taken to minimise its impact on users of the surface. Again, regular users of the area should be consulted in order to ascertain the real function of the space versus its intended function. If a change to the work process can reduce the likelihood of contamination it is a worthwhile step. Staff should be encouraged to adopt a ‘see it, sort it’ attitude to contamination.

Cleaning plays a vital role in the management of contamination. The cleaning regime should be effective at removing dirt so the surface profile does not become clogged and its anti-slip properties reduced. The correct amount of cleaning chemical is vital as a residue left on the surface is likely to increase slip risk. It should not be ignored that cleaning a floor leaves it contaminated for a period of time. Wet mopping spreads a thin film of water across the surface that relies on convection to dry. Only a tiny amount of water is needed to form the hydrodynamic squeeze film that reduces grip. For busy areas consider spot cleaning and conduct a full clean after hours, restricting access to all wet surfaces. Effective anti-slip footwear can further protect cleaning staff from slips.

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Conduct 'wet' cleaning of slippery floors at a time when access can be restricted. If the floor is in constant use then consider a cleaning regime that leaves a route dry and safe to walk on. If the floor is known to be slippery in the wet then effective anti-slip footwear for cleaning staff is a worthwhile step to avert the otherwise inevitable slip.

4) Consider environmental factors

Lighting should be such that any contamination on the floor should be easily visible. Bright lights and highly polished floors tend to produce glare, hiding contamination. Conversely, dimly lit areas deny users the opportunity to avoid contaminated areas. If users know the surface is slippery they are likely to adjust their gait accordingly and are less likely to fall.

Weather born contamination poses a risk as a surface which is provides good grip in the dry can become unexpectedly slippery in the rain. External doorways should be protected with a canopy and effective entrance matting stretching to several steps into the building will help reduce water ingress. During heavy rain the matting may become saturated, in which case temporary matting may be a good option provided it doesn’t become creased, posing a trip hazard.
Less obvious factors such as condensation, overly humid environments, chillers or freezers are also potential sources for contamination.

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It has been found through case law that a surface made slippery by contamination as infrequently as once or twice a year is unacceptable. Snow is a very tricky contaminant to defend against due to its tendency to enter buildings as a solid before melting elsewhere. Effective entrance matting, and cleaning regimes coupled with a 'see it, sort it' attitude should prevent surfaces being contaminated long enough to cause an accident.

5) Assess the suitability of flooring

If contamination of the surface occurs regularly then the surface must provide a safe level of grip in contaminated conditions. Activities such as pushing, pulling or carrying heavy loads increases the frictional demand of the user on the floor surface. If users include the very young, old or those with reduced agility then it is imperative that the surface is safe to walk on.

In the majority of cases slip resistance can be significantly increased with a thorough deep clean. Deep cleaning often removes dirt clogging the surface profile, increasing surface roughness and the ability to puncture the fluid layer separating sole from floor. This should be considered as a first option and if found to be effective incorporated into the cleaning regime on a periodic basis.

A wide range of surface treatments of are available, varying in effectiveness. When employing a surface treatment you should consider having the surface tested and certified on completion, ensuring you have documented evidence that the surface provides a safe level of grip. Grip Potential can provide this service.

In some cases the only way to reduce slip risk to safe levels is to replace the floor surface itself. Care should be taken when specifying the replacement surface to ensure it meets and will continue to meet the frictional demands of users. The HSE classify a result of 36 or above when tested to BS 7976 “The Pendulum Method” as a low risk of slip. Your supplier should be able to provide slip resistance results, however results from tests such as DIN51130, DIN51097 or proprietary test methods should be treated with trepidation. Grip Potential can provide independent testing of samples to BS 7976 inexpensively.

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The best way to assess whether or not a floor offers a safe level of grip is through our comprehensive assessment, incorporating BS 7976 pendulum testing, Rz surface roughness measurement and risk assessment. Contact us to discuss an on-site assessment. Purchase test equipment.

6) Provide slip resistant footwear

If the use of a slippery surface cannot be avoided then effective anti-slip footwear should be implemented. It is important that the footwear provides adequate grip in the conditions that they will be used. Whilst manufacturers brochure’s may claim anything from ‘increased grip’ to ‘excellent multi-directional slip resistance’ it is important to consider slip resistance as tested to BS EN 13287 (usually using SATRA TM 144). Ultimately it is the slip resistance in use with likely contaminants that will determine effectiveness. A trial should be implemented with a range of footwear for a range of applications across a range of contaminants to select effective soles. Consider the feedback offered by test users, if shoes are unpopular alternatives should be considered, though a compromise on comfort, durability and safety may be required.
Footwear profiles will need to be kept free from debris to ensure continued slip resistance. Consider work processes and placement of boot cleaning facilities to ensure soles remain at their optimum.

Image 6.

This sole shows some good design features aiding anti-slip properties. Leading edges in all directions and sufficient space between cleats of sufficient size and roughness all increase the chance of puncturing the hydrodynamic squeeze film and securing good sole/floor contact. We can arrange testing of the slip resistant properties of footwear as part of our accident investigation service. Further information.

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