The importance of slip resistance in food production areas

PETERBOROUGH, U.K. - Aug. 15, 2018 - PRLog -- Degafloor Ltd has a strong reputation for ensuring safety first, so all Degafloor systems are independently tested to BS 7976 standards using the TRL pendulum test method as recommended by HSE.

According to HSE reports 40% of all reported major injuries at work are the result of slip, trip or fall. The Workplace (Health Safety and Welfare) Regulation 1992 'require floors to be suitable, in good condition and free from obstructions. Degafloor will recommend a 'fit for purpose' solution ensuring all of the following factors are carefully considered:

Environment

Areas subject to dry contamination such as flour in bakeries are going to have different slip resistance requirements to that which is consistently wet. This is further compounded by the fact that a slip resistant texture fit for purpose in one particular area, may not perform the same way in another.

Use

It is important to consider what is happening in the area where slip risk is a concern.  Different systems and materials may need to be considered to ensure that the slip resistance is maintained depending on the level of traffic, equipment used, and weight distribution.

Type of footwear

In accordance with the correct flooring specification, the use of the correct type of slip resistant footwear can greatly reduce the chance of a slip, trip or fall. However, whilst footwear is often described as 'slip-resistant', it doesn't necessarily describe the conditions for which it is most suitable. Therefore, it is imperative to carefully consider not only the type of footwear, but also the environment for which it will be used. Nothing is 100% slip resistant!

Contamination

Contamination is one of the main contributing factors to most slip related accidents. The type of contamination on the floor will affect the slip resistance of the chosen system thus it is important to identify types of contamination and how these can be prevented or controlled. Part of controlling this is choosing the correct floor type in accordance with strict cleaning regimes and correct footwear.

Cleaning

An important factor to maintain the slip resistance of a floor is cleaning.  Thought should be given to how regularly and how effectively the floor is cleaned. It's a common misconception that the more slip resistant and aggressive a flooring system is, the more difficult it is to clean. This is incorrect. To achieve the best cleaning results correct cleaning machines should be used in accordance with tested and proven cleaning solutions to remove debris and contamination from the floor. Not only will this help reduce the risk of a slip, but will also improve general hygiene standards.

Flooring System

The suitability of the chosen system is paramount and must be suitable for a particular sector, environment or type of activity. Claimed slip resistance figures should only be used as a guide as these are usually conducted in controlled conditions.  The only way to establish the true slip resistance of a floor is to test insitu following correct installation and then tested in real life conditions.

Each of the above factors will guide the decision on which system should be used to ensure long term safety and performance.

Degafloor Ltd have a wealth of experience when it comes to specifying the correct flooring solution. Working in partnership with our approved contractors, we ensure the correct flooring finish is chosen every time. Degafloor have the ability to carry out on-site slip resistance testing upon request. In addition, Degafloor are able to tailor the level of slip resistance of all Degafloor finishes. This enables us to meet your requirements while ensuring the end result provides a fit for purpose solution.

Please call our technical department to discuss your specification needs, where our flooring experts will be happy to assist www.degafloor.com