FLOOR SAFETY
water, using motor oil doesn’t give a true representation of what happens in real life situations. For the barefoot version of the test (DIN 51097), the ramp is covered in water.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER However, wet environments are not just about water; it is important to consider what we use in those areas, including shampoo and shower gel. The slip risks these contaminants create are potentially dangerous and could cause serious accidents.
We’ve carried out tests using real world contaminants, which show in stark detail the risks involved in making the wrong flooring choice. We tested our specialist safety flooring, developed for use in wet environments, for both shoe and bare foot use, and our standard, general safety flooring. The table shows how
these performed with different real world wet environment contaminants. (See *Table 1)
The results show that safety flooring is not enough for wet environments; specialist products that are fit for purpose must be specified.
SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY Another factor to consider when reviewing manufacturers’ slip resistance ratings is whether the slip resistance is sustained for the lifetime of the product. Some manufacturers send ex-factory materials to independent test houses to certify that their products are slip resistant. This means the results can be based on flooring that has a thin coating or emboss which was applied to increase the level of slip resistance for the test. Altro, and some other British safety flooring manufacturers,
Altro Aquarius/Altro Pisces
Water
Shower gel Shampoo
Conditioner *Table 1
www.tomorrowshs.com
R11 PTV >50 1 in a million 1 in a million 1 in a million 1 in a million
Altro R10 PTV >36
1 in a million 1 in 20 1 in 20 1 in 20
believe that these thin levels of slip resistance can wear off in just a few months. And this leaves a much less slip-resistant surface which could fall significantly below the HSE minimum recommended levels.
Finally, consider ongoing cleaning and maintenance of the flooring. No one wants to wash, swim or change in a dirty environment, but what about the contamination that’s not obvious?
If safety flooring isn’t cleaned properly, a hazardous level of dirt and contaminant build-up can accumulate on the surface, again potentially increasing the risk of a slip to as high as one in twenty. What’s more, a build-up of bacteria can lead to mould growth, the effects of which range from exacerbating allergies to respiratory problems. Older people and children, as well as those with existing health issues, can be particularly affected by this.
Look for flooring with technology that makes it easier to clean, and choose flooring without studs as this is ensures there is nowhere for limescale to build up.
Find out more at
www.altro.co.uk/Wet-environments
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