Flooring
flooring, the contrast should be as small as possible. This is because high levels of contrast can create the perception of a change in level that is not there, resulting in trips and falls. LRVs of adjoining flooring should be within eight degrees of each other, although less is better. Similarly, if the transition strips contrast strongly with the flooring, it can create a false perception of a step, meaning it is important to match these to the tones of both flooring surfaces, with an ideal LRV difference of no more than three degrees. Even a 15mm transitional strip with the wrong tonal contrast can present a trip hazard for an elderly person.
Leading manufacturers will be able
to provide LRV measurements for their products to aid in selecting the right flooring options, both to create sufficient contrast with other elements and ensure a tonally consistent flooring throughout. The pattern and texture of the flooring should also be considered carefully. For dementia-inclusive environments, it is recommended that flecked, striped, and patterned flooring is avoided, as these can create the perception that the floor is not flat or that there are loose materials on the ground. Flooring that incorporates a logo can also present an issue, with the potential for it be perceived as an obstacle to be stepped over, again resulting in a higher chance of falls.
To assist with this, the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling has developed an accreditation scheme that assesses products in accordance with its dementia design principles. The suitability of a product is classified by a number based on the tonal contrast and pattern. Products classified 1a have a plain aesthetic, while 1b has a semi-
Preventing slips and falls Another important consideration when it comes to flooring is ensuring that the risk of slips is minimised by utilising slip resistant and safety flooring. It is important to understand the difference between these two types of product. To be classified as safety flooring, flooring must achieve a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 36 or higher. The Pendulum Test, as defined in EN 13845, uses a swinging arm that sweeps over a flooring surface to determine the slip risk. One side of this arm is a rubber slider and once the arm strikes the floor, friction will cause it to slow down. The distance of the swing will indicate the PTV. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) classifies a PTV of 36 or higher as a ‘low slip risk’. There is also the ‘Ramp Test’ (DIN 51130), which provides the ‘R’ value seen on most resilient floor coverings. In this test, a sample of the flooring is attached to a moveable ramp and lubricated with oil. A test subject, connected to a safety harness, then takes small steps backwards and forwards as the ramp is slowly raised
A flooring may be required that balances ease of cleaning, aesthetics, and slip resistance
plain design, both of which are suitable for general use within a dementia-inclusive care environment. Floor coverings that are classified as 2 have a patterned surface and should therefore be used more carefully. Products that have bold, contrasting designs that make them unsuitable for this type of environment will be classified as such.
by degrees until they slip. A computerised readout will determine the R rating based on the angle at which the slip occurred, or when the tester begins to feel unsafe. There is a common misconception that the R value scale starts at R1, whereas it actually ranges between the minimum value of R9 and the maximum of R13.
Safety flooring will typically have visible features such as small crystals, glass particles, or raised nodules embedded into the floor covering. These are what give safety flooring its slip resistance properties, helping to increase the dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF) and grip underfoot.
Choosing the right flooring product for each area The decision of which type of product is suitable will depend on how the space is used. In certain areas, comfort and excellent acoustic performance may be the priority. One option for these spaces is to use a digitally printed textile flooring that provides the comfort and sound absorbing properties of carpet tiles, with the practicality, durability, and hygiene offered by a resilient flooring. Some collections even carry the Allergy UK Seal of Approval due to the dense fibres that trap allergens to then be safely removed during vacuuming, contributing to a healthier indoor environment. In high traffic and busy areas, such as corridors and social spaces, or areas where there is a likelihood of spillages, a flooring may be required that balances ease of cleaning, aesthetics, and slip resistance. Here, a specially designed vinyl flooring with an R10 rating and a PTV of 36 or better could be considered. In today’s market, there are a wide range of contemporary colour and pattern options available to complement the rest of the interior design, including those that replicate natural materials. However, it is always important to ensure that a dementia-inclusive option is chosen to prevent the issues outlined previously. For example, our HSE-compliant safety flooring Surestep Balance offers eight colourways with a minimalist matte finish and subtle speckled design that is rated 1b by the DSDC.
There are also areas that will require
specialist flooring solutions. For example, bathrooms and wet rooms, where the floor is likely to be wet, will require a higher level of slip resistance. As people are likely to be barefoot, this type of flooring is tested to a different standard – DIN 51097 – with
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