Flooring
safety classes rated A, B or C, with C being the highest. There is also a version of the pendulum test for barefoot applications, referred to as the ‘slider 55’ rather than the ‘slider 96’ variant. Therefore, it is important to look carefully at the information provided by the manufacturer to ensure the flooring is suitable for your chosen application. In terms of choosing a flooring that meets the dementia-inclusive requirements, many wet room solutions will have a plain design but will be rated as 1b. This is due to the crystals incorporated into the product to provide the required grip underfoot, which can create a slight sparkly effect.
In addition to those areas routinely used by residents, it is also important to consider other areas where safety flooring can be required, such as in kitchens and laundry spaces, due to the risk of water and other contaminants on the floor. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require that where a floor is likely to be subject to frequent contamination, people should be able to walk on it without the risk of slipping, in addition to being in good condition and free of obstructions. This means that in commercial kitchens and other similar areas, a flooring with at least an R11 rating under DIN 51130 and a PTV of 40 or more is needed.
The importance of the installation method Another consideration should be the flooring’s installation method. There are now many adhesive free options in all types of flooring, from LVT tiles and textile
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flooring to safety and acoustic vinyls. There are also many options within this adhesive-free category that are DSDC approved. Adhesive free flooring has many advantages for care homes. Firstly, the flooring can be installed quickly, which is essential in minimising disruption to the day-to-day activities of the facility. In addition, by removing the need for adhesives to cure, the floor can be walked on immediately after installation is completed, meaning the space can be back in use much quicker. It also eliminates the odours that can be caused by these flooring adhesives. Furthermore, it is ideal for those facilities looking to minimise their environmental impact, as adhesive free flooring can be removed easily and allows simpler reuse and recycling.
The design of the spaces within care facilities can make a significant difference to the wellbeing, comfort, and safety of those residents living with dementia. In selecting the correct flooring product, a wide range of factors need to be taken into account. The performance of the flooring in terms of slip resistance is just as important as its design, in preventing slips, trips, and falls.
References 1
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-us/ news-and-media/facts-media
2
https://www.carehome.co.uk/advice/care- home-stats-number-of-settings-population- workforce
3
https://rnid.org.uk/get-involved/research- and-policy/facts-and-figures/prevalence-of-
deafness-and-hearing-loss/
4
https://ageing-better.org.uk/blogs/ increasing-visibility-visual-impairment- later-life
5
https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/insights- and-media/insights/brochures/pas-6463- design-for-the-mind-neurodiversity-and- the-built-environment/
Donna Hannaway n
Donna Hannaway is a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) certified professional with over 18 years’ marketing experience. Beginning her role within Forbo Flooring Systems in 2005, Donna has worked her way up to head of marketing UK & Ireland. Working from the company’s offices in Preston, she has used her in-depth understanding of the flooring industry to implement inspiring and creative campaigns that promote the benefits of Forbo’s flooring coverings across a range of sectors, including healthcare.
www.thecarehomeenvironment.com March 2025
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