NON SLIP safety products - Slips and Trips

Slips and Trips

Prevention is better than cure and so the following information offers some advice on how to deal with the many dangers that establishments may have within their premises and sites. It is recommended a risk assessment is carried out and the practical measures suggested are subsequently implemented.

CAUSATIVE FACTORS	PRACTICAL MEASURES FOR SLIPS RISK CONTROL
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Contamination of the floor from: Spillage's of solid, liquid materials Wet cleaning methods Shoes/clothing Natural contamination such as wet, and/or mud in outside areas Dry contamination, e.g. dusts, powders, polythene bags left on floors, product spillage's or cardboard laid over spills Wind-driven rain, sleet and snow through doorways Condensation, e.g. from poor ventilation	Eliminate contamination in the first place Maintain equipment to prevent leakage Install suitable entrance matting systems Place entrances to suit the prevailing weather (only an option during the initial design of the building) Put up effective entrance canopies If not reasonably practicable: Prevent contamination becoming deposited on walking surfaces Use dry methods for cleaning floors Clean and dry incoming footwear, by use of suitable entrance matting If not reasonably practicable: Limit the effects of contamination By immediate clearing up of spillage's By prompt repair of leaks By limiting the area of contamination By restricting access to contaminated areas By using underfloor heating, particularly at entrances If there is still a risk, follow the next steps
Inherent slip resistance of the floor not maintained adequately, e.g. from incorrect or inadequate cleaning, maintenance or wear	Maximise the surface roughness and therefore slip resistance of the existing floor surface Methods of cleaning and cleanliness of flooring is an important factor to consider, in conjunction with slip resistance. The frequency of cleaning will be determined by how many, and the type of pedestrians, who will use the floor. Floor manufacturers are required to provide information on the cleaning regime needed to make their floor safe in the intended environment and this information should be passed to the appropriate employees. Just a tiny amount of contamination, wet or dry, is sufficient to make a smooth floor dangerously slippery. Take the following measures to minimise the risks due to wet cleaning: Thoroughly dry the wet floor after cleaning Exclude people from wet cleaned areas until dry Clean by dry methods wherever possible Clean in sections so that there is always a dry path through the area Clean during quiet hours Thoroughly rinse wet cleaning areas Use warning signs to identify contaminated floors or floors after cleaning Spot cleaning and cleaning of spillage will be needed between scheduled whole-floor cleaning (and it is equally important to thoroughly dry these areas). Frequent spot cleaning can supplement whole-floor cleaning Train, supervise and equip those who clean floors to ensure effective and safe cleaning Maintain floors and drainage to maximise slip resistance. residual film of water is just as slippery as a puddle, and is more difficult to identify If this is not enough, take the following steps:
The slip resistance of the floor is too low This is influenced by: The friction between the floor and shoe The presence of suitable surface micro-roughness The hardness of the floor Applications for sealing floors during installation Later modification of the floor surface such as inappropriate varnishing/sealing/polishing	Increase the surface roughness of the existing floor Surface micro-roughness may be increased by acid etching, sand blasting, or coarse diamond grinding. However, any of these methods can destroy or permanently alter other desirable characteristics of the floor such as appearance, chemical resistance, durability and ease of cleaning. Flooring treated by some of these methods may develop unacceptable pattern staining through differential wear. Jointing and expansion joints may be affected, compromising the floor construction Note: Any benefits from an increase in the surface roughness (Rz) will be lost if contamination build-up occurs. Therefore any surface modification has implications for the cleaning regime. Changes in cleaning methods must be based on a risk assessment that considers any potential change of slip resistance The use of stick-on anti-slip strips may offer limited improvement, but strips should be placed very close to one another, and should be maintained carefully If it is possible to influence staff footwear, then anti-slip footwear may be an option. (See below) If this is not enough: Lay a more slip-resistant floor with higher surface roughness and higher coefficient of friction In a few cases a new floor may be needed: Draw up a performance specification for the supplier to meet. Specification should include specialist slip resistance data such as surface micro-roughness and coefficient of friction measurements Note: This data must always be specified for the 'as installed' condition, and should be based on a 'pendulum-type' test. Experience of how that floor performs in a similar situation may help; and a small sample of the preferred materials will confirm manufacturer's claims and their suitability See the installation is correctly done Check to see the specification has been met
Steps and slopes: Do they cause sudden changes in step or not offer adequate foot hold and/or handhold?	Check that steps give adequate foot and handhold, and that slopes have no sudden changes Is the lighting adequate? Are handrails in place? Are stairs clearly demarked visually? Remove all sudden changes in level Ensure stairs have clearly visible nosings, good handrails, and suitable balustrades Ensure that the rise and going of each step in a stair is consistent in size throughout the flight Ensure that any applied slip-resistant nosing does not create a tripping or heel-catch hazard Good visual cues for changes in floor level and surface are essential
Adverse environmental and other conditions hiding the condition of the floor and distracting attention Low light levels Shadows Glare Excess noise Extremes of temperature The use of repeating patterns on floor coverings that might be Distracting to the eye, for example, by disguising a change in level Bulky/awkward personal protective equipment	See that the prevailing conditions allow good visibility of and concentration on floor conditions For example provide adequate lighting, and see environmental demands do not distract attention from the floor condition
ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS
The nature of the task being carried out such as: The need to carry, lift, push, lower or pull loads The need to turn, to move quickly or to take long strides Distractions Having no hands free to hold on to handrails to stop a fall Encumbrance or restricted vision Analyse the tasks in any slip risk area to see that only careful walking is required	Tasks should not compromise ability to walk safely. Tasks should be: Mechanised to avoid the need for pushing, lifting, carrying, pulling etc while walking on a slippery surface Moved to safer areas and:
CAUSATIVE FACTORS	PRACTICAL MEASURES FOR SLIPS RISK CONTROL
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Individual capability Poor knowledge of risks and measures Poor health and safety Poor eyesight Fatigue Physical frailty/disability Inadequate supervision Safety culture which is not supportive. For example where the risks are accepted as part of the job	Allocate tasks in high slip risks areas only to those competent to follow slips precautions and: Supervise and monitor physical controls to see safe practices are followed and: Establish a positive attitude that slips risks can be controlled. This is achieved through clear line management responsibilities and consultation with workers
Uneven surfaces For example gulleys, holes, steps Obstructions For example accumulation of articles and materials Adverse environment For example inadequate illumination to see floor properly, or glare	Eliminate holes, slopes or uneven surfaces which could cause trips risks To do this: inspect and maintain floors so they have a consistent Surface finish with no holes to cause a tripping hazard. Highlight any changes in level, particularly at single steps and at the top and bottom of ramps. Make slopes gradual and steps clearly visible, avoid open gulleys and channels; and: Good housekeeping Eliminate materials likely to obstruct walkways and therefore lead to trips For example analyse work flows and design process so waste and equipment does not accumulate on walkways or if this is not reasonably practicable: Prevent material obstructing walkways For example provide sufficient suitable receptacles for items, mark out walkways, working areas and receptacle locations and make sure they are kept free of obstruction and: Provide suitable lighting to permit obstructions to be seen and:
ORGANISATIONAL FACTORS
The nature of the task creates Obstructions Safety culture which is not supportive For example where risks are accepted as part of the job	Analyse the tasks and process flows to see if work can be handled to eliminate or minimise obstructions and: Establish a positive attitude that trips can be prevented and: