Slip resistance parameters are one of the most important things to consider while we start the flooring operation. Commercial flooring contractors give special notice to slip resistance as they understand how important it is to maintain the right level of resistance for a different setting. Slip resistance is important for the safety of people and also important for the operations to run smoothly in a commercial setting.
What Exactly Is Slip Resistance?
There is a term called r-rating. This r-rating defines the level of slip resistance a surface has. The lowest acceptable level of slip resistance is R-9. Anything lower is considered too dangerous. In commercial or industrial flooring, the acceptable R-rating should stand anywhere between R-9 and R-13. As we discussed the R-9 stands as the lowest acceptable slip level rating, it is important to understand if the surface gets contaminated by any substance i.e. oil, milk, water, or grease, the surface will become slippery and prone to accidents. Now in contrast when we compare it with an R-13 rating it is a much rougher and better slip-resistant surface. When you compare the edges of the swimming pool to the surface you find in the supermarket to the surface you find in a newly constructed building, you will understand the difference and slip level rating work. The trendy concept of resinous flooring these days which you get to see in most of the places because of their durability and luxurious looks also demands the acceptable parameter of slip level for the security of the operations.
Why Does Slip Resistance Matter?
A lot of people get seriously injured because of slipping on the smooth floors. Every year hundreds of cases are reported of people slipping and facing major injuries. According to some estimates provided by the health and safety executive (HSE), almost 20 percent of the total injuries that happen at the workplace require at least 3 days to recover, and therefore, employees take off from work and this, in turn, results in reduced efficiency and productivity of the operation they were involved in. this situation something every business head would love to avoid and therefore slip resistance do matter a lot. The amount of compensation claims that arise after these incidents is also something the business heads have to deal with and this results in serious losses every year. Therefore it is very much recommended to construct the floors with a good slip-resistant rating and avoid such accidents in the first place.
What Affects Slip Resistance?
Many things affect the slip resistance ability of a surface and the prime one of those could easily be termed as contamination. The contamination could be in any form, it has a long list that includes spills pipes, and vats, rainwater leakage, some major leaks from refrigerator units or other cleaning products, and sometimes accidental falls from people who are not quickly taken care of. Chemicals are also a major thing that can cause a significant issue to the slip resistance of the floor. They will quickly reduce the quality of the surface and make the floor more prone to such accidents. Considering all these reasons in the first place, it is always suggested to get the resin floor tested, so that the actual position could be identified. If the slip level is marked R-9 or anywhere below, it is always suggested by the commercial flooring contractors to get the floors fixed.
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How Slip-Resistant Is A Resin Floor?
A good thing about the resin floor comes with the fact that they can be created with a precise slip-resistant material. Different places require a different level of resistance and therefore good expertise is required to get it to the exact levels. Health and safety executive explain how places such as a hospital or pharmaceuticals ask for a very smooth surface because they have to maintain the right level of hygiene so they have to clean the surface more often and smooth surface with be adequate for such a demand. But what’s more important is the fact that the surface should be marked safe on the R-rating, therefore it should not be prone to accidents when wet. A varied type of finish can be achieved by forming the required delicate balance. Prominent commercial flooring contractors explain how different places with different operation demand a very different solution. If it’s a warehouse it requires a different level of slip resistance and if it's a supermarket they demand a different level.
How Is Slip Resistance Tested?
A lot of different ways are followed for testing the slip resistance. They can all collectively be termed as the coefficient of friction (COF) testing. But there is a test recommended by Health and safety executive which is known as the pendulum test. There is also a newer approach prominent these days, which is known as the slip alert. It helps in defining the trajectory and the weight of the slip. If anyone wishes to have accurate results these two approaches are certain to be effective and can be used without any doubt.
Next Steps
We at Sealwell Inc. have a great team of commercial flooring contractors who are willing to help you get your floors with the right slip resistance level. We will give you the best designs and make your resin floors near perfect. Accurate testing services are also conducted by our team, all you have to do is to contact us at the earliest and get all your things done without any hassle.