Reduce Risk | Prevent Injuries
For over 30 years Antiskid has provided all manner of slip resistant surface treatment throughout Western Australia servicing industrial, Government, Health, and commercial facilities as well as residential as a means to ensuring high levels of health and safety and reducing the risk of accidents.
The latest legislative and insurance requirements mean that now it is important to have documented evidence of safety standard compliance. To that end Antiskid have introduced a new division to assist our clients with their compliance and as a new service offering. This service is available to test new or existing floors.
Antiskid will carry out a certified slip resistance test using the latest Australian Standards (the wet pendulum slip test for both new and existing surfaces, AS 4586:2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials and AS 4663:2013 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces.)
Equipment
We use the Wessex Pendulum Resistance Tester. The Wessex Pendulum is established globally as an essential part of risk management policies in areas such as:
Assessing surface safety
- Road safety surfacing
- Testing of floors and pedestrian walkways
- Evaluation of floor cleaning materials
- Accident & Litigation Investigations
- Evidence for litigation purposes
One of the advantages of this pendulum slip testing service is that the machine is portable and can be taken onsite to verify the slip resistance of the surface, unlike the inclining barefoot ramp and oil-wet ramp tests. Another advantage is that contaminants other than water can be used, such as measuring the effect of oil or soapy liquid to assess how this may affect the slipperiness of the surface.
Why Antiskid?
Antiskid Industries ensure the quality and reliability of the wet pendulum slip ratings obtained with its slip testing service. This test measures dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF). The test is designed to replicate a pedestrian heel strike, the point at which most slips occur. When a pedestrian heel strikes a wet floor a fluid film is created between the heel and the surface which can cause a slip.
This test can also be used to accurately test the slip potential on clean and dry or contaminated floors. The test also works with dry contaminants. It is absolutely essential that the operator conducting the test is trained adequately to ensure final slip ratings. Overall, the slip resistance value should be used as a way of assessing the risk attributed to that surface.
Test Results
Upon completion of testing Antiskid Industries will provide a comprehensive report that also contains information on all relevant classifications as well as an interpretative guide to assist in easy understanding of the results. As trusted experts in the field, our expert witness test reports are used in legal proceedings, as we understand the science behind slip resistance testing and can communicate risk; not just provide the results by testing to the Australian Standards.
| TABLE 2 | CLASSIFICATION OF PEDESTRIAN SURFACE MATERIALS according to the AS 4586-2013 Wet Pendulum Test | |
| Classification | Pendulum Mean BPN (British Pendulum Number) | |
| Four S Rubber Slider 55 | TRL Rubber (Slider 55) | |
| P5 | >54 | >44 |
| P4 | 45-54 | 40-44 |
| P3 | 35-44 | 35-39 |
| P2 | 25-34 | 20-34 |
| P1 | 12-24 | <20 |
| P0 | <12 | – |
| TABLE 3A | NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION CODE COMPLIANCE CLASSIFICATIONS Minimum wet pendulum test result classifications to meet National Construction Code requirements |
| Location | Classification |
| Stair Treads and Stairway Landings in Buildings | |
| 1. Stair treads and stairway landing (when dry) | P3 |
| 2. Stair treads and stairway landing (when wet) | P4 |
| Nosings for Stair Treads and Landings in Buildings | |
| 1. Dry stair tread, stair non-skid nosing strip and stairway landing | P3 |
| 2. Wet stair tread, stair non-skid nosing strip and stairway landing | P4 |
| Ramps in Buildings | |
| 1. Ramps not steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) gradient (when dry) | P3 |
| 2. Ramps not steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) gradient (when wet) | P4 |
| 3. Ramps steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) up to but not steeper than 1:8 (7.1 degres) (when dry) | P4 |
| 4. Ramps steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) up to but not steeper than 1:8 (7.1 degrees) (when wet) | P5 |
If your test report indicates a low slip resistance there is a need to implement controls in order to minimise the risk the surface presents. There are a number of measures which can be employed in order to reduce this risk. Speak to our experienced slip resistance consultants if you would like to discuss your options. Please contact Antiskid now to book your slip testing Service by filling in the Contact Us form on this page.
Surface Treatment Options
Coatings
Generally, the coatings that would be provided are epoxy or polyurethane coatings. These generally would have an aggregate embedded with a recommended slip resistance to suit the standard required. Antiskid Industries, supplies and installs polymer epoxy and polyurethane seamless resin flooring for resin flooring applications including manufacturing, environments, warehousing, and food preparation areas. They are chemical-resistant, heat-resistant, low temperature-resistant, and easy to maintain. Slip-resistant flooring is available in a range of colours in both matt and high gloss finish.
Acid Etching (Antiskid Chemtec)
Using a penetrative material called Antiskid Chemtec, the process prevents moisture occurring between footware and the tile surface, thereby providing a permanent and safe solution to the problem of slippery tiles. This generally is of a hydrofluoric, phosphoric or hydrochloric solution that eats into the surface roughness and micro-porosity to some degree. The process does not require a curing period, and tiles are ready for use immediately on completion. Antiskid Industries can treat new and existing ceramic and porcelain surfaces. Ideal for building entrances, food preparation sites and any trafficable wet areas in your business.
Stair Nosings
Antiskid stair nosings are designed to prevent slips and falls, and they can be used on steel ramps and walkways, concrete and masonry steps, steel grille catwalks, and landing and steel check-plate workstations where timber and steel ladders may be used. Antiskid can custom design and install tread plates and stair nosings to existing stair edges or platforms, making them slip-resistant, Furthermore, Stair Nosings also protects the leading edge from damage and is available in a range of Safety colours.
Adhesive Strips
Self Adhesive Floor Safety Tapes Strips with high slip resistance ratings for pedestrian access ramps, factory walkways, machinery steps, transport vehicles, concrete stairwells and landings and anywhere else that may be slippery. They are easy to apply and colours can be easily selected to provide luminance contrast or photo luminance.
Effectiveness
Effectiveness of anti-slip and non-slip treatments and coatings is provided through the guidance of Australian Standards AS 4360 Risk Management. It should be pointed out that all surfaces will have a degree of risk in that people may slip and fall on them, no matter how slip resistant the surface is measured at. No floor will ever be fail-safe.
The terms anti-slip and non-slip should be seen as preventative measures rather than absolute guarantees in the sense of slip and fall prevention. Irrespective of what industry you’re in or which type of service facility that you are seeking guidance on,
Antiskid slip resistant surface treatments can help prevent dangerous slips and falls and provide support for your safety program by conducting a slip testing service-Antiskid appointment.
Contact Us
Contact Antiskid Industries today at (08) 9456 4074 for an obligation-free meeting to discuss your slip resistant options or email us via the Contact Us form on this page.
