Slip resistance of floors research project

Edited by the Buildingtalk editorial team Mar 7, 2005

CIRIA to help develop an easy-to-use tool to enable all concerned with floors to be able to make a rapid assessment of the safety of a floor, whether proposed or existing.

The HSE collects records of accidents in the workplace and it is a fact that slips consistently form a high proportion of such accidents.

The Health and Safety Laboratory has carried out a programme of work to gain a better understanding of the subject and to develop an easy-to-use tool to enable all concerned with floors to be able to make a rapid assessment of the safety of a floor, whether proposed or existing.

The HSE wishes to make this knowledge more accessible and has selected CIRIA to manage a research project: Slip resistance of floors (RP713) to present the information and the tool in the form of a CIRIA report.

The HSE's funding is supported by partnering industry funding from The Rail Safety and Standards Board, London Underground Limited, NHS Estates and The British Council of Shopping Centres - each bringing to the project their own needs and experiences.

Together with others with relevant knowledge and interest, a project steering group has been formed and has just held its first meeting.

The research contractor selected for the research and writing of the guidance is Ove Arup and Partners Limited, closely supported by HSL.

The work will include a workshop during 2005 to be attended by selected experts and industry practitioners, particularly those involved in supplying surfacing materials.