Slips Potential Model |
The Slips Potential Model forms an effective risk assessment framework and is the basis of our own comprehensive slip risk assessments.
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Environmental factors not directly related to the floor but distracting the users of the floor can increase slip risk. If a pedestrian's attention is concentrated elsewhere, they are not paying as much attention to their surroundings and may fail to notice contaminated, sloped or low friction surfaces and act accordingly. Loud noises, visual distractions and activity that the user is involved in can contribute to a slip in this way. If the pedestrian is rushing in crowded and unfamiliar surroundings, such as a hospital or transport terminal, they are more likely to be concentrating attention on overhead signage at the expense of the floor surface, increasing slip risk.
Condensation forms a less obvious source of contamination stemming from environmental factors. In humid conditions condensation is likely to form on cooler surfaces such as walls, windows or ceilings and drip onto the floor, or even form on the floor directly. Glazing, pipe work and metal surfaces should be given specific attention.
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Contamination has a detrimental effect on the available grip due to the effects of the hydrodynamic squeeze film, causing a hydraulic uplift and preventing or reducing sole/floor contact. Surface roughness, though not necessarily the Rz value, of a floor has significant importance in its ability to puncture the hydrodynamic squeeze film and restore sole/floor contact and acceptable levels of grip. Further discussion of the role of surface roughness in slip risk assessment
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The likelihood of contamination causing a slip can be reduced through a variety of controls. Firstly, wherever possible, contamination should be prevented from ever reaching the floor where it can pose a risk. Working practices and effective doorway management can serve to reduce the chances of the floor becoming contaminated. Cleaning effectively is vital to remove contamination that cannot be avoided. It should also be noted that a wet cleaning process in itself will contaminate the floor for a period and during that time controls should be put in place to ensure access to the slippery floor is restricted.
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Floors likely to be used by 'high risk' groups, including the very young, the very old, disabled or infirm, should offer a greater slip resistance. This is due to the increased frictional demand of a high risk user and greater likelihood of serious injury following a fall. Elderly users in particular are at greatest risk for a fall, due to the increased reaction time taken to respond to a heel slip, the weaker muscles reducing chance of recovery from the initial slip, more brittle bones increasing chances of a serious injury and greater recovery time after sustaining injury.
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Ramped floors will also require an increased slip resistance given increased horizontal forces. The UKSRG guidance states that target pendulum test values on ramped surfaces should show an increase over horizontal values of 100*tan(x), where x is the angle of the ramp above the horizontal.
The likelihood of transportation of significant masses across the floor surface should be considered. Aside from the increased wear, users pushing, pulling or carrying heavy items will have a significantly higher frictional demand. The likelihood of injury following a slip is also increased.
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Slip risk assessments should not only identity flooring performance but consider behavioural influences. Inappropriate behaviour such as running or horseplay can be a major contributing factor in a slip on an otherwise safe floor. The users of a floor can be a valuable resource for information regarding the floor's real use as opposed to its intended use.
Signs warning of a slippery floor are commonly misconstrued as a 'get out of jail' for accidents occurring on the slippery surface. Whilst it may be the case that less serious slips go unreported, signage does not grant immunity from responsibility. However, installed at eye height in prominent places signage may be used to modify the behaviour and gait of pedestrians, consequently reducing the risk of a slip. Signage is a relatively inexpensive short term risk reduction method, however if floors are known to be slippery a more permanent remedy should be undertaken.
Signage warning of a slippery floor should be removed as soon as the floor is no longer slippery. An obviously incorrect sign reduces the response to signage in future cases. This can prove disastrous if the sign is located permanently in a place that is infrequently contaminated.
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