Expert Tips

How to Prevent Slips and Falls

Follow these professional guidelines to ensure ongoing compliance and optimal slip resistance for your flooring:

Specify and Confirm Slip Ratings:
Clearly specify and verify the required slip rating for your space from the outset. Be aware that many flooring suppliers do not guarantee that installed flooring will maintain the advertised slip rating.
Conduct On-site Slip Testing Post-Installation:
After installation, arrange for immediate on-site slip resistance testing. It's important to note that slip ratings obtained in laboratory conditions may differ from results obtained through in-situ testing.
Engage a NATA-Accredited Testing Provider:
Ensure you select a reputable company for slip resistance testing and certification, confirming they hold current NATA accreditation for accurate and compliant assessments.
Choose Appropriate Cleaning Products:
Use cleaning agents specifically formulated to preserve surface grip, avoiding products that may inadvertently diminish slip resistance during routine cleaning.
Implement Consistent Maintenance Practices:
Regularly clean and maintain your floors according to recommended procedures to maximise slip resistance performance and extend the lifespan of your flooring's safety characteristics.
Perform Routine Slip Resistance Testing:
Schedule ongoing slip resistance testing at regular intervals, promptly addressing any identified compliance issues or slip hazards to maintain a consistently safe environment.

Here are additional professional recommendations to enhance floor safety and proactively manage slip, trip, and fall risks:

Regularly Remove Debris:
Routinely sweep or mop floors to eliminate debris and prevent accumulation of potential slip hazards.
Promptly Address Spills:
Immediately clean spills and clearly mark wet areas with appropriate warning signage to alert pedestrians.
Maintain Clear Pathways:
Keep high-traffic areas and walkways free from clutter and obstructions, ensuring unobstructed movement and reducing trip hazards.
Provide Entrance Mats:
Install absorbent mats at entry points, enabling individuals to effectively wipe wet footwear—particularly during wet weather—to minimise slip risks.
Ensure Adequate Lighting:
Maintain sufficient and consistent lighting throughout all pedestrian areas to enhance visibility and prevent accidents.
Maintain Even Floor Surfaces:
Regularly inspect flooring surfaces to ensure they are smooth and level, eliminating any height variations or uneven transitions between surfaces.
Upgrade High-Risk Surfaces:
Recoat or replace flooring materials identified as having inadequate slip resistance, opting for surfaces with higher safety ratings.
Utilise Mats and Grip Enhancements:
Install non-slip mats or grip strips on surfaces identified as potentially hazardous, enhancing traction and significantly reducing slip potential.
Maintain Flooring Condition:
Consistently monitor and maintain your flooring to ensure it remains in optimal condition, addressing wear and tear promptly to sustain slip resistance performance.