Health and Safety

Executive

A study of the characteristics of

cementitious surface toppings and
applied concrete
Prepared by the Health and Safety Laboratory
for the Health and Safety Executive 2007

RR547
Research Report
 Health and Safety
Executive

A study of the characteristics of

cementitious surface toppings and
applied concrete
Mr Rob Shaw
Health and Safety Laboratory
Harpur Hill Industrial Estate
Harpur Hill
Buxton
SK17 9JN

Slips & trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work and they occur in almost all workplaces; 95% of
major slips result in broken bones. In a typical year, slips and trips account for 33% of all reported major injuries and
20% of over-3-day injuries to employees. The construction sector has a higher rate of slips and trips than any other
sector. Rarely is there a single cause of a slipping accident, and so a holistic approach to reducing the number of slip
accidents is required. The major contributing factor in a slip accident is the interaction of the pedestrians heel and the
floor surface. The potential for slip will depend on the footwear worn, the nature of the floor surface and the presence of
any contamination.

Cementitious floors are present in many work places, particularly in the construction sector and in warehouses. The slip
resistance of these surfaces will depend on the application technique used, and therefore the surface finish obtained.
The aim of this study was to assess the slip resistance of cement floors applied using a variety of techniques and to
determine whether the application of dry shake techniques such as surface hardeners and dust inhibitors effects the
slip properties of the surface.

This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any
opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.

HSE Books

© Crown copyright 2007

First published 2007

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in

any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical,

photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior

written permission of the copyright owner.

Applications for reproduction should be made in writing to:

Licensing Division, Her Majesty’s Stationery Office,

St Clements House, 2-16 Colegate, Norwich NR3 1BQ

or by e-mail to [email protected]

2
 CONTENTS

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................... 5

2. Experimental Procedures........................................................................................................... 6

3. Results ....................................................................................................................................... 7

4. Discussion ............................................................................................................................... 10

5. Conclusions and Recommendations........................................................................................ 11

Appendix A: Slip Resistance Data .............................................................................................. 12

Appendix B: UKSRG Guidelines ............................................................................................... 31

Appendix C: HSE Information Sheet Slips & Trips 1 ................................................................ 32

 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Slips & trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work and they occur in almost all
workplaces; 95% of major slips result in broken bones. There are many separate factors which
contribute to the slip potential of a particular workplace. These include the floor surface,
footwear worn by pedestrians, contamination present and management regimes such as
cleaning. The aim of this study was to analyse the slip resistance of a range of cement floor
finishes and determine the effects of different application techniques and applied toppings in
order to further the knowledge of HSE and HSL.

A range of surfaces were measured using standard HSL/HSE techniques to determine their slip
resistance characteristics. Previous HSE/HSL work involving cementitious surfaces was
reviewed.

The following conclusions were reached and further work identified:

x The slip resistance of cementitious floor surfaces is dependant on surface finish.

x In contaminated conditions appropriate levels of surface roughness will be required to
offer a pedestrian slip resistance.
x Inconsistent finishes in smooth surfaces such as power floated concrete may prove
hazardous to pedestrians if not visually obvious.
x The presence of dust on a smooth cement surface may not be obvious but can present a
slip hazard. Steps must be taken to reduce the incidence of dust on such surfaces and
appropriate cleaning regimes implemented for the adequate removal of dust.

x Further study into the topic is required, specifically more work on the effects of surface
toppings.
x More measurements on cementitious floors with surface hardeners and dust inhibitors.
x A study of the effectiveness of dust inhibitors at reducing the incidence of dust on
concrete surfaces.

4
 1. INTRODUCTION

Slips & trips are the most common cause of major injuries at work and they occur in almost all
workplaces; 95% of major slips result in broken bones. In a typical year, slips and trips account
for 33% of all reported major injuries and 20% of over-3-day injuries to employees. The
construction sector has a higher rate of slips and trips than any other sector. Rarely is there a
single cause of a slipping accident, and so a holistic approach to reducing the number of slip
accidents is required. The major contributing factor in a slip accident is the interaction of the
pedestrians heel and the floor surface. The potential for slip will depend on the footwear worn,
the nature of the floor surface and the presence of any contamination.

Cementitious floors are present in many work places, particularly in the construction sector and
in warehouses. The slip resistance of these surfaces will depend on the application technique
used, and therefore the surface finish obtained. The aim of this study was to assess the slip
resistance of cement floors applied using a variety of techniques and to determine whether the
application of dry shake techniques such as surface hardeners and dust inhibitors effects the slip
properties of the surface.

 2. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES

Visits were undertaken to evaluate the slip resistance in a range of premises with different
cementitious floor surfaces. Previous site work involving cementitious floors was also
evaluated.

A series of full forensic slipperiness investigations were undertaken using standard HSL / HSE
techniques in accordance with the Guidelines Recommended by the United Kingdom Slip
Resistance Group, (Issue 2, 2000 and Issue 3, 2005) where applicable. Due regard was also
given to the protocols outlined in BS 7976:2, 2000. Data generated during the assessments is
reproduced in Appendix A. Tables used during interpretation are given in Appendix B.

Measurements of floor surface “Pendulum Test value” (PTV also known as SRV, closely
related to Coefficient of Dynamic Friction) were made using a calibrated Pendulum slipperiness
assessment instrument. Data was generated [i] in the as-found, dry condition, and [ii] after
application of low volumes of potable water to the flooring by hand-spray. Two test slider
materials were used as appropriate; Slider 96, also known as Four-S rubber (Standard Simulated
Shoe Sole, developed by the UKSRG to represent a footwear material of moderate
performance), and TRRL rubber, also known as slider 55 (which is used as a secondary standard
shoe soling material by the Health & Safety Laboratory and the UK Slip Resistance Group).
Data was generated in three complementary test directions where appropriate in order to
account for the presence of floor surface directionality. Further testing was undertaken using a
calibrated surface microroughness transducer, set to the Rz parameter.

The UKSRG Guidelines have been used to interpret the surface microroughness and Pendulum
Test Value results given (relevant tables and excerpts are reproduced in Appendix B). Due
regard was also given to HSE’s Slips & Trips 1 Information Sheet (Appendix C).

The test results presented relate only to the floor areas under study at the time of testing. The
performance of installed flooring materials may change significantly during their lifetime; slip
resistance is critically dependent on the level and type of contamination, treatment, maintenance
and effective cleaning subsequent to installation.

 3. RESULTS

The following table summarises surface roughness and Pendulum Test Values for the range of
surfaces tested. All PTV results are generated with slider 96 rubber, which represents a shod
pedestrian (the most frequent user in all of the areas studied). Full results for each area studied
can be found in Appendix A.

Floor Type Rz Surface Condition Direction PTV Notes

Roughness(µm) (slider 96)
Power floated 6.0 Dry I 70
concrete Dry II 73
Dry III 73

Wet I 9
Wet II 11
Wet III 11
Power floated 6.3 Dry I 61
concrete
Dusty I 47
Dusty II 41
Dusty III 46

Wet I 21
Wet II 29
Wet III 24
Installed cement 13.7 Damp I 40
paver
Wet I 26
Power floated 16.8 Dry I 50 Greasy,
concrete, with Dry II 49 difficult to
hardener Dry III 45 get totally
clean
Wet I 19
Wet II 25
Wet III 21
Power floated 17.8 Dry I 65 Porous
concrete, worn Dry II 64
Dry III 63

Dusty I 60

Wet I 39
Wet II 47
Wet III 41
Power floated 19.9 Dry I 62
concrete
Dusty I 45

Wet I 30

Rough concrete 23.5 Dusty I 56

Dusty II 54
Dusty III 54

Wet I 45

Dusty and I 40
wet
Rough concrete 38.0 Dusty I 56
Dusty II 58
Dusty III 58

Wet I 54

Dusty and I 50
wet
Power floated 39.8 Dry I 52
concrete, worn Dry II 47
Dry III 51

Wet I 38
Wet II 48
Wet III 36
Rough concrete, 49.4 Dry I 69
with
epoxy/aggregate Wet I 69
coating
Rough concrete, 55.5 Dry I 57
etched
Water/chrome I 56
tan
Rough concrete, 58.3 Wet I 40
with aggregate Wet II 41
Wet III 40
Uninstalled 68.2 Dry I 66
cement paver
Wet I 57
Patterned N/A Wet I 40
concrete paver Wet II 45
Wet III 44
Profiled N/A Wet I 67
concrete paver Wet III 54
Wet IV 49
Power floated N/A Wet, paste, I 43
concrete, with paper pulp
epoxy/aggregate
coating

Figure 3.1 Table of surface roughness and PTV data for the range of surfaces studied.

8
If we plot surface roughness against wet PTV we see a clear trend. As surface roughness
increases so does wet PTV.

80
70
60
50
PTV

40
30
20
10
0
0 20 40 60 80
Rz

Figure 3.2 Graph of surface roughness v wet PTV in direction I only

80

70

60

50

PTV

40

30

20

10

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
Rz

Figure 3.3 Graph of surface roughness v average wet PTV

9
 4. DISCUSSION

The correlation between Rz and wet PTV was plotted for all surfaces on which both values
could be obtained. Two graphs were produced of Rz against wet PTV in direction I only (Figure
3.2) and Rz against wet PTV where the average of the three directions was taken (Figure 3.3).
Where possible on site, direction I is the main direction of pedestrian travel. If the floor surface
is clean and dry it can be reasonably expected that the floor will present a low slip potential. The
slip potential in contaminated conditions is therefore more important when considering the slip
resistance of a surface.

A rougher surface has a better chance of breaking through a squeeze film of contaminant and
making contact with a pedestrians heel. The more viscous the contaminant the greater the level
of roughness required to offer a high level of slip resistance. Cementitious floor surfaces appear
to behave in a similar manner to other hard surfaces observed in previous HSL/HSE lab work
and site visits. As Rz surface roughness increases so does PTV in contaminated conditions.

The main limitation of this study is the relatively small number of floors measured. Although
the trend shown in Figures 3.2 and 3.3 is quite clear we still know very little about the effects of
various surface toppings. Only one dutyholder in the premises visited knew the exact
specification of the floor. From this work it would appear that surface hardeners do not alter the
slip resistance of a surface, which is still dependant on the level of surface microroughness,
however as only one floor was known for sure to have been treated with a surface hardener this
is far from conclusive evidence.

One of the main problems seen with power floated concrete floors was the inconsistent nature of
the application. Almost all floors studied had rougher and smoother patches within the overall
finish. One of the biggest contributing factors in a slipping accident is a change in the level of
slip resistance underfoot without an accompanying visual difference to warn the pedestrian to
change their gait. This may mean that power floated concrete floors are more dangerous than
consistent surfaces with similar levels of slip resistance.

Another problem with concrete floors, especially newer surfaces, is the generation of dust. Most
of the power floated surfaces studied had significant level of dust present on the surface. This
reduced the dry Pendulum Test Values obtained and quickly built up on the soles of workers
shoes. Often cleaning regimes were not effective enough to remove dust from the surface.

10

 5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusions

x The slip resistance of cementitious floor surfaces is dependant on surface finish.

x In contaminated conditions appropriate levels of surface roughness will be required to
offer a pedestrian slip resistance.
x Inconsistent finishes in smooth surfaces such as power floated concrete may prove
hazardous to pedestrians if not visually obvious.
x The presence of dust on a smooth cement surface may not be obvious but can present a
slip hazard. Steps must be taken to reduce the incidence of dust on such surfaces and
appropriate cleaning regimes implemented for the adequate removal of dust.

Recommendations

x Further study into the topic is required, specifically more work on the effects of surface
toppings.
x More measurements on cementitious floors with surface hardeners and dust inhibitors.
x A study of the effectiveness of dust inhibitors at reducing the incidence of dust on
concrete surfaces.

11

APPENDIX A: SLIP RESISTANCE DATA

Area 1: Power floated concrete, warehouse

Smooth Patch

Rz Surface Roughness: 6.3 µm

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dusty Direction I 47
As-found Dusty Direction II 41
As-found Dusty Direction III 46

As-found Wet Direction I 21

As-found Wet Direction II 29
As-found Wet Direction III 24

As-found Dusty Direction I 45

Cleaned Dry Direction I 61
Cleaned Wet Direction I 24
Rough Patch

Rz Surface Roughness: 19.9 µm

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dusty Direction I 45

As-found Wet Direction I 30

Cleaned Dry Direction I 62

Cleaned Wet Direction I 27
Area 2: Power floated concrete surface; several measurements taken

[i]

Pendulum SRV New Four-S Rubber Slider

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 54
As-found Dry Direction II 43
As-found Dry Direction III 36
As-found Dry Direction I 36

Slider Reconditioned

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 64
As-found Dry Direction II 41
As-found Dry Direction III 42
As-found Dry Direction I 42

As-found Wet Direction I 19

Pendulum SRV Worn Four-S Rubber Slider

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 75
As-found Dry Direction II 63
As-found Dry Direction III 60

As-found Wet Direction I 11

As-found Wet Direction III 20
As-found Damp Direction III 66

[ii]

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 60
As-found Wet Direction I 16

Rough area by join

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 60
After cleaning with Dry Direction I 64
scrubber dryer

[iii]

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 45
As-found Water-wet Direction I 20

[iv]

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 50
As-found Water-wet Direction I 30

[v]

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 61
As-found Water-wet Direction I 14
[vi]

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Smooth area

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 53
As-found Water-wet Direction I 19

Rougher area

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 60
As-found Water-wet Direction I 21

[vii]

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 60
As-found Water-wet Direction I 42

[viii]

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 57
As-found Water-wet Direction I 16

[ix]

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 52
As-found Water-wet Direction I 23
Area 3: Old power floated concrete floor, worn

Rz Surface Roughness: 17.8 µm

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dusty Direction I 60
As-found Wet Direction I 39
As-found Dry Direction I 65

As-found Dusty and wet Direction I 45

Swept Dry Direction I 65

Swept Dry Direction II 64
Swept Dry Direction III 63

Swept Wet Direction I 39

Swept Wet Direction II 47
Swept Wet Direction III 41

Swept Damp Direction I 70

Cleaned Dry Direction I 64

Cleaned Wet Direction I 37
Area 4: Treated cement floors

Floor Type: Powerfloated concrete with dry shake hardner

Rz Surface Roughness: 16.8 µm (mean)

PTV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Dust/grease Direction I 35

Cleaned Dry Direction I 50

Cleaned Dry Direction II 49
Cleaned Dry Direction III 45

Cleaned Wet Direction I 19

Cleaned Wet Direction II 25
Cleaned Wet Direction III 21
Floor Type: Concrete With Epoxy / Aggregate Coating

Rz Surface Roughness: 49.4 µm (mean)

PTV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Dry Direction I 69

Cleaned Wet Direction I 69

Contaminated Edge

PTV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Wet Direction I 71
Area 5: Rough cement floor with aggregate

[i]

Rz Surface Roughness: 58.3 µm (mean)

SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Greasy Water Direction I 44
As-found Greasy Water Direction II 34
As-found Greasy Water Direction III 34

Cleaned Water Direction I 40

Cleaned Water Direction II 41
Cleaned Water Direction III 40

[ii]

SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Greasy Water Direction I 40
As-found Greasy Water Direction II 36
As-found Greasy Water Direction III 42
[iii]

Rz Surface Roughness: 55.5 µm (mean)

SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 57

As-found Chrome tan/water Direction I 56

Area 6: Concrete paving slabs

[i]

Surface type: Patterned concrete paver

Pendulum Tests (Rubber Slider 96)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Wet Direction I 40
As-found Wet Direction II 45
As-found Wet Direction III 44

Pendulum Tests (TRRL Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Wet Direction I 32
As-found Wet Direction II 31
As-found Wet Direction III 32
[ii]

Surface type: Profiled concrete paver

Slope: 7.6 degrees

Pendulum Tests (Rubber Slider 96)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Wet Direction I 67
As-found Wet Direction III 54
As-found Wet Direction IV 49

Pendulum Tests (TRRL Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Wet Direction I 42
As-found Wet Direction III 42
As-found Wet Direction IV 45

[iii]

Surface type: Profiled concrete paver, less worn

Pendulum Test (Rubber Slider 96)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Wet Direction IV 50

Pendulum Test (TRRL Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Wet Direction IV 52
Area 7: Power floated concrete, worn
Temperature: Approx. 5°C

Rz Surface Roughness: 39.8 µm (mean)

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 52
As-found Dry Direction II 47
As-found Dry Direction III 51
As-found Water-wet Direction I 38
As-found Water-wet Direction II 48
As-found Water-wet Direction III 36
Cleaned Water-wet Direction I 52
As-found Hydraulic Oil Direction I 20

Pendulum SRV (TRRL Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 78
As-found Dry Direction II 82
As-found Dry Direction III 86
As-found Water-wet Direction I 39
As-found Water-wet Direction II 34
As-found Water-wet Direction III 41
Cleaned Water-wet Direction I 49
As-found Hydraulic Oil Direction I 15
Area 8: Concrete, before and after anti-slip treatment

[i]

Floor type: Smooth Concrete

Rz Surface Roughness: 6.0 µm (mean)

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 70
As-found Dry Direction II 73
As-found Dry Direction III 73

As-found Water-wet Direction I 9

As-found Water-wet Direction II 11
As-found Water-wet Direction III 11

Cleaned Dry Direction I 62

Cleaned Water-wet Direction I 11
Cleaned Poster Paste Direction I 7
[ii]

Floor type: Anti-Slip Painted Concrete – with ‘grit’ particles

Rz Surface Roughness: N/A

Too much contamination to measure without risking
damage to the Surtronic Duo and contamination too
difficult (ingrained) to remove.

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Damp, some paste, Direction I 43
paper/pulp
Area 9: Cement paving, installed and uninstalled

[i]

Rz Surface Roughness: 13.7 µm (mean)

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Damp / Drying Direction I 40
As-found Water-wet Direction I 26
[ii]

Rz Surface Roughness: 68.2 µm (mean)

Pendulum SRV (Four-S Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 66
As-found Water-wet Direction I 57

Pendulum SRV (TRRL Rubber Slider)

Condition Contamination Test Direction SRV

As-found Dry Direction I 91
As-found Water-wet Direction I 65
Area 10: Rough concrete, warehouse

[i]

Rz Surface Roughness:
38.0 µm (mean)

PTV (Slider 96 rubber)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Dusty Direction I 56
As-found Dusty Direction II 58
As-found Dusty Direction III 58

As-found Dusty and wet Direction I 50

Cleaned Dry Direction I 52

Cleaned Wet Direction I 54

As-found Deep compacted Direction I 54

dust
[ii]

Rz Surface Roughness: 23.5 µm (mean)

PTV (Slider 96 rubber)

Condition Contamination Test Direction PTV

As-found Dusty Direction I 56
As-found Dusty Direction II 54
As-found Dusty Direction III 54

As-found Dusty and wet Direction I 40

Cleaned Dry Direction I 50

Cleaned Wet Direction I 45
APPENDIX B: UKSRG GUIDELINES

EXCERPTS FROM “THE MEASUREMENT OF FLOOR SLIP RESISTANCE -

GUIDELINES RECOMMENDED BY THE UK SLIP RESISTANCE GROUP”,
ISSUE 2, JUNE 2000.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Research in the UK by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has
identified that more than 90% of slipping accidents occur on wet floors, most usually on
relatively smooth surfaces. Evaluation of the slip resistance of floors is not an exact science. In
addition to selected measuring instruments, it demands the relevant expertise and methodical
procedures. In this context these guidelines offer advisory information in respect of measuring
the slip resistance of flooring materials under water-wet conditions.

The information within this document, which may be revised as knowledge and understanding
of pedestrian slipping increase, does not define the ‘safety status’ of any floor or flooring
material at any stage of its service life.

Four-S Pendulum Value Potential for Slip

25 and below High
25 to 35 Moderate
35 to 65 Low
Above 65 Extremely Low

TRRL Pendulum Value Potential for Slip

19 and below High
20 to 39 Moderate
40 to 74 Low
Above 75 Extremely Low

Rz (Rtm) Surface Roughness* Potential for Slip

Below 10 High
Between 10 and 20 Moderate
Above 20 and up to 30 Low
Above 30 Extremely Low
*Roughness values applicable for water-wet, low activity pedestrian areas.

EXCERPTS FROM “THE MEASUREMENT OF FLOOR SLIP RESISTANCE -

GUIDELINES RECOMMENDED BY THE UK SLIP RESISTANCE GROUP”,
ISSUE 3, 2005.

Pendulum Test Value Potential for Slip

24 and below High
25 to 35 Moderate
36 and above Low

Rz (Rtm) Surface Roughness* Potential for Slip

Below 10 High
Between 10 and 20 Moderate
Above 20 Low
APPENDIX C: HSE INFORMATION SHEET SLIPS & TRIPS 1

 Health and Safety

Executive

Assessing the slip resistance of flooring

A technical information sheet

HSE information sheet Slips and trips information sheet

Introduction Research by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL)

on behalf of HSE has shown that a combination of
This technical document considers a number of test factors can contribute to slip accidents. A slip
methods for assessing floor slip resistance and potential model has been developed, in which the
describes those used by HSE/HSL in more detail. It is relative importance of the factors contributing to a slip
intended for organisations which need to perform are assessed and quantified (see Figure 1).
accurate measurements of floor slipperiness, such as
manufacturers and research and testing bodies. It will This document describes methods of assessing the
also help employers and other dutyholders with slipperiness of floors, including profiled floors and
assessing slip risks in workplaces by helping them to stairs. It aims to give enough information to correctly
interpret flooring manufacturers’ test data. This should select a method to test the slipperiness of the floor
allow them to make an informed decision in choosing and interpret the results.
new floors. In the light of this information,
manufacturers and suppliers of flooring are
recommended to review the floor slip resistance The assessment of slipperiness: The
information they provide when producing flooring data HSE approach
sheets for customers.
The law requires that floors must not be slippery so
they put people’s safety at risk (The Workplace
Background (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992).1 It was
thought that the characteristics of floor surface
Slips and trips consistently account for around 1 in 3 materials needed for satisfactory slip resistance were
non-fatal major injuries, and for over 1 in 5 over-3-day difficult to assess. However, research carried out by
injuries in workplace areas throughout Great Britain, a HSL, in conjunction with the UK Slip Resistance
total of at least 35 000 injuries per annum (one serious Group (UKSRG) and the British Standards Institution,
slip accident every 3 minutes). HSE statistics suggest has shown they are not. The slipperiness of flooring
that most of these accidents are slips, most of which materials can be accurately assessed by using
occur when floor surfaces are contaminated (water, commercially available, portable scientific test
talc, grease, etc). instruments.

On behalf of HSE, HSL has developed a reliable and

Controllable robust test method using these instruments to assess
Floor material floor surface slipperiness in workplace and public
Environment Contamination areas. The method has been used as the basis of
significant HSE and local authority action, from advice
to improvement notices and prosecution.

Slip potential The methodology is based on using two instruments:

■ a pendulum coefficient of friction (CoF) test (HSE’s

Use Footwear preferred method of slipperiness assessment, see
Figure 2);
Behaviour ■ a surface microroughness meter (see Figure 3).
Predictable
This methodology is ideally suited to both laboratory-
Figure 1 Slip potential model based assessment, and for use on installed floors.

1 of 6 pages
 Health and Safety
Executive

The data generated may be strengthened by Research has confirmed the pendulum to be a reliable
considering additional test data where appropriate. and accurate test, leading to its adoption as the
standard HSE test method for the assessment of floor
slipperiness in dry and contaminated conditions.
Pendulum However, to use it reliably needs a suitably trained and
competent person to operate it and to interpret the
The pendulum CoF test (also known as the portable results.
skid resistance tester, the British pendulum, and the
TRRL pendulum, see Figure 2) is the subject of a
British Standard, BS 7976: Parts 1-3, 2002.2 Interpretation of pendulum results

Pendulum results should be interpreted using the

information reproduced in Table 1 (from UKSRG,
2005).

PTV
High slip potential 0–24
Moderate slip potential 25–35
Low slip potential 36 +

Table 1 Slip potential classification, based on pendulum

test values (PTV)

Figure 2 The pendulum CoF test Practical considerations

This instrument, although often used in its current form Information generated by the pendulum using Slider
to assess the skid resistance of roads, was originally 96 rubber, also known as Four-S rubber (Standard
designed to simulate the action of a slipping foot. The Simulated Shoe Sole) is sufficient for assessing
method is based on a swinging, imitation heel (using a slipperiness in most circumstances. However, for
standardised rubber soling sample), which sweeps assessing barefoot areas, unusually rough or profiled
over a set area of flooring in a controlled manner. The floors, the use of Slider 55 rubber, also known as
slipperiness of the flooring has a direct and TRRL rubber (a similar but softer, more malleable
measurable effect on the pendulum test value (PTV) compound) may be advantageous.
given (previously known as the Slip Resistance Value).
Although using the pendulum on heavily profiled
The preparation of the standard rubber sliders is flooring materials, stair treads and nosings is possible,
detailed in BS 7976 and the UKSRG guidelines.3 doing so can be difficult, and should only be
There is a small difference between the two methods undertaken by experienced operators.
of slider preparation, and in certain limited situations
the two methods may give slightly different results. The pendulum test equipment is large and heavy, so
HSE and the UKSRG believe the changes in the latest consider the manual handing of the equipment
version of the UKSRG guidelines (2005) are best carefully for testing in the field.
practice.

Figure 3 Surface microroughness meters (left to right: Mitutoyo Surftest SJ201P, Surtronic Duo, Surtronic 25)

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Surface microroughness function of contaminant type and should not be used

on their own for specifying floors.
An indication of slipperiness in water-contaminated
conditions may be simply obtained by measuring the Minimum
surface roughness of flooring materials. Roughness Contaminant
roughness (Rz)
measurements may also be used to monitor changes
in floor surface characteristics, such as wear. Clean water, coffee, soft
20 µm
Research has shown that measurement of the Rz drinks
parameter allows slipperiness to be predicted for a 45 µm Soap solution, milk
range of common materials. Rz is a measure of total
60 µm Cooking stock
surface roughness, calculated as the mean of several
peak-to-valley measurements. 70 µm Motor oil, olive oil
above 70 µm Gear oil, margarine

Interpretation of surface roughness Table 3 Typical Rz surface microroughness levels for a low
slip potential, as a function of contaminant type
When surface microroughness data is used to
supplement pendulum test data, the roughness results Where the size of the pendulum tester limits its use,
should be interpreted using the information such as on stairs, surface microroughness can be
reproduced in Table 2 (from UKSRG, 2005). Where used to compare the surface with an area of the same
only roughness data is available, use it in conjunction surface that can be tested using the pendulum.
with the Slips Assessment Tool (SAT) detailed below.

Slips assessment tool (SAT)

Rz surface roughness
Below 10 µm High slip potential HSE and HSL have produced a PC-based software
package to assess the slip potential presented by level
10–20 µm Moderate slip potential
pedestrian walkway surfaces. The SAT prompts the
20 + µm Low slip potential user to collect surface microroughness data from the
test area, using a hand-held meter. The SAT
Table 2 Slip potential classification, based on Rz supplements the surface microroughness data (Rz)
microroughness values (applicable for water-wet with other relevant information from the pedestrian slip
pedestrian areas) potential model. This includes the causes of floor
surface contamination, the regimes used to clean the
floor surface (both in terms of their effectiveness and
Practical considerations: Roughness frequency), the footwear types worn in the area, along
meters with associated human factors and environmental
factors. On completion, a slip risk classification is
Research has shown that the Rz roughness parameter supplied to the user; this gives an indication of the
gives a good indication of floor slipperiness in water- potential for a slip. SAT is designed to assist in the
contaminated conditions. The measurement of Rz decision-making process when considering the risk of
using a hand-held meter is simple and quick. It is slipping in a defined area, and can be used iteratively
possible to measure other roughness parameters that to show the influence of different control measures.
give a more complete picture of floor surface However, it should not be relied upon when
slipperiness (this is the subject of ongoing research). considering the performance of just the flooring; in this
Although the use of portable, commercially available instance a suitable CoF test should be used. The SAT
roughness meters (see Figure 3) for assessing floor software can be downloaded free from
surface slipperiness is increasing, they are unsuitable www.hsesat.info.
for use on carpet, undulating or very rough floors.

The figures quoted in Table 2 relate to floor surface The UKSRG ramp test
slipperiness in water-contaminated conditions. If there
are other contaminants, differing levels of roughness The UKSRG ramp test (Figure 4) is designed to
will be needed to lower slip potential. As a general simulate the conditions commonly encountered in
rule, a higher level of surface roughness is needed to typical workplace slip accidents. Clean water is used
maintain slip resistance with a more viscous (thicker) as the contaminant and footwear with a standardised
contaminant. Note that the figures in Table 3 are soling material is used, although barefoot testing may
typical Rz surface microroughness levels at which also be undertaken. The test method involves using
floors are likely to result in a low slip potential, as a test subjects who walk forwards and backwards over

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a contaminated flooring sample. The inclination of the Floor surface materials are often classified on the basis
sample is increased gradually until the test subject of the DIN standards. The classification schemes
slips. The average angle of inclination at which slip outlined in DIN 51130 (Table 4) and DIN 51097 (Table
occurs is used to calculate the CoF of the flooring. 5) have led to some confusion, resulting in the wrong
The CoF measured relates to the flooring used on a floor surfaces sometimes being installed.
level surface. It is possible to assess bespoke
combinations of footwear, flooring and contamination
Classification R9 R10 R11 R12 R13
relating to specific environments using this method;
HSL also use the ramp to assess the slipperiness of Slip angle (°) 6-10 10-19 19-27 27-35 > 35
footwear.
Table 4 DIN 51130 R-Value slipperiness classification

Classification A B C
Slip angle (°) 12-17 18-23 > 24

Table 5 DIN 51097 slipperiness classification

A common problem stems from the misconception

that the ‘R’ scale runs from R1 to R13, where R1 is
the most slippery, and R13 the least slippery. HSE
have been involved in cases where R9 floors have
been specified as specialist anti-slip surfaces. In reality,
the R scale runs from R9 to R13, where R9 is the
most slippery, and R13 the least slippery. Floor
surfaces that are classified by the DIN 51130 standard
as R9 (or in some instances R10) are likely to be
unacceptably slippery when used in wet or greasy
conditions. Further problems may arise from the wide
range of CoF within a given classification, for example
R10 covers a CoF range from 0.18 to 0.34, which
represents a very wide range of slip potential. The
same limitations apply to DIN 51097 for barefoot
areas.

The EN13845:20056 standard for slip resistance of

Figure 4 The UKSRG ramp CoF test safety floors addresses some of the shortcomings of
the DIN tests above, but one area of concern is the
different thresholds set for shod (20° = CoF 0.36) and
Other ramp tests barefoot (15° = CoF 0.27) conditions. The level of
friction needed by a person to walk without slipping is
Many European flooring manufacturers use ramp-type thought to be the same whether the person is
tests to classify the slipperiness of their products barefoot or wearing shoes. Flooring reported to ‘pass’
before sale. Such tests are generally carried out using this standard for barefoot use may actually present a
German National Standard test methods (DIN moderate slip potential.
51097:19924 and DIN 51130:20045).

DIN 51097 involves the use of barefoot operators with Roller-coaster tests
a soap solution as the contaminant, and DIN 51130
uses heavily-cleated EN:ISO 20345 safety boots with HSL have evaluated two new instruments for the
motor oil contamination. HSE has reservations about assessment of floor slip resistance on a wide range of
these test methods, as neither uses contaminants that installed floor surfaces, in dry, wet and contaminated
are representative of those commonly found in conditions.7 The instruments have been dubbed ‘roller-
workplaces and the way the results are sometimes coaster tests’ as both involve a trolley rolling down a
interpreted and applied (see below) is a cause for ramp and skidding across the floor surface. The first
concern. was developed by SlipAlert LLP (and is commercially
available), the second was a laboratory prototype. The
results show good agreement with the pendulum,
provided that Slider 96 is used as the test slider

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material. Roller-coaster tests are more portable than (a)

the pendulum and may be used by people with little or
no experience of floor surface assessment. A large
test area is required, however, which can limit their
applicability in some situations. As the test slider can
travel a significant distance over the floor surface, it
measures the average slip resistance of the area
tested. This may limit the ability of these tests to
identify small areas of slippery flooring surrounded by
more slip-resistant flooring; it may be important to
identify such small areas during an investigation.
However, if visual inspection reveals areas with
differing visual appearance (due to wear or
inconsistency), microroughness measurements may
be taken to highlight these differences. Furthermore,
although it may be difficult to demonstrate the effect of
a liquid spill on the slip resistance of the floor using (b)
these test methods, the effects of such spills can be
accurately measured. Figure 6 Sled-type tests
(a) The FSC2000 (b) the Tortus test

Interpretation of manufacturers’ data

Most slip resistance information provided by flooring

manufacturers is produced from as-supplied products
(ie ex-factory). The slipperiness of flooring materials
can change significantly due to the installation process
(due to grouting, burnishing, polishing), after short
periods of use, due to inappropriate maintenance or
longer-term wear. Furthermore, data quoted simply as
CoF should be viewed with uncertainty, as the type of
CoF test used can have a critical affect on the validity
(a) of the data.

(b) The test data needed to characterise a floor should

relate to the floor as finished for the intended use and
with any contamination present in normal use.
Figure 5 Roller-coaster slip tests
(a) SlipAlert CoF test (b) The laboratory prototype
CoF test References and further reading

References
Sled-type tests
1 Workplace health, safety and welfare. Workplace
The instruments that have been dubbed ‘sled tests’ (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.
involve a self-powered trolley that drags itself across Approved Code of Practice L24 HSE Books 1992
the floor surface, measuring the CoF as it moves. ISBN 0 7176 0413 6
Laboratory-based assessments have strongly
suggested that several tests currently available 2 BS 7976-1:2002 Pendulum testers. Specification
(particularly those based on ‘sled-type’ principles) can British Standards Institution 2002 ISBN 0 580 40144 8
produce misleading data in wet conditions. Information
from such tests shows that some smooth flooring BS 7976-2:2002 Pendulum testers. Method of
appears to be less slippery in wet conditions than operation British Standards Institution 2002
when dry; this is clearly at odds with everyday ISBN 0 580 40145 6
experience. Such tests may give credible results in dry
conditions, though it should be stressed that the vast BS 7976-3:2002 Pendulum testers. Method of
majority of slipping accidents occur in wet, calibration British Standards Institution 2002
contaminated conditions. ISBN 0 580 40146 4

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3 The assessment of floor slip resistance Issue 3 Further information

United Kingdom Slip Resistance Group, 2005
HSE priced and free publications are available by mail
4 DIN 51097: 1992 Testing of floor coverings; order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury,
determination of the anti-slip Suffolk CO10 2WA Tel: 01787 881165
properties; wet-loaded barefoot areas; walking Fax: 01787 313995 Website: www.hsebooks.co.uk
method; ramp test German National Standard 1992 (HSE priced publications are also available from
bookshops and free leaflets can be downloaded from
5 DIN 51130: 2004 Testing of floor coverings; HSE’s website: www.hse.gov.uk.)
determination of the anti-slip properties; workrooms
and fields of activities with slip danger; walking For information about health and safety ring HSE’s
method; ramp test German National Standard 2004 Infoline Tel: 0845 345 0055 Fax: 0845 408 9566
Textphone: 0845 408 9577
6 EN13845:2005 Resilient floor coverings: Polyvinyl e-mail: [email protected] or write to HSE
chloride floor coverings with particle based enhanced Information Services, Caerphilly Business Park,
slip resistance. Specification British Standards Caerphilly CF83 3GG.
Institution 2005 ISBN 0 580 46677 9
British Standards are available from BSI Customer
7 Evaluation of the Kirchberg Rolling Slider and Services, 389 Chiswick High Road, London W4 4AL
SlipAlert Slip Resistance Meters Available at Tel: 020 8996 9001 Fax: 020 8996 7001
www.hse.gov.uk/research/hsl_pdf/2006/hsl0665.pdf e-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bsi-global.com
Further reading
This document contains notes on good practice
Safer surfaces to walk on, reducing the risk of slipping which are not compulsory but which you may
CIRIA C652 2006 find helpful in considering what you need to do.

Slips and trips: Guidance for employers on identifying This document is available web only at:
hazards and controlling risks HSG155 HSE Books www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web/slips01.pdf.
1996 ISBN 0 7176 1145 0
© Crown copyright This publication may be freely
Slips and trips: Guidance for the food processing reproduced, except for advertising, endorsement or
industry HSG156 HSE Books 1996 commercial purposes. First published 03/07. Please
ISBN 0 7176 0832 8 acknowledge the source as HSE.

More information about slips and trips can be found at

www.hse.gov.uk/slips and at
www.hsl.gov.uk/capabilities/pedestrian.htm.

Published by the Health and Safety Executive 03/07 Slips and trips 1(rev1) 6 of 6 pages
Published by the Health and Safety Executive 04/07
 Health and Safety
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A study of the characteristics of

cementitious surface toppings and
applied concrete
Slips & trips are the most common cause of major injuries
at work and they occur in almost all workplaces; 95% of
major slips result in broken bones. In a typical year, slips
and trips account for 33% of all reported major injuries
and 20% of over-3-day injuries to employees. The
construction sector has a higher rate of slips and trips
than any other sector. Rarely is there a single cause of a
slipping accident, and so a holistic approach to reducing
the number of slip accidents is required. The major
contributing factor in a slip accident is the interaction of
the pedestrians heel and the floor surface. The potential
for slip will depend on the footwear worn, the nature of
the floor surface and the presence of any contamination.

Cementitious floors are present in many work places,

particularly in the construction sector and in warehouses.
The slip resistance of these surfaces will depend on the
application technique used, and therefore the surface
finish obtained. The aim of this study was to assess the
slip resistance of cement floors applied using a variety of
techniques and to determine whether the application of
dry shake techniques such as surface hardeners and dust
inhibitors effects the slip properties of the surface.

This report and the work it describes were funded by

the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents,
including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are
those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect
HSE policy.

RR547

www.hse.gov.uk