SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1990
STP15508S

Assessing the Slip Resistance of Flooring Materials

Source

A standard rubber for assessing slip resistance is specified and recommended. This Standard Simulated Shoe Sole (Four S rubber) is available from Rapra Technology Limited. When it is used in the British Portable Pendulum Test it gives increased sensitivity on smooth floors in wet conditions. This rubber is additional to that used for measuring the skid resistance of roads and exterior paved areas.

A new approach to slip resistance measurement is suggested. In a prototype apparatus, it is arranged that the normal load diminishes as a sled is propelled by a constant force. The time taken for the sled to travel a set distance then gives a measure of the slip resistance of the surface. Fractional force and velocity both change during measurement in a manner thought to be similar to the changing parameters in a slipping accident. The measured time is related to the reaction time of the person who slips, making it possible to allow for age, infirmity, or other impairment. A few preliminary results are given, but no comparison with other tests has yet been made.

Author Information

James, DI
Rapra Technology Limited, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, U.K.
Price: $25.00
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Details
Developed by Committee: F13
Pages: 133–144
DOI: 10.1520/STP15508S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5156-7
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-1408-1