SlipSTD PUBLICLY AVAILABLE SPECIFICATION (SlipSTD PAS)

Classification of hard floor coverings according to their contribution to reduce the risk of pedestrian

slipping

Report Prepared by : Giuliano Tari with contributions by Kevan Brassington, Alessandro Tenaglia, Steve Thorpe, Marcel Engels

Issue Authorised by : SlipSTD Steering Committee

Date of Issue : July 2009 (Version 6, revised)

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CONTENTS FOREWORD 1 SCOPE 2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

2.1 Regulations/Mandatory documents dealing with slip resistance in Europe

2.2 Product standards including slip resistance requirements in Europe 2.3 Standards on surface characterisation 2.4 Standards on test methods for measuring the slip resistance of floor

coverings

3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

3.1 General definitions 3.1.1 Floor coverings 3.1.2 Hard floor coverings 3.1.3 Slip resistance and risk of slipping 3.1.4 Contaminant 3.1.5 Cleaning 3.1.6 Duty holder 3.1.7 Risk assessment 3.1.8 Control measures

3.2 Surface Appearance Definitions

3.2.1 Profiled or Textured surfaces 3.2.2 Structured surfaces

3.3 Surface Texture Definitions

3.3.1 Tactile topography measurement 3.3.2 Optical topography measurement 3.3.3 Primary profile 3.3.4 Surface texture parameters 3.3.5 Primary parameters 3.3.6 Roughness parameters

4 CLASSIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

4.1 Classification of environment 4.2 Classification of hard floorings 4.3 Classification applications

4.3.1 Internal pedestrian areas in residential buildings not accessed by the public

4.3.2 Internal, publically accessible pedestrian areas that are considered foreseeably clean and dry

4.3.3 Internal pedestrian areas in private commercial and work place areas that are considered foreseeably clean and dry

4.3.4 Floor coverings in bathrooms and kitchens in publicly accessible areas, internal pedestrian areas in private commercial and work place areas

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4.4 Responsibilities 4.4.1 Designer/Specifier 4.4.2 Manufacturer 4.4.3 Duty Holders

5 PRELIMINARY STUDY ON SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS FOR FORESEEABLE

CONTAMINATED HARD FLOOR COVERINGS

6 CONFORMITY MARKING 7 SPECIFIC APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Cleanability and Cleaning 7.1.1 Contaminants 7.1.2 Cleaning methods and machines 7.1.3 Cleaning agents 7.1.4 Floor maintenance programs 7.1.5 Health and Safety considerations 7.1.6 Protecting new flooring – Reducing the need to clean 7.1.7 Cleaning ceramic tiles

7.1.7.1 Post installation cleaning (builders clean) 7.1.7.2 Maintenance cleaning 7.1.7.3 Frequent contaminants and suggested treatments

7.1.8 Cleaning natural stone 7.1.8.1 Impregnators and sealants 7.1.8.2 Post installation cleaning (builders clean) 7.1.8.3 Regular maintenance cleaning 7.1.8.4 Deep cleaning 7.1.8.5 Persistent stains and adherences 7.1.8.6 Post cleaning operations

7.2 Private Commercial and Work Place Areas: Control Measures

ANNEX A CONFORMITY MARKING ANNEX B PRELIMINARY STUDY ON SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS FOR

FORESEEABLE CONTAMINATED HARD FLOOR COVERINGS

B.1 Surface parameters and routine (maintenance) monitoring of hard floor coverings

B.2 A study of pedestrian surface grouping B.3 Proposal for surface requirements for foreseeable contaminated hard

floor coverings B.4 Test to assess surface conformity B.5 Sampling, base for acceptance

ANNEX C SURFACE CHARACTERISATION PROCEDURE

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FOREWORD It is widely accepted, and most research confirms, that floor surface contamination with liquids or solids is the main cause of pedestrian slip accidents. Accordingly, this SlipSTD Publicly Available Specification (SlipSTD PAS) proposes to classify hard floor coverings based on the likely presence of contaminants in the environment and in use. The SlipSTD PAS aims to provide relevant and consistent information to help designers, architects and users to specify and maintain hard floor coverings with confidence. It includes important safety guidelines and proposals for controlling and reducing the risk of contamination. Annex B of the SlipSTD PAS suggests a new approach for testing the surface of a hard floor covering, to determine an acceptable slip resistance performance levels appropriate to the floor covering’s installed usage and foreseeable contamination. Whilst recognizing that the results obtained in this preliminary study need further verification by widening the sample base, the SlipSTD consortium decided to mention them to promote debate from interested parties and to encourage further researches to confirm the principle of measuring surface properties as an alternative method for assessing the slip resistance of hard floor coverings. Although the SlipSTD PAS covers only hard floor coverings (as defined in 3.1.2), the SlipSTD consortium believes that the scope could and should be extended to include all floor coverings and floorings. Similarly, the consortium recognises the contribution that footwear makes to slip potential, and suggests further research is required to determine the effects of footwear sole design and the interaction between the sole and pedestrian surfaces. This document is not intended to restrict new developments in materials and design. SlipSTD PAS is a major outcome of a research project, co-financed by the European Commission FP6 program, within the 'Horizontal Activities involving SMEs' scheme. The SlipSTD consortium warmly acknowledges the European Commission's financial support. Acknowledgement is given to the following organisations that were involved in the development of the SlipSTD PAS: CERAM Research Limited (CERAM) Dr Giuliano Tari

Ms Lisa Cobden Mr Bill Walters

UK

UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Dr Steve Thorpe UK Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Mr Kevan Brassington

Mr Norman Carless UK

The Tile Association (TTA) Mr Brian Newell UK Koninklijke Mosa BV Mr Paul Huits Netherlands Berufsgenossenschaftliches Institut für Arbeitsschutz (BGIA)

Dr Detlef Mewes Germany

Forschungsinstitut für Anorganische Werkstoffe – Glas/Keramik

Mr Marcel Engels Dr Ralf Diedel

Germany

Fraunhofer - Institute fur Produktiontechnologie Dr Dimtri Donst Germany Alois Korzilius Interbau GmbH Mr Michael Dickopf Germany Tyoterveyslaitos (FIOH, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health)

Dr Mikko Hirvonnen Dr Raoul Grönqvist

Finland

Italian Ceramic Centre Dr Alessandro Tenaglia Italy

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Confindustria Ceramica Mr Enrico Lupi Mr Luciano Galassini

Italy

Cedir, Ceramiche di Romagna Spa Dr Stefano Andalo’ Italy Asociacion Espanola de Fabricantes de Azulejos y Pavimentos ceramicos (ASCER)

Ms Alejandra Miralles Ms Victoria Zaera

Spain

Ceracasa SA Dr Jose Pla’ Spain Associação Portuguesa da Industria Ceramica (APICER)

Ms Silvia Machado Portugal

TopCer Lda Mr Carlos Rodrigues Miguel

Portugal

Uppsala Universitet Prof Staffan Jacobson Sweden Comments from other interested parties were invited, and the expert contributions made by the following organisations and individuals are gratefully acknowledged: Liberty Mutual Dr Wen Chang US SlipSTD PAS has been prepared and published by the SlipSTD consortium, which retains its ownership and copyright. No copying is allowed without written permission of the SlipSTD consortium, except as permitted by copyright law. For more information, please contact SlipSTD project manager, Dr Giuliano Tari (giuliano.tari@ceram.com). The SlipSTD consortium retains the right to withdraw or amend this specification on receipt of authoritative advice that it is appropriate to do so. Comment on this SlipSTD PAS and on any future work will be gratefully received. SlipSTD PAS will be reviewed at intervals not exceeding two years. Any amendments arising will be published as an amended SlipSTD PAS and publicised on the SlipSTD web site (www.slipstd.com). SlipSTD PAS is not to be regarded as a National or CEN Standard, but it will be withdrawn upon publication of such a standard or standards with comparable content. SlipSTD PAS does not overrule existing national standards or preclude Health and Safety organisations carrying out slip tests in accordance with current legislation following a slip accident. Compliance with SlipSTD Publicly Available Specification (SlipSTD PAS) does not confer immunity from legal obligations. Users are responsible for the correct application of this document.

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1 SCOPE

Research has shown that a combination of predictable and controllable factors can contribute to slip potential (Figure 1).

Figure 1 – Slip potential model (adapted from www.hse.gov.uk, accessed Aug 2008)

Research and accident statistics also indicate that the majority of slip accidents occur on contaminated floor coverings.1 SlipSTD PAS covers residential, publicly accessible, private commercial and work place areas. Not covered, but to be considered for future editions of SlipSTD PAS, are: Steps and ramps. External applications. Interface areas, where the same surface is used for different, adjoining

environments, e.g. externally at an entrance and extended inside the building.

1 Carpenter. J, Lazarus, D., Perkins, C, ‘Safer surfaces to walk on’, CIRIA report n. C652, 2006. Thorpe, S.C., Lemon, P.W, and Taylor, S.N, ‘Assessment and prevention of pedestrian slip accidents in workplace and public areas: The UK approach’, in Haslam R.A. and Stubbs D.A. (eds.), ‘Understanding and preventing fall accidents’, Taylor and Francis Publishing, 2006.

Grönqvist, R., Abeysekera, J., Gard, G., Hsiang, S.M., Leamon, T.B., Newman, D.J., Gielo-Perczak, K., Lockhart, T.E., and Pai, C.Y.-C., ‘Human-centered approaches in slipperiness measurement’, Ergonomics, Vol. 44, No. 13, pp. 1167-1199, 2001. Liberty Mutual – ‘Preventing slips and falls – Floor cleaning and maintenance’, LP 5410 R1, 2005

Use

Contamination

Slip Potential

Floor coveringsEnvironment

Human behaviour

Footwear

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SlipSTD PAS includes a classification for hard floor coverings based on their ability to reduce the risk of pedestrian slipping, detailing the following: Classification of pedestrian environments and hard floor coverings (4.1- 4.2)

based on: – The likelihood and nature of contamination expected to be found in the

pedestrian environment in which the floor covering is to be installed and used. – The existence of a suitable cleaning regime to restore the surface finish to its

pre-contamination condition. – The existence of control measures to reduce contamination and lower the risk

of slip accidents. Intended application of the classification (4.3) Responsibilities of manufacturers, specifiers and end users to produce, specify

and maintain a safe hard floor covering (4.4). SlipSTD PAS also gives requirements and recommendations for keeping hard floor coverings uncontaminated, addressing the following: Maintenance and cleaning (7.1):

– Requirements for internal, private commercial and work place areas. – Requirements for internal, publicly accessible areas.

Control measures to be implemented for work environments to reduce the risk of slip accidents (7.2): – Recommendations for internal, publicly accessible areas. – Requirements for internal, private commercial and work place areas.

Annex B of SlipSTD PAS suggests a new approach for testing the surface of a hard floor covering, to determine an acceptable slip resistance performance levels appropriate to the floor covering’s installed usage and foreseeable contamination. This new approach, based on an initial study - which the Consortium recognises needs further verification - is intended to determine acceptable slip resistance requirements for floor coverings to be used in areas liable to receive contamination. Annex B shows the proposed classification of hard floor coverings based on the microstructural surface characteristics. The SlipSTD PAS recognises the effect that good design, installation and quality of workmanship have on slip potential. Inappropriate or inconsistent falls and inadequate drainage design or provision can slow or prevent the removal of liquid contaminants. It should also be noted that the inclusion of sloping surfaces to facilitate drainage might increase pedestrian friction requirements. Similarly, installations not carried out in accordance with the design intentions or to poor workmanship standards can increase the risk of slipping and create trip hazards. Flooring design and floor covering installation must comply with national codes of practice and reflect manufacturers’ recommendations. Although SlipSTD PAS mentions expected minimum slip resistance values with some prevalent test methods, the SlipSTD consortium does not intend, implicitly or explicitly, to endorse any current or new testing methods for measuring slip resistance of floor coverings.

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2 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS

The following references are indispensable for the application of this document. They refer to standards and references therein. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. The following editions were applicable at the time of publication of this document.

2.1 Regulations/Mandatory documents dealing with slip resistance in

Europe

Directive 89/106 EEC 'Construction Products Directive'. DM Min. LL.PP. 14/06/1989 n. 236 (Italy) – 'Prescrizioni tecniche necessarie a

garantire l'accessibilità, l'adattabilità e la visitabilità degli edifici privati e di edilizia residenziale pubblica sovvenzionata e agevolata, ai fini del superamento e dell'eliminazione delle barriere architettoniche'.

Documento Básico SU (03/2006) – Seguridad de utilización (Código Tecnico de la Edificacion, Spain).

BGR 181 (10/2003) –'Fussboden in arbeitsraumen und arbeitsbereichen mit rutschgefahr'(Germany), Carl Heymanns Verlag, Koln 2003.

BFU doc. R 9811 (02/2005) –'Pavimenti e rivestimenti. Requisiti in materia di resistenza antisdrucciolo negli ambienti pubblici e privati con pavimenti scivolosi'.

BFU doc. R 0210 (02/2005) –'Pavimenti e rivestimenti: progettazione, posa e manutenzione di pavimenti sicuri'.

GUV-I 8527: 2007 Floorings for wet-loaded barefoot areas, July 1999 by Legal Health Insurance Authority (Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung GUV, Germany).

2.2 Product standards including slip resistance requirements in Europe

EN 1338:2003 Concrete paving blocks. Requirements and test methods. EN 1339:2003 Concrete paving flags. Requirements and test methods. EN 1344:2002 Clay pavers. Requirements and test methods. EN 12057:2004 Natural stone products. Modular tiles. Requirements. EN 12058:2004 Natural stone products. Slabs for floors and stairs.

Requirements. EN 13748-1:2004 Terrazzo tiles. Terrazzo tiles for internal use. EN 14411:2006 Ceramic tiles. Definitions, classification, characteristics

and marking. Commission Decision of 20 March 2002 (2002/272/EC) establishing the

ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label to hard floor - coverings.

2.3 Standards on surface characterisation

DIN 4760:1982 Form deviations: Concepts: Classification system. DIN 4768:1990 Determination of roughness parameters Ra, Rz, Rmax by

means of stylus instruments; terms, measuring conditions. EN ISO 11562:1998 Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) – Surface

texture: Profile method; Metrological characteristics of phase correct filters (ISO 11562:1996).

EN ISO 13565 Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) – Surface texture: Profile method; Surfaces having stratified functional properties:

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– EN ISO 13565-1: 1997 Filtering and general measurement conditions

(ISO 13565-1:1996). – EN ISO 13565-2: 1997 Height characterisation using the linear

material ratio curve (ISO 13565-2:1996)

EN ISO 4287:1998 Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) – Surface texture: Profile method – Terms, definitions and surface texture parameters (ISO 4287:1997).

EN ISO 4288:1997 Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) – Surface texture: Profile method – Rules and procedures for the assessment of surface structure (ISO 4287:1996).

2.4 Standards on test methods for measuring the slip resistance of floor

coverings

AS/NZS 4586:2007 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials.

AS/NZS 4663:2007 Slip resistance measurements of existing pedestrian surfaces.

ASTM 1028:2007 Standard test Method for determining the static coefficient of friction of ceramic tile and other like surfaces by the horizontal dynamometer pull-meter method.

ASTM D 2047:2004 Static coefficient of friction of polish-coated flooring surfaces as measured by the James machine

BS 7976:2002 Method of calibration and operation of the pendulum test. DD ENV 12633:2003 Method of determination of unpolished and polished

slip/skid resistance value. DIN 51130:2004 Testing of floor coverings: determination of the anti-slip

properties; workrooms and fields of activities with raised slip danger, walking method – ramp test.

DIN 51097:1992 Testing of floor coverings: determination of the anti-slip properties; wet-loaded barefoot areas, walking method – ramp test.

EN 13541-1:2001 Swimming pool equipment – Part 1: General safety requirements and test methods.

EN 14231:2003 Natural stone test methods - Determination of the slip resistance by means of the pendulum tester.

XP P 05-010:2004 Détermination de la résistance à la glissance au moyen du plan incliné.

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3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

For the purposes of SlipSTD PAS, the following terms and definitions apply: 3.1 General definitions

3.1.1 Floor coverings

Floor coverings are manufactured products that are applied to in-situ floors such as concrete, sand:cement screeds and timber board flooring.

3.1.2 Hard floor coverings

Hard floor coverings comprise the following products for internal/external flooring use, without any relevant structural function: natural stones, agglomerated stones, concrete paving units, terrazzo tiles, ceramic tiles and clay tiles.2 Hard floor coverings are divided into two groups: products entirely made from natural stone and processed products.

Natural stones are pieces of naturally occurring rock, and include marble, granite and other natural stones. The term ‘other natural stones’ refers to natural stones with technical characteristics that are, on the whole, different from those of marble and granite as defined by EN 12670 'Natural stones. Terminology', and comprise sandstone, quartzite, slate, tuff and schist. Generally, such stones do not readily take a mirror polish and are not always extracted as blocks.

Processed products can be divided into hardened and fired products. Agglomerated stones, concrete paving units and terrazzo tiles are hardened products. Ceramic tiles and clay tiles are fired products.

Agglomerated stones are manufactured from a mixture of aggregates, mainly from natural stone grit and a binder. The grit is normally composed of marble and granite quarry granulate, and the binder is made from artificial components, such as unsaturated polyester resin and hydraulic cement. This group also includes artificial stones and compacted marble. Concrete paving units are produced by vibro-compressing mixtures of sand, gravel, cement, inorganic pigments and additives. This group includes concrete flags and tiles. Terrazzo tiles are compacted units of uniform shape and thickness, which meet specific geometrical requirements. Tiles are single or dual layered. Single layered tiles are made from granules or chippings of suitable aggregate, embedded in a grey or white cement:water mixture. Dual layered tiles comprise a terrazzo facing/wearing layer and a concrete backing/ base layer. The backing layer is not exposed during normal use.

2 Based on Commission Decision of 20 March 2002 – 2002/272/EC – establishing the ecological criteria for the award of the Community eco-label to hard floor-coverings.

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Ceramic tiles are thin slabs manufactured from clays and/or other inorganic raw materials, such as feldspar and quartz. They are usually formed by extruding or pressing at room temperature, drying, and firing at temperatures sufficient to develop the required properties. Tiles can be glazed or unglazed, are non-combustible, and are generally unaffected by light. Clay tiles are units that satisfy certain shape and dimensional requirements, and are manufactured predominantly from clay or other materials, with or without defined additions. The specific weight of tiles must not exceed 40 kg/m².

3.1.3 Slip resistance and risk of slipping

Slip resistance is a propensity of the flooring surface in combination with the wearer's shoe or bare foot and the surface conditions to resist the foot from sliding. The property can change with wear, cleaning, environment, usage and should be monitored over time.

Reduced slip resistance results in increased risk of slipping.

3.1.4 Contaminant

Any substance - liquid, solid, or a mixture of both - that is foreign to the floor surface; an impurity that adversely affects (reduces) the slip resistance of the surface.

3.1.5 Cleaning

The process of removing contaminants – oil, grease, dust, dirt, soil, cleaning residues, coatings and other impurities – from pedestrian surfaces. The final result of cleaning should be restoration of the surface to the same level of functionality and aesthetic appearance that existed prior to contamination.

3.1.6 Duty holder

A person having responsibility for the cleaning, maintenance and/or repair of non-domestic premises, and who has a duty to ensure compliance with legislation. The extent of such legal duty is determined by the degree of control the person has over the premises. In some situations, responsibility could be shared between two or more parties.

3.1.7 Risk assessment

Careful examination of what could cause harm to people in the workplace or other non-domestic environment. The hierarchical application of control measures to control the risk of slipping is based on: 1. Risk elimination, e.g. prevention of surface contamination. 2. Risk substitution (i.e. change the risk), e.g. replacement of the

contaminant with a substance of nil or reduced slip potential. 3. Risk removal, e.g. implementation of cleaning procedures.

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4. Risk mitigation using appropriate control measures, e.g. introduction of requirement for wearing of footwear designed to reduce the risk of slipping should the surface become contaminated.

3.1.8 Control measures

Control measures mean the existence and implementation of facilities and/or procedures by the duty holder to manage and control the main variables affecting the occurrence of slip accidents, including:

Implementation, throughout the organisation, of an appropriate

health and safety standard that includes slip accident prevention measures.

Cleaning and/or restorative regimes – routine, spot and deep cleaning.

Suitable housekeeping procedures, e.g. training of cleaning and maintenance personnel, proper storage arrangements, tidiness, tools availability and usage.

Control of the environment, e.g. interfaces within buildings, transition areas, lighting, noise levels, visual and other distractions.

Control of human factors, e.g. implementation of appropriate training/awareness; introduction of requirement for reporting, recording and investigating all slip related accidents, whether or not the accidents result in injury.

Control of footwear.

In short, the duty holder should be able to demonstrate the existence and implementation of appropriate occupational health and safety procedures designed to reduce unintentional or unavoidable contamination of pedestrian surfaces, and manage the risk of slip accidents on unintentionally or unavoidably contaminated pedestrian surfaces.

3.2. Surface appearance definitions

The following definitions apply for the application of the SlipSTD PAS.

3.2.1 Profiled or textured surfaces

A surface that includes a geometrical relief pattern which is intended, defined, regularly spaced and which can be repeated.

3.2.2 Structured surfaces

A surface that includes a relief pattern which is intended but undefined, irregularly spaced and not repeated.

3.3 Surface texture definitions

3.3.1 Tactile topography measurement

Surface structure measurement carried out by tracking the profile using guided contact with a defined stylus, tip radius and contact angle. Two- and three-dimensional profiles can be obtained in this way.

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3.3.2 Optical topography measurement

Surface texture measurement is performed using optical white light measurement techniques which exploit chromatic length aberration, or a confocal sensor based on measurement of intensity of reflection, or the shift in the reflected spectrum of a perpendicular beam of light. With surface texture measurement a selected area is scanned to create three-dimensional surface assessments.3

3.3.3 Primary profile

The primary profile is the unfiltered profile, usually the digital format of the traced profile measured by tactile or optical topography measurement methods. It is built up from a spectrum of different degrees of planarity deviations, which can be described by different wavelengths. It is the basis for digital profile processing by means of a profile filter and calculation of profile parameters (ISO 3274).

3.3.4 Surface texture parameters

Surface texture parameters can be distinguished in:

Amplitude parameters (heights and depths) Distance or wavelength parameters (width and distance) Hybrid parameters (surface gradients) (EN ISO 4287) Parameters derived from characteristic curves (materials ratio

curve, EN ISO 13565-2).

3.3.5 Primary parameters

Surface parameters, calculated from the unfiltered primary profile (EN ISO 4287).

3.3.5.1 Primary parameter Pp

Maximum height of the profile above the mean line within the sampling length (EN ISO 4287, see Pk).

Figure 2 – Graphical presentation of primary parameter Pp

3 The evaluation of three-dimensional surface parameters is currently carried out in accordance with two-dimensional evaluation methods (EN ISO 3274, EN ISO 13565). It is anticipated that development of standards for evaluation of 3-D surface parameters currently in progress (ISO 25178) will provide additional information that will be included in the next revision of SlipSTD PAS.

centre line

Zp1

Zv1

Zp3

Zp2

Zp4 Zp5

Zv5 Zv4 Zv3 Zv2

Pp

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3.3.5.2 Primary parameter Pk

Unfiltered value of the Kernel roughness depth or core roughness depth of the roughness core profile of the load bearing area of the surface. This is calculated from the material ratio curve (EN ISO 13565-2) from the cut off points of the line of best fit, which shows the lowest gradient over 40% of the material portion, on the Y-axis at materials portion = 0 % and 100%.

Figure 3 – Graphical presentation of primary core roughness depth Pk

Figure 4 – Graphical presentation of primary core roughness depth Pk from the material

portion curve

reduced peak height

core roughness

Ppk

Pvk

Pk

reduced valley depth

Material Portion Curve

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Material portion [%]

Depth [µm]

Core roughness 40 %

Pk

peaks

valleysPvk

Mr1 Mr2

Ppk

Material Portion Curve

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Material portion [%]

Depth [µm]

Core roughness 40 %

PkPk

peaks

valleysPvkPvk

Mr1 Mr2

PpkPpk

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3.3.6 Roughness parameters

Parameters calculated from the primary profile after filtering with the profile filter c (cut-off length) to separate the short wavelength components (roughness) from the long wavelength deviations (waviness) (EN ISO 4287).

3.3.6.1 Roughness parameter Ra

Arithmetic average value or centre line average of the profile ordinates within the sampling length (EN ISO 4287).

Figure 5 – Graphical presentation of roughness parameter Ra

3.3.6.2 Roughness parameter Rz

Largest peak to valley height within a single sampling length (EN ISO 4287). Most commercially available tactile measurement methods use the Rz according to DIN (average Rz value of five single measurements) or the ISO 10-point height parameter (average height difference of five peak-to-centre average line and five valley-to-centre average line heights within the sampling length). Both these measurements do not differ more than 10%.

Figure 6 – Graphical presentation of Rz according to EN ISO 4287 (one sampling

length)

centre line

Ra

Zp1

Zv1

Zp3

Zp2

Zp4 Zp5

Zv5 Zv4 Zv3 Zv2

Rz

single sampling length

centre line

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4 CLASSIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES 4.1 Classification of environment

Research has established that the overwhelming majority of slip accidents occur when contamination is present between floors and shoes or bare feet. Research has also demonstrated that many types of accident, particularly slip-induced accidents, on private, commercial and work place floorings tend to decrease significantly and persistently if a correct assessment of slip risk is performed and implemented.

Contamination may be liquid (e.g. water or oil) or solid (e.g. dust) or a combination of both. The presence of contaminants may be: unintentional (e.g. spillage) intentional (e.g. cleaning fluid or wash water, surface treatments) avoidable (subject to care and attention, e.g. removal of cleaning residues

or residues from surface treatments) unavoidable (e.g. swimming pool areas).

For the SlipSTD PAS, the following environmental classifications apply: E1. Foreseeably clean and dry - means that the presence of any contaminant

is unintentional and avoidable. E2. Foreseeably contaminated - includes all other cases.

4.2 Classification of hard floor coverings

Hard floor coverings are categorised into three classes according to the existence and implementation of any or all these policies: The likelihood of the floor covering to become contaminated in the

environment in which it is used. The existence and implementation of a restorative plan to deal with

unintentional and avoidable floor covering contamination. The existence of control measures to reduce the risk of slip accidents.

The three classes are: Class 1: Hard floor coverings for internal pedestrian areas that are foreseeably clean and dry and are routinely maintained as such. Class 2A: Hard floor coverings for internal pedestrian areas foreseeably contaminated with water and/or dry contaminants. Class 2B: Hard floor coverings for internal pedestrian areas foreseeably contaminated with other liquid contaminants with viscosity higher than water, such as oil and grease. The three classes help to identify the available controls, including the choice of appropriate floor coverings, but do not restrict or impose on design or selection.

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It is important to consider that national regulations and occupational health and safety directives may be in place to deal with foreseeably contaminated applications. As mentioned in the foreword, the adoption of the principles reported in SlipSTD PAS should always be followed in addition to any existing regulations and directives.

4.3 Classification applications The classification is illustrated in Figure 7:

Figure 7 – Classification of floor coverings according to the presence of contaminants in the environment and in use

Internal domestic

Class 1

Foreseeably clean and dry

Internal public accessible

Water or dry material

contamination?

No

foreseeably contaminated? Class 2B

Class 2A

Class 1

Yes No

yesforeseeably contaminated

Foreseeably clean and dry

restorative cleaning regime? No

Yes

Internal private commercial and work place area

Water or dry material

contamination?

No

additional control measures in place?

foreseeably contaminated? Class 2B

Class 2A

Class 1

Yes

Yes

No

No

yesforeseeably contaminated

Foreseeably clean and dry

restorative cleaning regime? No

Yes

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4.3.1 Internal pedestrian areas in residential buildings not accessed by the public

These areas are considered foreseeably clean and dry and

Class 1 floor coverings can be used.

4.3.2 Internal, publically accessible pedestrian areas that are considered foreseeably clean and dry

Class 1 floor coverings can be used, providing the duty holder can

demonstrate that a suitable restorative cleaning regime is operative (see 7.1).

Class 2 floor coverings should be used where there is no appropriate cleaning regime and/or when the area is considered foreseeably contaminated with water/solid contaminants (class 2A) or contaminants with viscosity higher than water (class 2B).

4.3.3 Internal pedestrian areas in private commercial and work place

areas that are considered foreseeably clean and dry

Class 1 floor coverings can be used, providing the duty holder can demonstrate that control measures are in place to reduce the slip potential risk (i.e. to reduce the potential for slip) (see 7.2) and a suitable restorative cleaning regime is operative (see 7.1).

Class 2 floor coverings should be used where: – there is no appropriate cleaning regime and/or – when no appropriate control measures are in place to reduce

the risk of slip accidents, and/or – when the area is considered likely to be contaminated with

water (class 2A) or contaminants with viscosity higher than water (class 2B).

4.3.4 Floor coverings in bathrooms and kitchens in publicly accessible

areas, internal pedestrian areas in private commercial and work place areas

Class 1 floor coverings can be used, providing the duty holder can

demonstrate that control measures are in place to reduce the slip potential risk (i.e. to reduce the potential for slip) (see 7.2) and a suitable restorative cleaning regime is operative (see 7.1).

Class 2 floor coverings should be used where: – there is no appropriate cleaning regime and/or – when no appropriate control measures are in place to reduce

the risk of slip accidents, and/or – when the area is considered likely to be contaminated with

water (class 2A) or contaminants with viscosity higher than water (class 2B).

Note that publicly accessible areas such as airports, hotels, shop malls, public swimming pools are also workplaces for staff and contractors. Accordingly, control measures to reduce the slip potential are also expected to be in place for staff employed in publicly accessible areas.

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4.4 Responsibilities 4.4.1 Designer/Specifier

The designer/specifier should initially select a floor covering with properties that satisfy any national legislative requirements.

The selection should then be refined using a risk assessed approach that takes into consideration project specific conditions (see 3.1.7).

Class 1 floor coverings can be used in situations where it has been assessed that there is no slip potential or where slip potential may exist, but can be eliminated by adopting appropriate control measures (see 3.1.8). Cleaning regimes and systems to deal with occasional spills will also need to be carefully considered. Designers should provide adequate and convenient storage space for any equipment required. When it is determined that a Class 2 floor covering is required and after the floor covering product has been selected, the contractor should submit technical documentation indicating that the floor covering complies with the specification. For large class 2 areas, it may be advantageous for a small control sample area to be installed and approved, prior to full installation proceeding.

4.4.2 Manufacturer

Manufacturers are responsible for the declared properties of their products for their recommended intended use.

Products supplied in Europe must be CE marked.

4.4.3 Duty holders

When control of the installation passes from the contractor to the duty holder or holders, so does the responsibility for ensuring that the floor covering continues to provide a safe pedestrian surface. Duty holders should: Maintain and clean the floor covering in accordance with the

manufacturer’s recommendations and recognised good practice. Maintain and clean the floor covering to retain the original slip

potential values. Monitor the slip potential of the floor covering by regular testing. Manage and control the other main variables affecting the

occurrence of slip accidents in foreseeably contaminated areas, as per Figure 1.

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5 PRELIMINARY STUDY ON SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS FOR FORESEEABLE CONTAMINATED HARD FLOOR COVERINGS

The floor covering represents just one of six factors contributing to slip potential (see Figure 1).

For a given set of environmental conditions, the contribution a floor covering might have in lowering the risk of slipping is mainly influenced by the micro and macro features of its surface.

The slip resistance of floor coverings is currently measured using the ramp and pendulum test or other dynamic/static friction test methods. The test methods are based on different physical principles, making correlation of results between them poor. Understanding the results and the cause-effect relationship between the tested floor covering surface features obtained with these slip resistance test methods is a complex exercise.

Therefore, the SlipSTD consortium believes that the development of a harmonized, objective and unbiased slip resistance test method for floor coverings should be based on the measurement of relevant surface properties.

The results reported in Annex B represent a starting point for this quest. The SlipSTD consortium encourages interested parties to further validate these results, in order to promote surface characterisation based on 3D topography as a replacement, single method for determining the slip resistance of floor coverings.

6 CONFORMITY MARKING

The SlipSTD class number can be shown in an appropriate location (e.g. on the unexposed face of the floor covering, on packaging and/or in technical/commercial documents). Annex A illustrates recommended symbols for indicating the performance of floor coverings for internal pedestrian areas.

7 SPECIFIC APPLICATION RECOMMENDATIONS

7.1 Cleanability and cleaning

Cleanability can be defined as the propensity of a floor covering to be treated in order to restore the original surface characteristics.

When dealing with slipperiness, cleanability does not involve any aesthetic or hygienic evaluation, but relates only to the possibility of removing any contaminants and restoring the original (i.e. pre-contamination) surface finish.

Cleanability depends on the tenacity of the contaminant. Some substances are particularly tenacious on macro-rough surfaces and special cleaning procedures may be required for their removal.

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There are four types of cleaning activity: Post installation cleaning (builder's clean): Usually carried out by the

installer prior to use by the end-user. The resultant properties of the floor covering should match or exceed the design performance requirements.

Maintenance cleaning: – Removal of naturally derived contaminants, e.g. dust – Removal of end-user or process-derived contaminants.

Spot cleaning, i.e. reactive cleaning of ad hoc spillages. Deep cleaning: Removal of contaminant residues not removed by regular

maintenance cleaning.

On completion of any cleaning activity the floor covering surface must be clean and dry. Cleaning should result in the complete removal of contaminants, including any materials used during installation and detergent or other cleaning material residues. The efficacy of maintaining/restoring slip resistance is determined by: Cleaning method. Relevant parameters are: temperature, contact time,

mechanical action, use of chemicals (detergents and their concentration) and an effective, clean rinse.

Cleaning frequency (cleaning program). Floor covering material and its surface properties – particularly

absorbency and roughness. Aggressive cleaning while removing contaminants can result in irreparable surface damage (depending on the floor covering material). In all cases, the flooring manufacturer's/supplier's recommendations must be considered or their advice sought for circumstances not covered by their recommendations.

As a general rule, it is easier to remove fresh contaminants. Early removal can extend the life of slip resistance properties.

Hard floor coverings supplied with protective coatings should be cleaned in a manner and at a time recommended by the flooring manufacturer or supplier, using materials endorsed by them. Cleaning techniques not only need to be chosen carefully according to the floor covering material, its surface characteristics and the type of contaminant. Removing contaminants from floor coverings with a high roughness surface and/or profiled surface requires more energetic cleaning regimes.

Before carrying out a cleaning operation on any floor covering, test cleaning of a small, inconspicuous area is recommended, to check whether the cleaning successfully removes the contaminant and whether there are any detrimental effects, e.g. staining, or a reduction or non restoration of slip resistance properties.

Cleaning is an integral part of the work environment, and the duty holder is responsible for the removal of contamination.

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7.1.1 Contaminants

Contaminants can be classified as: Solids (surface residues):

– Inorganic: e.g. sand, fine particle dust, and other residues arising from surface treatments

– Organic: dead materials, such as hair, skin scales, peat. Liquids (surface films): water is the most frequent contaminant that affects

slipperiness; other contaminants can be divided into two main groups: – Polar contaminants, e.g. coffee, soft drinks, fruit drinks and residues

from cleaning that can be removed using water. – Non-polar contaminants, e.g. fat, oil, grease, wax, tar that can only be

removed using a non-polar solvent (detergent).

Knowledge of the contaminants that can be expected to be found in specific workplaces is necessary to determine appropriate cleaning materials and methods.

7.1.2 Cleaning methods and machines

The procedures adopted will depend on: The type of surfaces to be cleaned (e.g. slip-resistant, textured)

and their coverage areas. The types of contamination. The chemical properties of cleaning agents. The space available (e.g. for manoeuvring cleaning machines).

Table 1 Describes the Main Cleaning Methods and Machines Available

Table 1 – Cleaning methods and machines

Manual

Spot cleaning Effective for cleaning small areas in the case of spills of water-based (polar) contaminants (a detergent is usually required for non-polar contaminants).

Avoids spreading contamination.

Can be used between scheduled, whole-floor cleaning to control contamination.

Mop Effective on smooth floor coverings. It merely skims the surface, regardless of effort.

Care should be taken to make sure the floor covering is allowed to dry completely before allowing pedestrian access.

For non-polar contaminants the detergent must be put down in one stage and, after a suitable soak time, mopped up.

Sweep/broom Effective for removing dry contaminants from smooth floor coverings.

Squeegee Useful for removing excess water after cleaning, to reduce drying time, but does not leave the floor completely dry. Smooth flooring will still present a

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slip risk after squeegee has been used.

Where oily or greasy contaminants are present, using a squeegee can spread a thin layer of contaminant over a wider area, or force it into the surface.

Machine

Hose/power washer

Can be used for dust or tenacious contaminants; it is particularly suitable for very dirty slip-resistant surfaces, assuming good drainage is available.

Care should be taken because the floor covering will be left wet after cleaning.

Wet vacuum cleaner

Effective for cleaning up liquid spills, especially on smooth surfaces that must be left completely dry.

Dry vacuum cleaner

Effective for removing dry/dusty contaminants, especially on rough floor coverings.

Scrubber-dried machine

Can be an effective way to clean large areas of most kinds of floor covering. Different designs of scrubber-drier lend themselves to different situations. There is considerable variety in both brush materials and brush form for cylindrical brushes, depending on floor covering and debris/contamination type.

A detergent should be used floor coverings contaminated with grease.

Abrasive pads should not be used.

Irrespective of the methods used, care must be taken that all of the contaminant is removed.

The majority of floor cleaning machines use a two chamber system; one chamber for the water and detergent solution and a second chamber for the soiled solution vacuumed up during the cleaning process. These machines could leave a surface coating of detergent which builds up to form a slip enhancing film. Very few machines have either three chambers or a separate chemical dosing system which allows for a final rinse of the floor with clean water.

All wet cleaning methods should include a final rinse with clean water and a means of drying the surface before it is re-opened to traffic. Failure to perform a final rinse with clean water can lead to a gradual build-up of concentrated contaminant and cleaning agent in any surface grooves. As further water is introduced it combines with these residues to form an emulsion that can spread over the surface, making it very slippery.

7.1.3 Cleaning agents

Several methods are used to classify detergents. Classification based on pH value provides the best usage indication.

Strong alkaline cleaning agents, pH > 10.5, (NaOH or KOH

solution base), are not used for regular cleaning, and are only used in exceptional cases for initial cleaning, because they are highly aggressive.

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Weak alkaline cleaning agents, 8.0 < pH < 10.5, can normally be used without problem. They are mainly employed for cleaning sanitary areas, showers, restaurant kitchens/dining area floors, etc. Correctly diluted, they will remove body fats, cosmetics, grease and dirt deposits.

Neutral cleaning agents, 6.0 < pH < 8.0, suitable for regular cleaning of dry areas (ceramic floors, WC installations, changing rooms, etc.). Their grease-removing potential is limited.

Weak acidic cleaning agents (citric acid base), 3.0 < pH < 6.0 remove limescale deposits (e.g. calcium scale), urine deposits and other mineral precipitates and deposits. They are also used for initial cleaning to remove cement film remaining after grouting. The effectiveness of weak acidic cleaning agents also depends on the hardness of the water.

Strong acidic cleaning agents (HCl, H3PO4 or H2SO4 base), pH < 3.0, are only recommended for initial cleaning where there is a lot of cement film; surfaces should be well wetted beforehand and neutralised after cleaning with a weak alkaline product.

When a particular contaminant is present (e.g. oil or grease), suitable solvents may be required. Many degreasing agents available for routine maintenance contain additives, e.g. wax or sodium silicate. These tend to leave a sticky deposit on the floor, which might retain dirt. These agents are best avoided. The same applies to film-forming cleaning agents. Cleaning agents containing hydrofluoric acid must not be used on silicate-based materials (ceramic tiles, terrazzo tiles, natural stones) and carbonate-based materials (marble, limestone). The acid will rapidly and massively attack these materials causing permanent damage. Other aspects to be considered when using cleaning agents/detergents/ solvents include: Correct solution concentration and temperature. Soaking time. Scouring or brushing. Final rinsing.

There is no ‘one for all’ universal cleaning product suitable for all situations, especially in industrial environments where products have been developed to cope with specific contaminant and floor covering combinations. Generally, the overriding advice is to follow the cleaning product suppliers/manufacturer’s guidance on cleaning methods and compatibility with floor coverings.

7.1.4 Floor maintenance programs

Using an inappropriate detergent or applying a suitable detergent incorrectly can add to the slipperiness of a floor covering. Written maintenance instructions should be made available, and these should be well understood, implemented and verified within an appropriate timescale.

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Basic elements for an effective maintenance program include: Identification of specific contaminants and selection of appropriate

cleaners. Establishment of a floor cleaning protocol for the removal of

contaminants. Provision and maintenance of appropriate tools to clean floors

and, if necessary, designation of dedicated tools for specific areas. Implementation of a floor-cleaning schedule, including:

– identification of the responsible person, and – the time of day/night during which cleaning should take place,

taking into account the likely volume of pedestrian traffic. Definition of:

– Cleaning requirements and procedures. – Safe handling and disposal of detergents. – Emergency conditions and operations. – Maintenance related record keeping and reporting.

Routine inspection of floor surfaces for wear, damage, debris and contaminants.

Occasional verification of floor surfaces (e.g. occasional monitoring and/or testing) is recommended to monitor slip resistance levels and determine the effectiveness of the floor cleaning protocol.

After cleaning, any improvement in slip resistance will not be fully realised until the surface has been dried. Therefore, whenever possible, cleaning should be undertaken in sections in order to retain a dry path through the area being cleaned.

7.1.5 Health and safety considerations

Some cleaning methods involve using chemicals that may be hazardous if not used correctly. It is important that safety warnings issued by manufacturers of proprietary cleaning products are strictly adhered to.

In general the following precautions should be taken: Protective clothing, such as gloves, goggles, boots and overalls,

should be worn when using chemicals. Adequate ventilation must be provided in confined spaces when

using chemicals. Smoking, naked flames and other ignition sources must be

prohibited when using flammable materials. When diluting acids, acid is always added to water – not water to

acid. Clothing contaminated with chemicals must be disposed of safely. When using chemicals, care must be taken not to damage,

contaminate or stain adjoining materials. Personnel operating in the cleaning area must be protected from

risk of injury or from any hazards created by the cleaning process.

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Run-off material containing chemicals must be carefully controlled to ensure that its disposal does not harm personnel, animals, or the environment in general.

It is particularly important with all cleaning methods that trials should be carried out on small, inconspicuous areas, to determine the effect of the chemicals before treating larger areas.

Different chemical products or cleaning agents must not be mixed.

7.1.6 Protecting new flooring – reducing the need to clean

After installation, and during any remaining construction period, consideration should be given to protecting any type of floor covering from impact damage or from spillage of liquids and deleterious building materials. Physical coverings, such as planks, sheets and boards, together with restrictions on pedestrian and vehicular access, should be applied in accordance with the assessed risk.

7.1.7 Cleaning Ceramic Tiles

Refer to the tile, grout and jointing manufacturers for cleaning guidance. When using proprietary cleaning products the manufacturer’s or supplier’s instructions and recommendations should always be followed. Care should be taken in using products marketed as 'antislip improvers'. Usually, they contain fluoride compounds that increase the roughness of the tile by etching the silicate surface, thus producing a temporary improvement in slip resistance. However, the greater surface roughness may make removal of contaminants more difficult, or require different techniques for cleaning.

7.1.7.1 Post installation cleaning (builder’s clean)

Fresh cementitious spillages and residual cement films left after grouting can usually be removed using clean water and a sponge. Proprietary acid based cleaners should only be used to remove persistent cement films if the tile is deemed by the manufacturer/supplier to be acid tolerant. Alkaline cleaners are effective for removing paint or varnish locally. Temporary tile sealers, used to facilitate cleaning-off after completion of grouting, can easily be removed using normally alkaline detergents and rinsing.

If jointing has been done with epoxy resin, any residue should be removed with a special, gel-type epoxy remover before the resin cures, following the resin manufacturer’s instruction. Impregnators and sealants should only be used following advice from the tile manufacturer/supplier, and after consideration has been given to any consequential reduction in slip resistance. Comparative slip resistance testing on untreated and treated samples may be appropriate.

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7.1.7.2 Maintenance cleaning

Manual Cleaning

In normal circumstances, ceramic floor tiles require little maintenance and are easily kept clean by sweeping and then mopping with warm water to which a neutral or nearly neutral/mildly alkaline detergent has been added.

The cleaning solution should be allowed to remain on the floor for sufficient time (5–15 minutes) to allow it to penetrate and emulsify the dirt, after which it should be removed by rinsing with clean water. If the floor is not dried, any limestone contained in the rinse water can start accumulating, thereby increasing the possibility of staining. Abrasive powders can scratch the surface of ceramic tiles and reduce the roughness, thus potentially reducing their slip resistance, especially on profiled and textured surfaces. Accordingly, abrasive powders should not be used to clean ceramic tiles.

Mechanical cleaning

Cleaning machines: The speed of rotary machines should not exceed 450 rpm. Contra-rotating machines are easier to handle, but their scrubbing action is less effective. Cylindrical machines are able to wash, collect dirt and remove water in one operation. Machines fitted with abrasive cleaning pads are not recommended; pads can damage the surface of unglazed and glazed tiles; brushes are preferred. Brush choice is very important. A light scrub brush is recommended for washing tiles in most cases; polypropylene brushes are recommended where dirt deposits are especially heavy. Machines equipped with a suction drying action should first be used with the facility turned off; the detergent solution should be allowed to remain on the surface for 5–15 minutes to penetrate and emulsify the dirt layer. A second scrubbing operation should then be carried out using clean water, with the drying suction facility operative.

Power hosing: High pressure hose cleaning is used in many industries. Tiles are not affected by high water pressure, but excessive pressure may abrade the joint grouting material. Care should be taken to ensure that the water jet is not concentrated on one point for too long. The water temperature should not exceed 75°C for epoxy resin based grouts. Detergents, disinfectants and abrasives are sometimes added to the water. While correctly proportioned solutions of suitable detergents or disinfectants should not harm tiles or grouting materials, abrasives can cause damage, and should not be used on glazed tiles.

Steam cleaning: Steam cleaners should be used carefully: they can cause localised thermal expansion of tiles which could result in adhesion failure.

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7.1.7.3 Frequent contaminants and suggested treatments

The following notes are supplementary to Table 2. Organic stains: Bleach, or one-off treatment with washing soda.

Those materials should be allowed to remain on the floor for sufficient time (5–15 minutes) to allow dirt to be penetrated and emulsified, after which the emulsified dirt should be removed by rinsing with clean water.

Oil, fat, grease: Spillages should be removed immediately using detergents or degreasers and hot water, followed by rinsing with clean water. Stubborn contaminants may best be removed using proprietary cleaners; prolonged contact may be necessary for effective cleaning.

Mould growth: Household bleach or proprietary cleaner. Wet areas: Installations that are permanently wet or have high

volume of barefoot traffic, e.g. swimming pool promenades, showers, changing rooms, can suffer from a build up of body fats, oils, soap residues and, in humid conditions, organic growth (algae). Regular use of an acidic cleaning agent is recommended for these areas.

Profiled tiles and those with increased slip resistance generally require more frequent cleaning.

Cleaning products containing “care” ingredients (e.g. waxes, polymers) should not be used on ceramic tiles.

Table 2 – Typical cleaning agents and application methods

Contaminant Cleaning agent Type of cleaning

Application method

Kitchens Animal and vegetable soils and fats, scraps; sugary and starchy residues

Alkaline detergents or mild scouring detergents

Manual Mechanical

Scrubber High pressure machine, disc brusher or brush roller machine

Pigment dirt; rubber marks

General purpose alkaline cleaner or machine cleaning agent

Manual Mechanical

Scrubber, squeegee High pressure machine, scrubber suction or brush roller machine

Meat and fish processing industry Animal and vegetable soils and fats; starchy residues

Alkaline cleaners, possibly with chlorine bleach additive

Manual Mechanical

Scrubber High pressure machine

Pigment dirt General purpose alkaline cleaner or machine cleaning agent

Manual Mechanical

Mop, micro fibre pad or cloth Scrubber suction or brush roller machines

Workshops Mineral oils and Alkaline detergents, Manual Scrubber

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grease; silicone; rubber marks

mild scouring agents Mechanical

High pressure machine, scrubber suction or brush roller machine

Metal oxides Acidic cleaning agents

Manual Mechanical

Scrubber High pressure machine, scrubber suction or brush roller machine

Road dirt; rubber additives

Alkaline detergents Manual Mechanical

Scrubber High pressure machine, scrubber suction or brush roller machine

Sanitary areas/Social rooms Oils; cosmetics; skin grease; pigment dirt

Alkaline detergents Manual Mechanical

Mop, micro fibre pad or cloth Scrubber suction or brush roller machines

Limescale; urine; lime soap

Suitable sanitary cleaning agent or machine cleaning agent

Manual Mechanical

Mop, scrubber Scrubber suction or brush roller machines

7.1.8 Cleaning natural stone4

7.1.8.1 Impregnators and sealants

After the initial builder's clean, and prior to occupation, new natural stone floors should be treated with an appropriate impregnator; the exception is honed or riven slate. Before application the flooring must be clean and dry to allow the water or silicone based impregnator to be absorbed into the stone surface. The porosity of the stone will determine how much impregnator is required; manufacturers produce coverage charts and application instructions, which should always be followed. The treated flooring must be dry before it can be trafficked; a period of 24–48 hours is usually sufficient to ensure complete drying. Applied correctly, impregnators can remain effective for 5–10 years. They help avoid stain penetration, and reduce cleaning requirements. Re-application, when required, should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Following installation, slate flooring should be treated with a colour enhancing resin based sealant.

Impregnators and sealants should only be used on the advice of the stone flooring supplier and after consideration has been given to any consequential reduction in slip resistance. Consideration should be given to carrying out comparative slip resistance testing on untreated and treated samples as part of the stone selection process.

4 Derived from Stone Federation Great Britain (SFGB) publication ‘Natural stone flooring. Code of practice for the design and installation of internal flooring.’

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7.1.8.2 Post installation cleaning (builder’s clean)

Cementitious residues and droppings should be removed with a soft spatula and the flooring washed with a natural stone limescale removing agent mixed with clean water in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. All residues must be removed and the floor rinsed with clean water before being allowed to dry naturally. Limescale removing agents must not be used on polished marble or limestone.

7.1.8.3 Regular maintenance cleaning

Daily care and spillages: Grit and dust on stone floors should be

removed daily by sweeping with a soft brush or using a hard floor vacuum cleaner. Spillages should receive immediate treatment by manually blotting with absorbent paper or cloths. A wiping action should be avoided as this tends to spread the spillage. Blotting should continue until the spillage has been removed; if needed, the area can then be washed with clean, warm water and dried using clean, absorbent paper or cloths.

Weekly/frequent care: Stone floor coverings should be washed at least weekly or as appropriate, using proprietary cleaning agents formulated for use on stone floors. Cleaning agents should be used in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.

After sweeping or vacuuming, limestone, sandstone, granite, marble or slate floorings with a honed or textured finish should be washed using warm water containing a proprietary, neutral, soapless detergent formulated for use on natural stone. Stubborn stains should be removed with a special, multipurpose cleaner. After application, surplus cleaning agent residue should be removed and the surface allowed drying naturally.

Polished granite and marble surfaces should be washed regularly using a proprietary, neutral, soapless detergent formulated for use on natural stone, and wax polished at intervals.

Household or commercial cleaning agents, some of which contain bleach, can burn or discolour stone finishes. Acidic cleaning agents, abrasive cleaning agents, white spirit, oil based cleaning agents and waxes should not be used. Household soap tends to leave a slippery scum, particularly in hard water areas.

7.1.8.4 Deep cleaning

Following sweeping or vacuuming, stone floors should be deep cleaned to remove surface dirt, grime and waxes. Special, deep cleaning agents are available that will also remove stubborn shoe rubber marks, surface stains and grease. Deep cleaning usually involves applying an initial, correctly mixed cleaning agent with a mop, leaving it on the surface for 15–20 minutes, and agitating with a soft brush before removing with a mop prior to continuing with the normal weekly washing regime. In all cases the manufacturer’s instructions should be followed.

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7.1.8.5 Persistent stains and adherences

Major stains and adherences may require professional cleaning; abrasives must never be used. Oil and grease on granite and slate can be treated with detergent and brushing; however, occasionally this can spread the contaminant, and the answer may be to use a localised poultice containing a suitable solvent to draw out the contaminant. Using poultices containing acids and sepiolite mixtures should be carried out by skilled operatives.

7.1.8.6 Post cleaning operations

Some cleaning operations may expose or create open joints between tile units, which will need re-pointing or re-grouting as soon as possible after completion of the cleaning operation.

7.2 Private commercial and work place areas: control measures

Determination of control measures forms part of the statutory risk assessment that duty holders are usually required to undertake. Such assessments involve duty holders identifying hazards in their workplace, determining who might be harmed and how; evaluating the risk from the hazards, and deciding whether existing control measures are sufficient or whether more should be done.

The SlipSTD consortium believes that avoidance/elimination of slip hazards should be a prime objective in a workplace health and safety assessment.

Guidance on good practice and generic advice is widely available to assist duty holders determine whether slip potential has been reduced to a minimum level.

The main factors that should be considered when evaluating different solutions in the preliminary stages of selecting a floor to reduce slip potential or assessing the slip potential of an existing floor are5: Cleaning should be an integral part to the work environment.

Contamination should be removed promptly and thoroughly to leave a clean and dry surface.

Regular testing for change of flooring surface parameters over time, should be carried out in foreseeably contaminated environments.

Slip incidence can be reduced by modification of behaviour, which may be achieved with appropriate training and/or warning of potential hazards.

Near-miss reporting should be incorporated in a maintenance policy. Slip investigations should aim to identify root causes.

Building entrances require special attention to reduce the risk of slip accidents. The entrance should be located and designed with the aim of reducing the extent to which water and dirt are carried into the building. Canopies and lobbies that provide shelter from prevailing weather can be

5 Taken from CIRIA –'Safer surfaces to walk on', report n. C652, 2006

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effective. Provision of appropriately located, sized and maintained entrance matting is also of great importance.

Environmental issues, such as poor lighting, noise, visual and other distractions, condensation, and other features that impact upon pedestrians should be avoided.

The properties of footwear are highly relevant to pedestrian slipping. Apart from sole materials and patterns, correct fit is also important. Enforcement of a policy requiring wearing of suitable footwear should be considered in cases where dress code can be controlled (e.g. in a workplace).

Duty holders are ultimately responsible for ensuring that adopted good practice within an establishment is: Appropriate to the activities undertaken. Relevant to the risks when undertaking the activity, and Covers all the risks when undertaking the activity.

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ANNEX A

Conformity Marking

a) Class 1 b) Class 2A c) Class 2B

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ANNEX B PRELIMINARY STUDY ON SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS FOR FORESEEABLE

CONTAMINATED HARD FLOOR COVERINGS

Slip potential is influenced by several factors (see Figure 1), one of which is the floor covering or, specifically, the micro and macro features of the floor covering surface.

The slip resistance of a floor covering is currently measured using one or more of several test methods. It is widely acknowledged that the results obtained by the different methods are hardly comparable and poorly relate to the micro and macro features of the floor covering surface.

The SlipSTD project proposes to use a different approach to assessment of the slip potential of hard floor coverings, by measuring surface properties and establishing those surface features that best correlate with slip resistance, as determined by the established test methods.

Although the SlipSTD consortium recognises that the results of this preliminary study require suitable validation, the SlipSTD consortium believes that the results are an important starting point to achieve an ultimate objective of establishing an harmonized characterisation method for measuring the slip resistance of floor coverings based on surface characterisation.

B.1 Surface parameters and routine (maintenance) monitoring of hard floor

coverings The relevant description of surface parameters and measurement settings relevant for the classification of a surface is based on optical three-dimensional (3-D) topography measurements reported in Annex C.

The measurement setting is based on white light sensoring techniques by confocal sensors, or chromatic length aberration using reflection, from the surface, of a light beam perpendicular to the surface. The SlipSTD consortium acknowledges that the simple measurement of a single roughness parameter cannot completely characterise a surface in relation to its slip potential. However, Rz is a quick and easy measurement to establish on site using of a simple, robust, and inexpensive microroughness meter. The consortium therefore recommends adopting the measurement of Rz with tactile 2D devices as a routine (maintenance) parameter for monitoring in-use changes to hard floor coverings.

To monitor changes in the condition of the floor covering surface it is advisable to compare measurements of Rz taken in a lowly trafficked area with those for the same floor covering taken in a highly trafficked area. Recording the condition of the measured lowly trafficked area will enable it to be used as a control for subsequent measurements. This can be done photographically, with the location of the area logged on a plan.

The frequency of the readings should be determined by factors such as level of pedestrian traffic, date, time, type of floor covering, contamination, type of footwear worn by the users of the floor covering, and the type and frequency of cleaning undertaken.

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For a newly installed floor covering it is advisable initially to measure Rz frequently to establish its rate of change, and subsequently reduce the frequency to that suggested by the results.

It has been determined6 that there could be a high slip risk if:

Rz falls below 20 μm and the surface is likely to be contaminated with clean

water, or Rz is lower than 70 μm and the surface is likely to be contaminated with oil.

Wear and abrasion degrade all floor covering surfaces over a period of time. The rate of degradation depends on the installation environment and usage. There is no current standard or officially recognised test method that simulates surface wear and predicts service life for a floor coverings surface technical characteristic’s, including slip resistance. Therefore, it becomes the duty holder’s responsibility to establish a control plan to monitor the condition of the floor covering to determine the acceptability of its slip resistance. The control plan should take into account the environment, working conditions and any information derived from previous experience of using the flooring surface in question.

B.2 A study of pedestrian surface grouping

Pedestrian surfaces can be grouped according to surface features detectable by visual and tactile inspection and measurement of primary surface parameters Pp and Pk:

Group 1. Smooth surfaces with Pk< 50 µm. Pedestrian surfaces within this group tend to be slippery when contaminated.

Group 2. Non-profiled, essentially even surfaces with gritty touch with 50 µm < Pk < 100 µm and 90 µm < Pp < 200 µm.

Group 3. Profiled, textured or structured surfaces with Pk > 100 µm and Pp > 200 µm.

Figure 8 shows selected examples of floorings in groups 1, 2 and 3.

Group 1 Smooth surface with values of: Pk = 2.34 µm Pp = 38.73 µm

Group 2 Non-profiled, gritty surface with values of: Pk = 58.37 µm Pp = 258.26 µm

6 See http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/web/slips01.pdf

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Group 3 Structured surface with values of: Pk = 396 µm Pp = 563 µm

Group 3 Profiled surface with values of: Pk = 368 µm Pp = 983 µm

Group 3 Profiled surface with asperities with values of: Pk = 923µm Pp = 1183 µm

Figure 8 - Example of Surface Grouping

B.3 Proposal for surface requirements for foreseeably contaminated hard floor

coverings

The SlipSTD consortium believes that no surface parameters should be set on hard floor coverings to be used in foreseeably dry and clean areas (Class 1), because the probability of slip accidents occurring on uncontaminated, routinely maintained, clean and dry pedestrian surfaces is very low. Based on research carried out, the SlipSTD consortium expects pedestrian flooring surfaces to play a relevant rôle in preventing the occurrence of slip accidents in foreseeably contaminated areas. Accordingly, only the surface of floor coverings in foreseeably contaminated areas (Classes 2A and 2B) should be regulated. Surface requirements for Class 2A and Class 2B pedestrian floor coverings, ex-factory and post installation (i.e. when the floor coverings are handed over to the duty holder), are specified in Table B.1

Table B.1 - Proposal for surface characteristics for hard floor coverings for internal

pedestrian areas, ex-factory and post Installation

Surface Groups

Group 1

Group 2

Group 3

Class 1 No requirements No requirements /

not advisable No requirements /

not advisable

Class 2A Not applicable Pk> 50 m and

Pp> 90 m Pk> 100 m and

Pp> 200 m

Class 2B Not applicable Not applicable Pk> 150 m and

Pp> 300 m

Dry and clean floor coverings of any group present low slip potential. However, textured, profiled and structured floor coverings are more difficult to clean and consequently are more likely to retain contamination, producing higher slip potential than smooth floor coverings. It is therefore advisable not to use floor coverings with Group 2 and Group 3 surfaces in foreseeably dry and clean areas.

The requirements given in Table B.1 are based on the correlation analysis of filtered and unfiltered amplitude and material ratio curve surface parameters (EN ISO 4287,

37

EN ISO 4288, EN ISO 13565). For each specified hard floor covering class, both Pk and Pp values have to be met simultaneously.

In addition to the proposed characteristics shown in Table B.1, hard floor coverings used in areas likely to be contaminated are also expected to meet the national slip resistance values, some of which are shown in Table B.2.

Table B.2 - Requirements/Recommendations for foreseeably contaminated pedestrian

floor coverings in some European countries

Country United Kingdom Germany Germany Spain Italy

Test methods

BS 7976 Pendulum 4S Slider

DIN 51130 Ramp method oil/shoe

DIN 51097 Ramp method water/barefoot

CTE Pendulum Pendulum rubber slider

BCRA Tortus

Slip resistance requirements/ recommendations

UKSG guidelines BGR 181 GUV-I 8527 Documento Básico SU (03/2006)

Decree DM 14.06.1989

Class 2A

> 36 with relevant contaminant

Generally not applicable except the cases reported in BGR 181 (R10)

A, B, C according to application

35<Rd<45 BCRA wet (>0.4)

Class 2B

>36 with relevant contaminant

R11-R13 Not applicable Rd>45 BCRA wet (>0.4)

B.4 Test to assess surface conformity

A minimum of three representative measurements of primary parameters Pk and Pp shall be taken from a single floor covering unit (e.g. single tile or slab) to assess profiles and roughness parameters for structured and geometrical profiled surfaces. The procedure is illustrated in Annex C. Dependent on the measurement results, further evaluation of the surface topography can be performed, in accordance with EN ISO 4287, using a cut-off length filtering of c of 2 mm, 5 mm and 8 mm. To allow comparison of data and interpretation of different sets of measurements, the settings and filters used must be specified and included in the presentation of the results. The measurement uncertainty of surface measurements for group 2 surfaces is 5% for values Pp and Pk. For Group 3 (structured, textured or profiled surfaces), the measurement uncertainty is 10% for Pk. The measurement uncertainly for Pp is even higher, as Pp can be strongly influenced by a single surface artefact or irregularity. In this case, an optical microscope as well as an electron microscope can be used for qualitative analysis of the surface profile. When in-situ measurements of surface properties are required (e.g. after installation), commercially available duplication techniques can be used, provided they have the required accuracy of duplicating the surface within the measurement uncertainty of the specified topography measurement. The SlipSTD consortium recommends using soft silicone rubber, bi-component mixtures, which vulcanise at room temperature after mixing. Depending on composition (shore hardness, anti-static), these materials can duplicate accurately to within 2 µm when applied in accordance with the supplier's recommendations. Mixtures with different viscosities and settling times are available; selection depends on the planarity of the original sampling area.

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An area at least 56 x 56 mm should be reproduced. Surfaces must be clean and dry before duplication.

The value of Pp and Pk to be reported is the arithmetic mean of the three representative measurements, i.e. the sum of the three readings of Pp and Pk divided by 3.

For non-averaged amplitude parameters (EN ISO 4287) the reversal of the values (peak to valley and vice versa) must be taken into account.

B.5 Sampling, base for acceptance

A minimum of three representative samples of floor covering, in the condition it left the factory, are required for measuring surface parameters (i.e. Pk and Pp only). Large samples can be cut down to fit the measurement apparatus, providing the cut pieces are representative of the flooring surface.

For in situ testing after installation, three representative duplicates (minimum) are required for measuring the surface parameters. For surface measurements used as production control, the sampling procedures given in ISO 2859-4 should be used. Surfaces must be clean, dry and defect-free before testing.

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ANNEX C

Surface Characterisation

Optical topography assessment for surfaces related to slip risk classification, adapted from EN ISO 4287

Figure C.1 - Procedure to assess surface conformity

1. Position of the sample. 2. Set the 3D measuring length according to 56 mm (c 8.0 mm), 500 lines (or an

according measurement resolution), 30–100 Hz (depending on reflection of surface). 3. Take the measurement. 4. Unfilter primary profile. 5. Use a 3rd degree polynomial correction for planarity. 6. Primary data. 7. Perform 3D roughness analysis for c 0.8 – 2.5 – 8.0 mm, using phase corrected filtering

in accordance with EN ISO 11562. 8. Depict roughness data for c 0.8 – 2.5 – 8.0 mm. 9. Select roughness data in accordance with EN ISO 4288 (see table C.1). 10. Specify the profile and characteristic values for roughness, waviness and primary

profiles. Non-Periodic Profile Periodic Profile Cut off Length Single/Total

Measurement Length

Profile Peak Spacing Sm (mm)

Rz (µm)

Ra (µm)

c (mm)

Is/Im (mm)

> 0.01 to 0.04 to 0.1 to 0.02 0.08 0.06/0.4 > 0.04 to 0.13 > 0.1 to 0.5 > 0.02 to 0.1 0.25 0.25/1.25 > 0.13 to 0.4 > 0.5 to 10 > 0.1 to 2 0.8 0.8/4 > 0.4 to 1.3 > 10 to 50 > 2 to 10 2.5 2.5/12.5 > 1.3 to 4 > 50 > 10 8 8/40

Table C.1 - Roughness data as per EN ISO 4288

7

431 2

8

6

9

10

5