Do You Have A Tile You Would Like To Specify But Are Concerned About Its Slip Resistance Properties?
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Current Legislation – CE Marking
Ensuring floors are slip safe is now a major requirement on all construction projects. Whilst expectations are still the same in terms of aesthetics and functionality the increased onus on responsibility for safety at the construction phase makes an anti-slip system an option to meet all requirements when selecting tiles for new floors.
Since 1st July 2013, the Construction Products Regulation (305/2011/EU) came into force making it mandatory for construction products in the UK (and the rest of Europe) to be CE marked.
The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) applies to products or kits which are placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works and the performance of which has an effect on the basic requirements of the works.
Conformity Requirements
This regulation is completely different to other CE Marking Legislation and requires the product to be assessed against a harmonised standard which in the case of flooring is the pendulum slip test.
Pendulum Testing Explained
The pendulum slip test has been recognised by the Health and Safety Executive as a reliable and robust test to provide accurate analysis on the slip potential of all types of flooring. This test can be used to portray bare foot and shod foot dependent on the area the tile is to be used.
The pendulum slip test is the subject of a British Standard, BS 7976: Parts 1-3 and BS – EN14231 Natural stone test methods.
The Pendulum Slip Test is based on a swinging, imitation heel sweeping over a set area of flooring in a controlled manner. The slipperiness of the flooring has a direct and measurable effect on the pendulum test value (PTV) given. After a series of results in a number of directions using the pendulum – the average result is given. Using the table below the PTV is then assessed.
| 0—24 | High potential for slip |
| 25—35 | Moderate potential for slip |
| 36+ | Low potential for slip |
If your required tile does not meet the required PTV – we could help.
We are also specialists in applying anti-slip treatments. Our anti-slip treatment micro-etches the surface of the tile which works to accentuate the natural peaks and troughs of the stone. The changes to the surface of the stone are invisible to the human eye, but the treatment microscopically roughens the surface increasing the slip resistance and preventing the foot slipping.
The aim of the treatment is to achieve the maximum grip with the minimum impact to the aesthetics of the floor. Varying characteristics of different floors, (porosity, density etc.) combined with the operational use mean that every requirement is different therefore adjustments can be made to the treatment to meet the standards for the intended use.
Upon completion of the treatment – we would issue you with full results and report along with a certificate of conformity stating that the floor conforms to HSE regulations in reaching a PTV of 36+. We would also issue a cleaning schedule which we would recommend is followed to keep the tiles reaches their maximum slip resistance.
Our treatment has been applied across a number of different sectors – leisure centres and spas, shopping centres, offices, hotels, restaurants, schools, hospitals and private residences.
SAMPLE TILE TESTING
We offer an in-house pendulum testing service – whereby the sample tile can be tested in its ‘as found’ condition. If the PTV does not reach the required result we can then offer a treating service where we can then apply our tailored treatment and retest. Results will then be sent before and after treatment showing the difference that can be made. Sample testing starts from just £75 plus VAT.
TILES ALREADY LAID – BUT SHOWING SLIP RESISTANCE ISSUES?
If you have a floor which has been laid but is now showing signs that it may not reach slip resistance requirements for the area and there are slip concerns – we can apply our anti-slip treatment to laid floors to bring up slip resistance to the required level. Once treated we will supply full report and slip test results, along with a certificate of conformity which provides you with evidence should due diligence be brought into question.
We pride ourselves with the professional service we offer and have a team with extensive knowledge of stone and the factors which affect slip resistance. We are a CHAS Accredited Contractor and Safe Contractor Approved and our teams cover the whole of the UK. For help and advice and for further information contact us today and let us assist with your next project.
01206 826788
