Slip-Resistant Floors For Industrial Safety

July 28, 2014

Industrial hazards come in many shapes and sizes that can affect the entire spectrum of labor.  Areas exposed to a lot of liquid require an anti-slip finished floor to reduce the chances of industrial accidents.  Anti-slip finishes come in many grades of slip protection and each grade of protection is measured by its “coefficient friction.”  Although increasing the coefficient friction of a floor provides better protection for the laborer, there is a maintenance trade-off; the higher the coefficient friction, the more difficult it is to properly clean the floor.  Even though the highest coefficient friction seems like the obvious solution, there are trade-offs that need to be considered.

Coefficient Friction

Coefficient friction (COF) is the ratio of the force of friction between two bodies pressing together.  In the case of slip-resistant floors, the two bodies are the floor and rubber (to simulate the sole of a shoe or boot). There are many devices that can test a floor’s slip-resistance with a resistance scale that ranges between 0.01 (least resistant) and 1.0 (most resistant).

Broadcast

To achieve the slip-resistant scores, most epoxies and urethane cements broadcast a material after they install the pour.  Each broadcast can offer a different degree of protection.  Here are the common broadcasts:

  • Aluminum Oxide (COF – 0.8-0.9) – Aluminum Oxide is a very fine aggregate that doesn’t polish or wear down from excessive tread.  Because it isn’t angular, this material is able to maintain its “bite,” and prevents slips from workers and material. 
  • Q28/#00 Sand (COF – 0.7-0.8) – Q28 Sand (otherwise known as #00 sand) is typically a less expensive broadcast that provides good resistance to slipping at a more cost-effective solution than Aluminum Oxide.  However, it is more angular which will wear down over time and reduce its friction rating.
  • Micro/Macro Chip Broadcast (COF 0.7 – 0.9) – Micro/Macro Chip broadcast aggregates are dual-purpose aggregates that offer slip-resistance and appearance values.  The installer can determine how much floor-slippage prevention the broadcast offers due to the amount of top coats the installer grouts over the broadcast.  The more top coats, the less COF rating.
  • OP Finish (COF 0.8) – An OP Finish (orange peel finish) is a floor coating that doesn’t include a broadcast.  Instead, the epoxy resin is mixed with a specialized hardener that, when it cures, naturally creates a rippled, orange-peel like finish.  This finish offers a reliable COF without the necessity of a broadcast material.

Selecting A Slip-Resistant Aggregate

Although it may seem obvious to select the flooring coat that offers the highest COF, there are maintenance drawbacks.  An aluminum oxide or micro/macro chip finish with 1 grout coat can offer great slip protection against damp floors.  However, due to the constant grooves and valleys, there is room for dirt and debris to cling.  This requires more aggressive cleaning, like power scrubbing and vacuuming.  Alternatively, if the floor’s COF is reduced, the aggression of the cleaning reduces too.  A micro/macro chip floor with a 3 grout top coat, or a floor with Q28 sand and a single grout coat will only require mopping. 

What’s obvious is that every manufacturing and production area desires the floor that offers the safest results.  But what isn’t obvious is what degree of floor texture is necessary for each environment.  There are many factors that need to be considered when upgrading a manufacturing floor, and these guidelines will help plant managers make the best selection.

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