The slip accident potential model involves many and often interactive factors, as highlighted below:

The SlipSTD project aims to reduce the number of slip accidents by specifying the main floor surface characteristics associated with slip resistant floorings. This will be achieved by isolating the influence of flooring characteristics from the other factors identified above.

The application of the PAS document should clearly separate the responsibility of flooring manufacturers/designers to produce/specify safe floors from the responsibility of the duty holders for safe in-service maintenance.

A multidisciplinary approach will be applied to generate the fundamental knowledge of slip resistant surfaces regarding the topography (micro and macro structures) and the relevance of the surface structure in various environments.

Tribological, computer simulation, biomechanical and surface science will be combined to design surfaces with graded levels of slip resistance. The knowledge generated will provide sound guidelines to assist manufacturers to design ceramic tiles with improved slip resistance.

If you have any comments, please e-mail: giuliano.tari@ceram.com

If you are an SME manufacturer and you want to get involved in the project, please contact us.

Dr Giuliano Tari, +44 (0)1782 764240, e-mail: giuliano.tari@ceram.com