Slip Resistance Testing for Polished Concrete Flooring

Would you like to redefine your business space with polished concrete flooring? It’s a popular choice in commercial and industrial settings, valued for its durability and sleek finish. However, its polished surface can appear slippery, making slip-resistance testing crucial for safety and accident prevention.

Keep reading to understand the methods of testing and improving slip resistance and learn why it actually matters.

Understanding Slip-Resistant Properties in Flooring

Slips and falls are common hazards in workspaces, especially those that are prone to wet and experience high foot traffic. Meeting the safety standards and mitigating potential legal issues are thus critical in this scenario. 

Slip resistance testing helps determine how well a polished concrete surface can prevent slips even if it is exposed to moisture or contaminants. 

Methods of Slip-Resistance Testing

Several standardized methods assess the slip resistance of polished concrete:

Pendulum Test

Also known as British Pendulum Tester (BPT), this method is accepted globally. It uses a swinging pendulum with a rubber slider to simulate human foot traction under both dry and wet conditions. The generated results appear in Pendulum Test Values (PTV), with higher values indicating better slip resistance.

Tribometer Testing 

This slip-resistance testing method is actively used to measure the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF), which assesses how a surface reacts when in motion. A surface with a DCOF rating of 0.42 or higher is generally considered safe for commercial settings. It works perfectly for areas prone to moisture, such as entryways, kitchens, and industrial workspaces, thereby minimizing liability risks and enhancing overall safety.

Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) Testing

Unlike the previous one, SCOF evaluates the force needed to start movement between the floor and the testing material. This test helps determine how slip-resistant a surface is when a person first steps onto it, making it a crucial factor in preventing slips and falls. 

Wet and Dry Testing

When looking for comprehensive safety evaluation, testing surfaces in both dry and wet conditions is mandatory.

In the wet testing method, a controlled amount of water or liquid is applied to the surface before testing friction levels. This simulates real-world conditions such as spills, mopping, or outdoor rain exposure.

With the dry testing method, you can measure traction under typical usage scenarios. It helps evaluate slip resistance in normal, dry conditions without added moisture. 

Further, comparing the two results helps determine whether the surface is safe for different environments or requires adjustments.

Tips to Improve Slip-Resistance in Polished Concrete Flooring

In case, the polished concrete surface is too slippery, you must embrace the following guidelines to enhance traction.

1. Add anti-slip coatings to increase traction.
2. Mix anti-slip grit additives with sealers to improve the grip without compromising the polished look.
3. Adjust the level of polish or incorporate textured patterns to enhance traction.
4. Keep floors clean and free from debris or contaminants to prevent hazardous conditions.

Note: Planning to choose a slip-resistant flooring solution? Here’s how! 

Final Thoughts

Slip resistance is the critical factor in polished concrete flooring. This property ensures that the surface is both safe and stylish, creating an inviting work environment in the business setting. 

So, are you ready to build a secure environment while maintaining the aesthetic and functional benefits of polished concrete? Contact Sealwell. We prioritize safety while meeting industry standards, thereby minimizing risks and liability. Give us a call and make this a sustainable flooring choice.

SEALWELL INC

 Phone No– +1 (844)-443-2844

Email- in*******@se*********.com

Let’s Connect:  www.sealwellinc.com

 Address- 11660 Alpharetta Hwy, Suite 105,  Roswell, GA 30076, United States