SlipAlert and the Daleks
Q: What do SlipAlert and Daleks have in common?
A: neither can go up stairs. But that's ok because we have been discussing stair safety with the BRE (Building Research Establishment) and we will be publishing a simple guide to stair safety soon. Word of advice... stairs are dengerous and so are Daleks. Floors can be kept safe..
BRE Guides to floor and stair safety
Read BRE guide to floor safety
Stair Safety
BRE tips for improved stair safety...
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Depth of stair tread (going): Greater than 300mm, room for foot!
Specially important on the way down.
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No variations in step sizes.
Confuses people, causes mis-stepping
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Handrail height and grip size:
900mm high, circumference 32-45mm
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Edges of steps easily visible
Avoid patterned carpets or poor lighting
Avoid poorly applied nosings
Note: according to the BRE, the slip resistance of the stair treads is not one of the top factors influencing stair safety. Encourage people to use handrails, that will save accidents and injuries.
Many managers don’t understand floor safety...
Many operational managers, cleaners, even H&S or floor safety specialists don’t know how to prevent slip accidents. They often don’t appreciate that slip resistance can change, how to assess the risks or how to spot lapses before somebody falls. more
Regular testing & management information
Regular testing of floors provides operational managers with trend analysis data and vital management information to help prevent most serious slip accidents. more
One Small Step... try regular testing
Try regular testing and trend analysis in your business and see for yourself. more
CIRIA 652 – 2009 Edition
CIRIA 652 already highlights many examples of how floors can become hazardous. The new edition must go further and provide practical answers on how to identify hidden dangers. It should advise on how and when to test floors, how to analyse the results and what actions can be taken to reduce slip risks in different situations. It should make a compelling case for regular slip resistance testing (Pendulum-correlated) and it should explain why this will dramatically reduce slip risks and will prevent many people from falling.
Regular Testing = Green
Regular Testing: cost-effective, safer, greener and DDA compliant
Most commercial buildings have a few “at risk” floors. Regular testing costs very little, tests the effectiveness of flooring and cleaning, helps avoid costly mistakes, and makes buildings safer for able and disabled users. Cumulative data can extend the life of quality floors, prevent unnecessary risks, wasted time or wasted costs on inappropriate flooring or cleaning materials.
Lack of clarity encourages bad practice
Some avoid testing for fear that it will expose slip risks and make them more liable. CIRIA 652 must offer clear advice on regular testing and promote an approach to improving floor safety, not sweeping the risks under the carpet.
Say yes to regular testing. Say yes to saving lives!
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