On-site Slip Testing
In an effective risk management program, regular on-site slip resistance testing plays an integral role. Slips, trips and falls are responsible for the vast majority of personal injury legal claims, but fortunately, ATTAR can help you to identify, measure and manage those risks with regular monitoring and assessment.
Our approach to property management is to conduct an initial visual assessment, identifying instances of highest risk and/or potential non-compliance. Australian Standard test methods are then used to measure the hazards against minimum requirements set out in various codes, standards and industry guides.
Slip hazards can exist anywhere in a property, but some common locations where risk is increased include stairs, ramps, entry foyers, bathroom and shower facilities, and Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (known as TGSIs). Through ATTAR’s NATA accredited test reports, we will provide a clear and concise, yet easy to read report, so you are well informed about the identified risks and relevant requirements.
Wet Pendulum Test
As the name suggests, the Wet Pendulum Test is conducted in environments where the floor surface may become exposed to water or otherwise become wet. It provides a measure of how slippery the floor is when wet, and is the only wet test method prescribed by Australian Standards for testing on site.
After the surface is sprayed with water, the Wet Pendulum apparatus uses a rubber slider attached to the bottom of a metal foot which swings in an arc and strikes the flooring surface over a set distance. The final test result and assigned rating will depend on how slip resistant the flooring surface is against the rubber slider.
Materials, construction, design and function of flooring surfaces are ever-changing. So, to gather accurate and relevant results, testing must be carried out by an experienced, independent and NATA-accredited provider like ATTAR.
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Dry Floor Friction Test
The Dry Floor Friction Test measures the friction between the floor surface and rubber slider when the floor surface is dry. This test is often applied in undercover areas such as inside shopping centres and large buildings, where surfaces are unlikely to get wet.
The test uses an instrument called a Tortus Floor Friction Tester, which drags a rubber slider across the floor surface to assess the sliding resistance. This test method indicates a surface’s ability to remain slip resistant and safe when contaminated with dust, dirt, powders and residues. It also provides us with insight into the effectiveness of current cleaning regimes and processes.
Like the Wet Pendulum Test, ATTAR’s Dry Floor Friction Test is accredited by NATA and conducted to Australian Standards.
NATA Acreditation
Like the Wet Pendulum Test, ATTAR’s Dry Floor Friction Test is accredited by NATA and conducted to Australian Standards.
Luminance Contrast Testing
When you are building a property, or own or manage a facility, slip resistance is not the only important factor to regularly review and maintain. Another key facet of property compliance safety assessment is ensuring all people can navigate your property safely, including the vision impaired.
The ability to identify contrast between environmental elements makes a huge impact on the ability to avoid hazards. Consequently, for compliance, elements in the environment are required to have an appropriate level of luminance (light reflected) contrast against their background. Poorly contrasting elements – such as stairway nosing strips, Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) and accessway obstructions – are known to cause slip, trip and fall incidents which have resulted in costly legal actions.
At ATTAR, our technicians will identify the Luminance Contrast requirements specific to your property then conduct in-situ testing with quality, calibrated equipment. From there, we provide a detailed and clear report outlining compliance with relevant Industry Codes and Australian Standard requirements.
How ATTAR Can Help
ATTAR has unmatched experience in slip resistance testing and personal injury claim investigation, as well as working with a range of codes and standards. This puts us in a unique position to provide expert advice when it comes to slip resistance and property compliance.
Whether it’s routine testing for insurance risk management, an evaluation of a new construction, or even a complete audit of your facility, we have an unwavering focus on and commitment to tailoring the scope of works to address your concerns and needs.
Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to help. Contact us to discuss your property and book a consultation to see how we can assist.