Hospitals and healthcare centers can be dangerous environments. Despite years of health and safety legislation, slips, trips, and falls are still commonplace. It is estimated that over 1,600 healthcare workers are seriously injured each year as a result of such accidents, which often occur on wet or contaminated floors.

In March 2013, the Health Building Note (HBN-00-10) updated the recommendations for performance requirements for building components used in healthcare facilities, requiring contractors to take greater responsibility for recommending and selecting suitable floor coverings to minimise the risk of slips and trips. Without a proper risk assessment to determine and use the most appropriate flooring, everyone in the project chain could face liability claims in court.

Understanding slip resistance ratings

To test the slip resistance of a floor, a person wearing work boots walks down a slope covered in motor oil. Depending on the angle of inclination at the time of the first slip, the slip resistance of the floor is defined between R9 and R13.

Types of anti-slip flooring

Rubber flooring:

Benefits: Excellent slip resistance, high durability, high coefficient of friction even when wet, comfort, noise reduction and available in a wide range of designs and colours, ideal for areas prone to splashing or dampness.

Homogeneous vinyl flooring:

Benefits: Excellent slip resistance, highly water and stain-resistant, easy to clean and maintain. Suitable for public areas in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

Factors to consider when choosing an anti-slip floor covering

Coefficient of Friction: A measure of how slippery the surface is. The higher the value, the better the slip resistance.

Surface texture: Rough or textured surfaces have better traction.

Foot traffic: High-traffic areas require durable, hard-wearing flooring that maintains slip resistance and aesthetics.

Ease of maintenance: Choose a floor that is easy to clean and maintain without compromising slip resistance.

Durability and maintenance of anti-slip flooring

Durability and ease of maintenance are essential. The flooring should be able to withstand frequent use and retain its slip resistance. Rubber floor and homogeneous vinyl floor coverings are both durable and easy to maintain. Regular sweeping will help keep the floor free of dust and debris. Some homogeneous vinyl flooring has a protective coating that enhances slip resistance and makes it more resistant to scratches and stains.

About Farfly Anti-slip Medical Flooring

Farfly has over 15 years of experience in providing non-slip flooring solutions for slippery floors in a variety of areas. Their focus on floor safety has made them synonymous with reliable anti-slip solutions.