Original publication: 2007 | HSE Research Report | RR534
Source authors: Marianne Loo-Morrey and Paul Lemon (HSL)
About this research
Investigates industrial metal flooring and how profile, surface texture and wet contamination affect pedestrian slip potential.
How the research was conducted
HSL tested twenty flooring materials, including profiled industrial metal surfaces, using the ramp test and surface roughness methods where the geometry allowed them to be applied.
Main findings and significance
The research found a wide range of wet slip potential across the flooring samples. Surface profiling could make simple Rz measurements impractical, reinforcing the importance of selecting an assessment method suited to the actual surface geometry.
Interpretation and limitations
Particularly relevant to gratings, chequer plate and profiled steps. A visible metal profile does not automatically provide effective grip.
Original source and further reading
Download the HSE report (PDF, 37 pages)
Official HSE research-report catalogue (501–600)
Original HSE publication, preserved without alteration. Crown copyright; see the original report for its copyright and reuse terms. Neospire’s summary is separate from the original research.