Pedestrian slips and trips

Well-established scientific techniques exist to tell that there are two important things about walking surfaces and slip risk, the Slip Resistance Value (SRV) of the surface and its microroughness. Both are covered in a document recently published by CIRIA 'Safer surfaces to walk on; reducing the risk of slipping.' It explains how the SRV as a dynamic coefficient of friction can be measured in a way that mimics the way that pedestrians walk on a floor. It also explains how the surface microroughness of floors can help to break through the contaminant film to give grip by restoring that direct foot-to-floor contact. These two attributes are key to controlling and managing pedestrian safety. Overall, the publication contains a wealth of information essential to anyone with involvement in the safety of premises and those who specify and look after walking surfaces in use in them.