Polyflor - Specification of Safety Flooring

Safety Floor Specification - Application Data - Product Selector

Why Safety Flooring?

Safety flooring is typically used in areas where there is a risk of spillage or wetness that would normally make the floor slippery and unsafe, such as bathrooms, kitchens and bar serveries. Polyflor’s comprehensive range of safety floorings adhere closely to HSE Guidelines by measuring against preferred slip test methods. The Polysafe portfolio offers a wide choice of colour and decoration, offering sustainable slip resistance for the guaranteed life of the product.

Methods of Measuring Slip Resistance

• RRL Pendulum Test - Recommended by HSE, this in-situ test assesses the coefficient of friction achieved by swinging a pendulum foot over the floor surface in a controlled manner. All Polysafe products adhere to HSE Guidelines, achieving readings of over 36 in the wet (using the appropriate rubber slider) and have a low slip risk classification.
• Surface Microroughness Test - Another test favoured by the HSE, to be used in conjunction with the Pendulum test. An average measurement between “peaks and valleys” of the surface is obtained. Dependent on the viscosity of contaminants present, differing levels of roughness will be required to lower slip potential. A minimum roughness of Rz ³20µm is required in areas with risks of water spillage.

Other Methods

• The Ramp Test (DIN 51130) - This ex-factory test involves the use of a shod foot human operator who walks forwards and backwards over flooring contaminated with oil. The inclination of the sample is increased gradually until the operator slips. The resulting level of degrees gives an R value - from R9 up to R13. This test result should not be used in isolation as it cannot be replicated on-site.
• Barefoot Ramp Test (DIN 51097) - As per DIN 51130 but this test relates specifically to flooring performance in continually wet and barefoot conditions. Results are classified into 3 areas - A, B & C - Class B being suitable for shower areas.

Use Areas & Polysafe Product Selector

The recommendations below give an indicative guide only as to product suitability based on Polyflor’s knowledge and experience. Other Polysafe ranges will also be suitable for the areas indicated. Product recommendation is dependent on the likely viscosity of contaminants in the use area - contact Polyflor Customer Technical Services on 0161 767 1912 for further guidance.

Decorative Safety Floor Ranges

Polysafe Wood fx PUR, Polysafe Mosaic PUR and Polysafe Wood fx Acoustic PUR are also suited to many of the use areas listed below as well as applications at the front of house such as entrance areas, corridors and circulation areas. Polysafe Hydro Evolve also offers a clearer, more attractive decoration for continually wet / barefoot areas. For further classification contact Polyflor Customer Technical Services.