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METHODS
FOR ANTI-SLIP TREATMENT OF WALKWAYS
On the other hand in Australia and the rest of the world, including England and Europe, the dynamic coefficient of friction is measured by means of a "Stanley Pendulum", or, more recently the "Tortus Friction Meter". It is argued that the dynamic method is a more accurate measurement of the safety of a floor because the friction is measured between moving planes and this mimics the actual movement of a foot striking a static walking surface. The USA method needs to overcome inertia before any slip takes place, whereas the European and Australian methods measure the grip after the inertia has already been overcome. This is why a coefficient of 0.6 and above is regarded as safe in the USA, where as a coefficient of 0.4 and above is regarded as safe in the rest of the world. This
is illustrated below.
The article contradicts itself in claiming that "a static anti-slip CoF of 5 or above is considered a safe walkway surface with a dry condition", but earlier states that "6 or above is considered to be slip-resistant" The use of the "American Slip Meter", whilst providing an indication of the relative slipperiness of flooring materials should under no circumstances be considered an accurate measurement of the safety of a floor. These types of instruments cannot be calibrated and rely very heavily on the skill (or otherwise) of the person operating the equipment for their results. It is significant that these machines are not accepted in a court of law should a dispute arise. In South Africa we tend to follow the European standards and the SABS uses the Stanley Pendulum as its methods of measuring the grip on a floor. In England, the only pieces of equipment good enough to use in evidence are the Stanley Pendulum and the Tortus. (Manufactured by Severn Science Ltd.) A claim is made that the Posi-Grip does not "etch" the floor. This is disputed because the only way to create "thousands of microscopic crevices which create a suction cup effect" is, in fact, to etch the floor. This type of technology has been around for about 40 years but has been superseded by new technology in the form of Tile Doctor AST, a product patented in South Africa, Namibia, and the USA. Patent numbers 91/9422 and 96/9554 (South Africa), 91/0126 (Namibia) and 5,842,815 (USA) Tile Doctor AST is a two-component system that creates the anti-slip effect, by not only creating microscopic "suction cups" in the walking surface, but also by producing an extremely hard crystal structure. This is bonded to the surface and acts as an abrasive, giving additional grip, and has a secondary beneficial effect in that it hardens the surface of the tile or stone and makes it last longer. These findings have been verified by tests carried out by the SABS, Curtin University (Australia) and Scotter Laboratories (USA). The main drawback of the etching system was that, in order to get a good anti-slip effect, a considerable degree of etching has to take place. This can compromise the quality of the tile glaze, in the case of ceramics and often makes the floor extremely difficult to keep clean. Because the AST method creates a crystal structure, the degree of etching required is considerably less for a similar anti-slip effect, and the crystals actually enhance the quality of the glaze and make the tiles last longer than they would if they were untreated, rather than damage the tiles as do the etch systems. Another benefit of the AST System, is that the patented indicator system shows the applicator where the reaction is complete. This give the applicator total control over the system and ensures an even anti-slip effect across an entire floor. Other systems rely on guesswork and are uncontrolled. There
is currently another Anti-Slip company (SAFIC) marketing a product
known as "Crystal Grip". This system is being punted by
Tile and Floor Care (Graham Ashley) I believe that they also have
only an etching system and are deliberately attempting to capitalize
on our system's unique ability to produce these crystals by making
spurious claims and by giving their product the name "Crystal
Grip". ANTI-SLIP AST 95 - GREAT GRIP FOR WET FLOORS CRIPPLING ACCIDENTS - happen in a split second! Suddenly, your faced with shock, pain and the embarrassment of a crippling fall on a wet tile floor.Just one slip may have long term consequences! Imagine the effects of a life-long injury! - Years of pain and suffering! The enormous trauma of crippling expenses, loss of income and possible law suits. Quite apart from the incredible stress and inconvenience. YOU
FACE HORRENDOUS RISKS WHY
RISK IT! SAFEGUARD THESE HAZARDOUS AREAS With unique AST 95. The wonder non-slip chemical treatment for tile floors.
WE
ARE FLOOR CARE SPECIALISTS Reasons why you should use Tile Doctor Anti-Slip AST 95 1)
Gives dry grip in wet conditions
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