CIRIA C652 London, 2006

Updated 2010

Safer surfaces to walk on –

reducing the risk of slipping
Key issues from the update
D Lazarus Arup
C Perkins Arup
J Carpenter Consultant

Classic House, 174–180 Old Street, London EC1V 9BP

TEL: 020 7549 3300 FAX: 020 7253 0523
EMAIL: enquiries@ciria.org WEBSITE: www.ciria.org
 The following were identified as the key issues arising from the review following the
release of CIRIA C652 in 2006:

1 The legal liabilities of owners and stakeholders need to be properly understood

Recent legal case law has clarified the requirements of the Workplace Regulations
(Regulation 12) in this respect and advice from the HSE is given later in this update
(see Section 9.9.1).

2 The variation between international standards and the slip resistance data provided for
products from overseas continues to be a problem
It is possible that the SlipSTD PAS described within the update review will be a means
of overcoming this very significant problem for certain materials (see Section 2.3A).

3 The importance of correct specification of flooring products and full assessment of

products offered has to be understood
The review of research undertaken has shown that CE marking does not itself imply
or confer product suitability.

4 There is concern over the number of slips, trips and falls associated with stairs
There are several factors associated with such incidents, and these need to be better
understood. The Centre for Accessible Environments is due to publish a document
that explores this area (inclusive design: steps, stairs, ramps, escalators and moving walks).

5 The use and accuracy of data on slip resistance for both floor materials and footwear
has been identified as a major issue
Consistent and accurate data are needed that will enable the specifier to understand
the performance of a given product. It should take into account whole-life
performance, including installation, maintenance and wear, and not just “ex-factory”
performance. There continues to be a lack of data on performance in use of walking
surfaces, including the change from factory to the as-laid condition and in service. At
present test results are indicative and need to be understood as such. It also needs to
be recognised that different materials perform differently with wear, giving
significantly different service lives.

6 Differential wear occurs in areas where there are zones of heavy use
Testing in-use has to recognise this, and flooring should be appropriately specified.

7 Cleaning is an area where more focus on the use of appropriate methods and materials
is required
The appropriate regime for the materials specified should be incorporated within the
building manuals and relevant training provided.

8 The importance of reporting slip incidents and near-misses needs to be emphasised

All involved in the use and management of facilities need to be made aware of the
need for reporting events and managers need to understand their duty to follow-up
with corrective action where appropriate.

9 The importance of suitable footwear provision needs to be recognised

The footwear used by employees and others under the control of the employer/
facilities manager of a facility may need to be controlled as part of the management
strategy to minimise risks. Changes in occupational footwear can be effective in
reducing slip incidents. However, better manufacturers’ data on the slip resistance of
safety footwear is badly needed, for both dry and wet conditions. Concerns over
available data are similar to those for floor materials described in point 5.

2 CIRIA, 2010