RR940 - Suitability of Slider 55 rubber for use as a standardised slider material for the simulation of barefoot pedestrians
Slider 55 rubber has been used by the United Kingdom Slip Resistance Group (UKSRG) with the Pendulum Test to simulate the slip resistance characteristics of a barefoot pedestrian, when assessing floor surfaces for use in shower areas, changing rooms and swimming pools. The aim of this study was to investigate the suitability of Slider 55 rubber for this purpose.
A market survey was carried out, in order to source a representative range of surfaces typically used under water-contaminated, barefoot conditions. Surfaces were selected that would potentially present a range of slip resistance when under test. This included both ceramic and vinyl surfaces, which were both profiled and nonprofiled. The slip resistance of each of the floor surfaces was assessed according to the HSL Ramp Test, using four operators.
Before pendulum measurements were carried out on the test surfaces, the effect of the pendulum slider preparation procedure on the pendulum test values measured was investigated. Three verification surfaces were used in this investigation; float glass, vitrified ceramic and Pink Lapping Film (PLF).
To assess the applicability of the pendulum test method with the Slider 55 rubber, to water-contaminated, barefoot conditions, the pendulum test measurements were compared with slip resistance measurements made with the HSL ramp test.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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