Improving Slip Resistance on Hard Floors
The Strategic Advantage of Perma Products to Reduce Slip & Fall Accidents
For more than 40 years and a proprietary active ingredient, Perma, Inc has been producing a wide range of products that demonstrably increase the SCOF - Slip Co-Efficient of Friction and reduce the likelihood of slip and fall accidents on dry surfaces. Any surface know for becoming a slip hazard can be treated and the threat reduced.
What is SCOF: Slip Co-Efficient of Friction
The slip coefficient of friction refers to the measure of the frictional resistance created between two surfaces in combined motion, specifically when a body or object slides, slips, or glides over another surface. It quantifies the ability of the two surfaces to interlock or adhere to each other and indicates the level of grip or slipperiness between them. This coefficient is crucial in determining the slipperiness or traction of a surface, which impacts safety, stability, and the likelihood of slip, trip, or fall accidents. The objective of our program is to increase the SCOF on floor surfaces that pose a risk to health and safety.
What are the Accepted National & International Standards for Slip Resistance
Several organizations and regulatory bodies have established standards and guidelines to ensure safe floor surfaces and prevent slip and fall accidents. The accepted standards primarily focus on providing adequate friction or traction, measured through the slip coefficient of friction, to minimize the risk of slipping. Here are some commonly recognized standards:
American National Standards Institute (ANSI): ANSI/NFSI B101.1 and B101.3 standards provide guidelines to assess the slip resistance of floor coverings and pedestrian surfaces.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): OSHA has developed standards, such as 29 CFR 1910.22(a)(1), which requires employers to maintain floors that are clean and dry to prevent slip hazards.
American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM): ASTM has developed test methods, such as ASTM D2047 and ASTM F609, to determine the coefficient of friction and evaluate the slip resistance of floor surfaces.
National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI): NFSI provides voluntary certification programs and maintains a comprehensive database of approved slip-resistant flooring materials and walkway products.
International Organization for Standardization (ISO): ISO 13036-4:2019 establishes methods to assess the slip resistance of surfaces by measuring the slip and skid resistance.
These accepted standards and regulations aim to ensure the provision of slip-resistant, non-slip, or anti-slip flooring surfaces in various settings, including workplaces, commercial buildings, public areas, and residential properties, ultimately promoting safety and reducing the risk of slip and fall incidents.
What unit of Measure and the Acceptable Range for Dry & Wet Floor Surfaces
The unit of measure used for Slip Coefficient of Friction is typically a dimensionless quantity, represented by the symbol "ยต" (mu). It can also be expressed as a percentage (%).
The range of Slip Coefficient of Friction that may be deemed safe depends on the specific surface and the context in which it is being used. In general, a higher coefficient of friction implies a greater grip and safety. For example:
Dry Surfaces
A safe range for slip coefficient typically falls within 0.6 to 1.0. It is important to note that the higher values indicate better traction and lower slip risk. Floor surfaces with a SCOF over 1.0 can become a trip hazard due to too much friction.
Wet Surfaces
Slip coefficient on wet surfaces dramatically drops due to reduced friction. Generally, a safe range falls within 0.2 to 0.6, but it is always recommended to have slip-resistant coatings or surfaces in such conditions.
Oily or Icy Surfaces
These surfaces have very low friction coefficients, often below 0.2, making them extremely slippery and unsafe. This is well outside of an acceptable range and traction aid like sand or grit should be immediately applied.
The Products Associated with Our Anti-Slip Offering
Deep Prep Cleaner
A restoration cleaner that effectively removes all traces of scuff marks, oils, detergent residue and 1-2 coats of finish ahead of burnishing or recoats. One of our favorite products!
All Shine Traction Cleaner
A combination of the previous two products, this cleaner is used in automatic scrubbers on finished floors that are about to be burnished. Enhancing SCOF.
Traction Clean Degreaser
Our cleaner and degreaser that is specifically designed for foodservice areas and tiles notorious for slip. Removes the greases, enhances SCOF. Excellent for commercial kitchens and processing.
Instant Traction for Tile
A one-of-a-kind product that actually micro-etches tile and other surfaces, producing a SCOF-enhancing profile where none previously existed. May require special order or longer leadtime.
Mailing & Shipping Location:
Perma, Inc is located in historic New England at 605 Springs Road in Bedford, Massachusetts 01730.
Where to Find Us Online:
Hours of Operation:
The office hours at Perma, Inc are from 9:00am to 5:00pm and Shipping/Receiving from 7:00 to 3:00pm.