Slipresistant

Slip resistance describes the ability of a surface or piece of footwear to resist slipping or loss of traction. It is a safety-related property that reduces the risk of falls in environments where the floor may be wet, oily, or otherwise contaminated. Slip resistance is influenced by surface texture, material, cleanliness, and wear, as well as by contaminants such as water, soap, oil, or grease and by the presence of footwear tread.

Measurement and classification: Slip resistance is commonly quantified through friction measurements, typically expressed as a coefficient of friction (COF). Tests may be static or dynamic, and many regions use pendulum or tribometer methods to simulate real-world slipping. For floors, standards such as pendulum tests or dynamic COF tests are used to assign a performance value. In safety footwear, slip resistance is often classified using systems like SRA, SRB, and SRC, which indicate resistance on various substrate surfaces and lubricants. Standards and test methods vary by country but share the goal of providing a comparable measurement of friction.

Factors and improvements: Cleanliness, contamination, wetness, and oil films reduce friction, while textured or embossed surfaces, abrasive finishes, and properly designed treads increase friction. Coatings, anti-slip additives, mats, and aggressive sole patterns can improve slip resistance, as can routine cleaning and maintenance to prevent buildup of slick residues.

Limitations and applications: No surface can be slip-proof in every condition; slip resistance is conditional on the contact surface, contaminants, and user footwear. Slip resistance ratings inform risk assessments in workplaces such as manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and construction, guiding flooring choices, footwear selection, and safety programs.