The Maltese legislation on non-slip surfaces is insufficient. The designer must go beyond the regulations and be able to propose suitable floors for specific conditions of use. Perhaps also considering the – more advanced – regulations used by other nations in Europe.
Why are my floors so slippery?
Let’s try to clarify a subject … “slippery”.
All jokes aside: the slip resistance of ceramic tiles is a delicate topic that deserves further study because it involves the safety of people.
So let’s try to understand, with this in-depth analysis, which are the regulations in force in Malta, which ones to respect – even if not mandatory – and in which environments.
Non-slip tiles for exterior and interior
Attention to the grip that flooring must-have is essential inside and, above all, outside.
Inside, flooring must be studied consistently with the areas and uses. We think of workplaces, restaurants, bars or clubs dedicated to entertainment and schools or sports environments. The non-slip characteristics of a tile do not agree with the need for cleanability: a surface with a high grip will be more challenging to clean than a smooth surface.
This feature must also be considered for outdoor floors where the anti-slip surface is ALWAYS required, regardless of the type of property. Also, in this case, the rough surface will be more challenging to clean, although, being external, we do not expect a level of cleaning like that required inside.
Why are my floors so slippery?
The BCRA for the determination of slipperiness
The BCRA for the determination of slipperiness
The term BCRA is an English acronym and stands for British Ceramics Research Association. The test gives the value μ which represents the “coefficient of friction” of a tiled floor laid in place.
In this definition we already find the first exciting element: first of all, the test is performed on the laid floor and not on a single tile, so it is not necessarily a “laboratory” test but can be performed directly on the flooring, at the end of the installation. The laboratory test is conducted by paving a portion of the “sample” floor, but the values are calculated on site in the event of a dispute.
This type of test can’t be performed by anyone, but only by specialized technicians!
The BCRA for the determination of slipperines - Why are my floors so slippery?
The friction coefficient is determined by evaluating the friction created between the portion of the flooring to be tested and a machine that contains a sliding element at the base. The machinery moves on the portion of the floor at a constant speed (about 17 millimetres per second). At this speed, there is inevitable friction, called dynamic, because it is measured during the movement.
The value of this dynamic friction generates the coefficient μ. It is defined as the ratio between the friction resistance force, opposite to the direction of motion, which acts on the sliding element and the weight force.
The sliding element connected to the motorized vehicle is given by rubber, leather or other materials. The μ coefficient must be calculated for these different materials and in a dry surface condition.
It involves installing the sliding element under the device, which must “imitate” the sole of a shoe (for this reason, leather and rubber) and applying weight on top. At that point, the “leather on dry surface” test (which must be clean: no dust, leaves or other materials) and then the “rubber on wet surface” test can begin.
Anti-slip according to the Germans: DIN 51130 - Why are my floors so slippery?
One of the best known and most important tests is the one that is carried out according to the DIN 51130 standard, which in Germany has the value of the law. It is a test that is carried out in the laboratory and that provides an R-value, which coincides with a certain slip angle. Unfortunately, this test also suffers from several shortcomings but combined with the BCRA; it helps us make a more conscious purchase of the floor.
The test is carried out by making a dimensions panel, approximately 50×100. The panel is installed on a platform with a variable inclination. A person, who is harnessed for safety, positions himself on top of the panel with his shoes on, trying to remain in balance.
To make the situation a little more critical, the tiles are sprinkled with a certain amount of oil to simulate humidity and the presence of “slipping” materials on the tile. The platform begins to tilt slowly, and when the person slips, the angle of inclination reached is checked. The greater the inclination angle, the more the tile proves to be non-slip. The smaller the angle, the slippery the tile
Why are my floors so slippery? - Conclusion
If we have to choose the type of ceramic tiles in an area where anti-slip is required, it is good not to rely only on Maltese legislation. Exceeding the μ BCRA value dictated by the legislation is not sufficient. It is advisable to respect the anti-slip values prescribed by the German DIN standard according to the tables and indications above.
For further advice and to purchase an anti-slip floor treatment, contact us.
