Occupational health and safety regulations in Australia stipulate that floor surfaces in all workplaces should be reasonably free of slip, trip and fall hazards. Slip-resistant flooring should actually be your top priority because it is one feature you have control over. Even if no other hazards exist that could cause a slip or fall, a slippery floor can result in an accident waiting to happen. Plus, you may not realise it but the type of flooring in your workplace plays a part in the productivity and well-being of your staff. Think about it – carpet in a toilet block or cold, hard concrete without mats behind the bar are just not ‘fit for purpose’. And they can cause discomfort amongst employees.

Put simply, your floors should not only be kept in good condition and free from obstructions but designed to accommodate the type of activities taking place. Still unsure why flooring is so important? Let’s take a look at the slip testing that occurs in Australian workplaces.

Slip resistant testing 

Legislative and governing workplace safety standards imposed by Australian authorities assess floor safety for slips, trips and falls. While some building owners and institutions deem slip testing unimportant it is something that must not be taken for granted. In fact, the major type of accident to occur in work environments and public places is falls resulting from slippery floors. Some falls might cause bumps and bruises, but some may lead to debilitating injury, and others can even be fatal.

Slip testing services are comprehensive, using certified instruments and methods, which qualified professional testers implement. The tests involve looking at all aspects causing slippery conditions, from construction, materials and maintenance to floor design and environmental factors. Should any of these factors be involved in untoward accidents, the responsibility rests on the building owners’ and managers’ shoulders. Therefore, it is incredibly important to have a slip test done.

Now, let’s get acquainted with the types of flooring that are slip-resistant in the workplace.

Carpet 

A synthetic material, carpet is a cost-effective solution for preventing slips, falls and trips. It can be used in the lobby, entrance and corridors to absorb dirt, water and sound. Carpets can give your commercial space and boardroom a luxury or plush vibe. But while installing them from wall to wall, it lessens the risks of slipping, carpet has a shorter lifespan than hard floor surfaces. It can start to rip and lift in places, which in itself is cause for concern. Unfortunately, you cannot replace stained or damaged sections – you need to replace the whole floor. That’s when carpet tiles might be a better option.

Carpet tiles 

A very durable and affordable way for carpeting your workplace, it is important to opt for the right carpet tiles because poor quality tiles will create a visible seam detracting from the overall look and feel of your workspace.

Porcelain and ceramic tiles 

Made from clay, sand and water, porcelain and ceramic tiles are similar in appearance. However, porcelain is denser and heavier than ceramic. Known for their durability and smooth surface, porcelain and ceramic tiles are ideal in wet and dry areas. However, opting for porcelain or ceramic with a smooth surface can result in a slip hazard. For a non-slip material, choosing the classic style without glaze is safer and slip-resistant.

However, if your preference is for the glossy, sleek look, your best option is to go for an anti-slip tile treatment. And who better to treat your floors for anti-slip is there than Slip Doctors Sydney. Achieving slip-ratings specified by the Australian Standards we discussed earlier, Slip Doctors Sydney delivers anti-slip treatment in Sydney that will last for many years to come.

Fibreglass grating 

Fibreglass grating is an excellent slip-resistant material for warehouse and factory areas where fluid spills are unavoidable. Draining away liquids quickly and easily, it can also be used in overhead platforms and walkways. Used mostly in corrosive environments to reduce maintenance costs, fibreglass grating is a structural product and not ideal for common areas such as lobbies, reception and kitchen areas.

Rubber 

Slip-resistant rubber is ideal for use in stairs and ramps but not very effective in wet areas. It must be fixed properly on edges and joins to avoid trips, falls and slips.

Steel plate 

Steel plates with a raised pattern can deliver good slip-resistance. It is commonly used in factory areas in heavy traffic areas or to span openings in floors. However, it can be slippery when wet or oily.

Timber 

Timber wood is perfect for gymnasiums, factories, offices and meeting halls for dry floor surfaces. However, to prevent it from becoming slippery from the absorption of oil and water it is important to seal it and not polish it.

Where Slip Doctors Sydney comes in 

As mentioned earlier, Slips Doctors Sydney is one of the leading providers of anti-slip solutions and tile treatments. With years of experience in this field, delivering the best solutions to commercial industries, Slip Doctors uses a non-slip tile treatment which consists of an acid-based formula. This formula creates micro-etch in all types of flooring material – ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles, granite, marble, glass mosaic, marble, limestone and more – making microscopic alterations to the surface. This results in grip and makes the surface safe and free from slips, falls and trips.

Not only does anti-slip floor treatment prevent slip hazards but it also:

• Maintains a hygienic and compliant environment by helping to eliminate crevices where germs hide and thrive.
• Prevents the floor from showing signs of wear and tear. Commercial floors need to withstand exposure to a large array of varying temperatures, substances and weights. By treating the surface, you can avoid costly repair and downtime.
• Ensures that your epoxy floors are more durable and harder, and less resistant to scratching.

The bottom line 

To avoid slips, falls and trips, select the flooring material that best suits your workplace’s design, tasks and activity performed in all areas. In the first instance, slip testing provides a measure to keep your workspaces slip-resistant and safe for your staff, consumers and clients. Slip-resistance is not something you can ignore.

Slip Doctors Sydney can advise you on the best way to seal your floor surfaces to keep slips, falls and trips at bay. We collaborate with you every step of the way and ensure we cause no inconvenience to your workday. Always cleaning up every ounce of mess we leave, we guarantee you that our high-quality anti-slip treatments will last you for many years. Contact us today for a free anti-slip treatment sample and quote.

Do you have ceramic tiles on your floors? If so, you are probably aware not only of their benefits but their disadvantages too. While ceramic tiles are aesthetically pleasing and retain water much better than other types of floorings, they can be incredibly slippery, especially when wet. And of course, slippery floors can lead to all kinds of injuries, which we obviously don’t want.

The first thing you want to look at is your cleaning products. When soap residue remains on the floor it is a cause for slippery tiles. So, you must ensure that you remove the residue when cleaning them. If this proves to be the issue, consider using less soap or introduce a second mop to go over the floors with plain water. If this does not resolve the issue, you may need to consider alternative changes.

Before we explore a variety of changes, and if you have only a minute to spare, we will take a quick look at the short answer.

How to make your ceramic tiles less slippery – the short answer 

Should you require an inexpensive and easy to install method you need to add traction to your slippery floor. Rugs and anti-slip adhesive treads will do this.

However, the best route is to apply an anti-slip treatment. The solution is acid-based and creates microscopic alterations to the tile’s surface without changing its appearance but instead producing grip to make it safe.

If you are ready for a large project, you can either dismantle the slippery tiles and install non-slip tiles or apply a floating floor. However, not only are these options costly but time-consuming too.

Now, we will look at these options in greater detail.

Non-slip rugs 

Using non-slip rugs to prevent slippery flooring is probably the cheapest and easiest method. As well as being anti-slip, rugs can liven up a room while making it cosier.

But be sure to purchase rugs that have non-slip backing because not all rugs are the same when it comes to safety. Loose rugs and rugs with curled corners are a tripping hazard. If you already have rugs, you can increase their safety by sticking non-slip rug pads underneath.

You might want to combine non-slip rugs with the anti-slip treatment method so that you do not need to worry about slipping on larger uncovered areas. Always ensure your rugs are secured properly to the floor.

Anti-slip adhesive treads 

Adhesive treads are a popular method to prevent slipping on slick ceramic tiles and are particularly useful for stairs or smaller surface areas. Similar to the grip tape on skateboards, treads can be purchased in tones ranging from transparent to black and come in different sizes.

It is important that you test the adhesive treads in an inconspicuous area before applying them to larger areas. This is to ensure they affix properly to your floors and do not cause any long-term damage to their surfaces.

Done correctly, anti-slip treads are a simple and practical way to add friction to floors without completely covering the tiles or altering the room’s appearance too much.

But you should know before entrusting this method that although adhesive treads blend in with the tiles, they are still visible. Before applying them ensure that air and dirt do not get trapped underneath and that you lay them completely flat, or they could peel.

Over time they may attract pet hair and dirt and can leave behind sticky residue when removed. But residue can be easily eradicated with warm, soapy water.

Key point – anti-slip adhesive treads are cheap and easy to apply and do not alter the floor’s appearance too badly.

Replacing slippery tiles 

First and foremost, we must highlight here that replacing floor tiles just because they are slippery is ill-advised. It would be plausible if your tiles are old or damaged, or if you had planned on replacing them anyway.

On one hand, installing new tiles is an expensive and labour-intensive way of making your tiles less dangerous. On the other hand, it could give you incredible results.

Anti-slip treatment 

If rugs, adhesive treads and giving your tiles an overhaul are not your thing, step it up a notch and opt for anti-slip tile treatment. Anti-slip solution is an acid-etching formula that creates micro-treads on mineral-based surfaces. Microscopically corroding the surface, anti-slip solution makes the material less slippery, and even when wet it is long-lasting.

Leading providers of anti-slip solutions in Sydney, Slip Doctors Sydney guarantees you a high-quality anti-slip treatment in Sydney that will last for many years. Even when wet or contaminated with liquid-like grease, oils and cooking fat, your ceramic tiles will not be slippery.

Final thoughts 

Even if you are on a budget, you can make your ceramic tiled floor safe quite easily. These four methods are effective in preventing slippage. Aside from replacing tiles, they are also relatively inexpensive. However, rugs and treads can dramatically affect a room’s appearance.

While replacing tiles and installing floating floors are lasting, they are also time-consuming and expensive. However, as a more permanent solution, this method is ideal if you are undergoing a renovation or redesign.

When deciding on a solution, it is essential you consider the overall look of your home and carefully weigh up the pros and cons of each option before making a commitment as some can’t be undone.

But if you decide on an anti-slip tile treatment that will give you the best outcome, your first choice should be Slip Doctors Sydney.

Each year, falls, trips and slips account for thousands of preventable injuries in the workplace. According to Safe Work Australia, the most common injuries from falls and slips are cuts, bruises, fractures, dislocations and musculoskeletal damage, as well as more serious injuries, including death.

How can we avoid these accidents? Sure, homeowners and aged care centres can eliminate slipping hazards by investing in shower mats and bathmats. But, more often than not, these slip resistant methods are not very effective when the surface is wet and soapy. Add to that hygiene issues as well as shower and bath mats pose a great challenge when trying to keep things clean.

So, what better a way is there than to introduce anti-slip treatment to tiles and other surfaces? Non-slip or anti-slip flooring not only improves grip wear but extends the life of your floors too.

Without further delay, let’s take a look at what anti-slip treatment is.

What is slip-resistant flooring? 

Slip resistant flooring creates positive traction to minimise the risk of falling or slipping. Defined by the roughness of a surface and how it forms traction, slip resistance can be measured using a metric known as the Coefficient of Friction (COF).  According to the Australian Standard for slip resistance, floor surfaces must achieve a minimum COF of 0.4 in wet and/or dry conditions. For example, a COF of 0.39 would be considered unsafe and a COF of 0.40 is considered safe. Australian Standard 4586-2013 requires that slip resistance classifications are required for all ramp floor surfaces, any tread surface or nosing strips on it, and landing surfaces. It applies to all surface types and finishes such as carpet, timber, tiles, concrete, metal and vinyl. So, it is safe to assume that slip resistant or non-slip flooring is incredibly important.

Why is slip-resistant flooring so important? 

Aside from the fact that it is a legal requirement for commercial properties to install non-slip flooring, slipping over is not something to be laughed off. As we have already witnessed, preventable falls and slips account for thousands of injuries every year. Not everyone is fortunate enough to slip or fall and suffer from just a hurt pride or bruised ego, especially those aged 65 and over. Between 2003 and 2015, 386 workers died as a result of falls, and 23% of these led to major claims worth millions.

Let’s look at an example – ceramic tiles. They are not only strong and sturdy but also shiny and modern. Add a drop of water to them and they become extremely slippery. Add a pair of sleek high-heeled shoes to the tiles and water, and you have a nasty accident waiting to happen.

This is where anti-slip tile treatments come to save the day. When applied to ceramic tiles, anti-slip treatment increases the tiles’ general friction without damaging their finish or colour.

Where is slip resistant flooring beneficial? 

Non-slip flooring is of benefit in more places than you could ever imagine. Without a doubt, it is crucial in showers, bathrooms and swimming pools. But kitchens, laundries, porches, steps and ramps when wet also benefit immensely from being treated with non-slip coating. And flooring surfaces vary significantly in the type of material they comprise – ceramic, porcelain, granite, mosaic tiles, terrazzo flooring and concrete.

So, as you might expect, different surfaces require different treatments. The next section takes a look at a few of the various anti-slip treatment methods.

Non-slip treatment methods 

There are many different ways to increase the slip resistance of floors. As they provide different slip resistance levels it is always important to talk to the experts. Anti-slip treatment in Sydney professionals, Slip Drs Sydney, will go above and beyond to ensure you receive the correct anti-slip treatment for your floors. Check out the below methods to familiarise yourself with some of the treatments we offer.

Anti-slip paint

One of the quickest and easiest methods, anti-slip paint is fast to apply and durable enough to last you for quite a few years. It provides not only top levels of safety but peace of mind. Reducing slipping potential, anti-slip paint is also very cost-effective. Slip Drs Sydney can provide you with a free sample before you decide if anti-slip paint is right for you.

Coatings

Coatings are often a polymer, such as polyurethane or epoxy, ingrained with a level of grit. The level of grit varies according to how slip resistant you require the surface to be.

The way to decide on the treatment best for you is to have a chat to the experts at Slip Drs Sydney. But before you do, let’s quickly delve into the numerous benefits you will experience from choosing to treat your floors with non-slip coating.

Key benefits of non-slip flooring 

Control over the floor’s appearance

When you choose to treat your floors, you can go for a treatment that either maintains the look and feel of the surface or opt to enhance your floor’s aesthetic appeal.

Useful not only in wet conditions but greasy too, anti-slip treatment works well on indoor and outdoor surfaces, enriching the beauty of your floors while delivering a long-term solution.

Minimum disruption

You can’t often spare much time shutting your business down for non-slip treatment. No need to worry – we can carry out the flooring treatment during business hours without any disruption. Respecting your work and privacy, we will complete the job in record time.

Cost-effective

You will save yourself a lot of money in the long run by cutting down on flooring maintenance costs and protecting the reputation of your facility and business.

Less risk of accidents

Probably the most important benefit of all, non-slip flooring renders your home or business a safe environment for all and increases morale and productivity in the workplace.

Prevention of costly lawsuits

As previously encountered, Australia requires employers to ensure the health and safety of all employees. Should any employee fall or slip in the workplace and sustain an injury that keeps them out of work for months, the employer will be responsible for the injury that took place. This could end up costing the employer a lot of money down the track as a result of negligence. To avoid such expensive hassles, all businesses owners are advised to install non-slip coating to floors.

Easy to clean and hygienic

The installation of non-slip coating means that your floor is also stain-resistant and therefore more hygienic than a floor that has not been treated. When something falls on and dirties a non-slip floor, you can simply wipe the stain off. The coating allows for non-stickiness and non-absorbing, making for an easy to clean floor.

Last words 

At the end of the day, the professionals at Slip Doctors offer you the best anti-slip treatment in Sydney. Our range of solutions are not only effective but reliable, and we can install our floor coatings seamlessly, without interrupting your schedule.

Available 24 hours a day, Slip Doctors Sydney can offer a no-obligation free quote as well as an on-site demo so you can see just how effective our products are.

Speak to our friendly team at Slip Doctors, book a consultation and put your safety in our capable hands while we give you years of problem-free floors.

The most common area of the home for slip and fall accidents is the bathroom. This may come as no surprise considering the slick, hard surfaces that are then made even worse by adding water. There are, however, some things you can do to reduce the dangerous conditions of your bathroom and protect your family in the process.

Slip Doctors Sydney are the experts when it comes to helping a home become slip-free. Read on for some tips on how to make the bathroom a much safer place.

1. Avoid the rug

They may be stylish, but rugs and pieces of carpet are slippery floor coverings that cause many accidents. It makes sense that you may use a bathmat in the bathroom to ensure people don’t slip over, but if they are not secured by double-faced tape or slip-resistant backings, they will often do more harm than good.

2. Preventing a slippery tub

The bathtub is the most slippery part of the bathroom, so to protect yourself and your family while taking a bath or shower. Use non slip strips, tiles or mats for extra grip when you scrub-a-dub-dub. It is, however, important to note that these implements should be installed properly. Uplifted corners can cause a tripping hazard which is certainly just as bad as a slipping one.

3. Ensuring the bathroom is clean

Soap residue or mould can build up quite quickly in the bathroom, and it is very slippery stuff. Stick to a regular cleaning schedule, so this doesn’t become a problem. This is not only a hygienic strategy but you’ll also always enjoy a clean bathroom if you do!

4. Keep the bathroom as dry as possible

The bathroom is obviously going to be a wet place. Making sure that the floor is kept as dry as possible with things like a weighted shower curtain can avoid unnecessary leaks onto the floor and a buildup of excess water. Always mop up the water on the tiles when done to create a safe space for whoever has the bathroom slot scheduled after yours!

5. Grab bars and railing

Especially as we get older, it can be tricky to keep our balance. This is even more so the case when the floor is wet and slippery. Grab bars or rails around the shower, bathtub, and toilet can help. It is important to ensure before installing that it will be able to hold your weight.

6. Install good lighting

Quality bathroom lighting is vital to make sure you can see where you step at night in a wet bathroom. A nightlight or illuminated switch can also make those late-night bathroom trips a lot safer.

7. Raise the toilet seat

It is not something we often think about, but sometimes our toilet seat is too low! A toilet seat extender raised seat. A low toilet seat can make it easier to get up safely. This can be particularly helpful for those with mobility issues.

8. Use a shower seat

You can’t slip over when you are sitting down! As we age, standing up for long periods can be difficult, and we can minimise the risk of taking a wrong step in the shower by sitting while cleaning. Who doesn’t want shower time to be a little more comfortable?

9. Use an adjustable shower head

A handheld or adjustable shower head helps to minimise shower movements even more. A lot of shower accidents occur when we are rushing or making sudden movements that do not go well with a slippery surface. Make things easier by making the shower come to you!

10. Anti-slip tile treatment in the bathroom

A very effective solution to slippery bathroom floor tiles is the range of leading clear-coat products offered by Slip Doctors Sydney that can increase the static friction on your bathroom flooring. These solutions can be customised to residential needs to increase safety in wet areas like bathrooms, as well as kitchens and pool areas.

Our industry-leading anti-slip solutions are ready for use immediately and have quality guarantees for effectiveness, so you know you have a solution that can be relied on.

The benefits of Slip Doctors anti-slip tile treatments

All of our anti-slip treatments come with a two-year guarantee and offer an expected lifetime of around five years or more. The best part is, the installation process is very quick, so you won’t be without a bathroom for any length of time! In fact, the floor of your bathroom will be ready to use immediately after treatment. Our treatments will not affect your tiles’ aesthetic and are effective for use in all types of wet areas. They are also very easy to clean and comply with all Australian OH&S standards.

Want to increase the safety of your bathroom? Chat with the Doctor today!

Speak with the experts at Slip Doctors for the finest anti-slip treatment Sydney can offer. Our range of solutions include non-slip treatments with reliable and effective grip for in the bathroom. We offer a friendly and professional service that quickly installs a non-slip treatment to not impact your schedule.

No matter what type of bathroom design you have, our anti-slip treatments are suitable for all floor types, including natural stone, vinyl, timber, epoxy, concrete and more. We are available 24-hours a day and will offer a no-obligation free quote and on-site demo so you can see how effective our treatments will be in your home.

For the best anti-slip treatment in Sydney and greater NSW, speak to the friendly team at Slip Doctors Sydney today and we’ll book a consultation. Put the safety of yourself and your family within the home first with our help.

When we see someone slip over in a movie or on a TV show, we often laugh. Slipping and falling is a slapstick joke in the world of entertainment. In the real world, however, these accidents are severe and can lead to significant injury. As a result, the requirements of a non-slip floor treatment for your home or commercial property can not go by the wayside.

Many property owners fail to think about this critical safety requirement until it’s too late. To help, the experts at Slip Doctors Sydney have compiled some ways to prevent slipping accidents below. A slip can lead to sprains and fractures, or even worse, traumatic brain injuries resulting in permanent disability or worse, death.

Avoid this on your property. Read on to learn more about making your space safer for all who use it.

The dangers of a slip

Slipping is not only a health hazard; it can be a costly exercise. Claims from slipping accidents show that hospital costs missed work, and workers’ compensation costs show how pricey a slip can be. There are many reasons why floors become slippery, such as moisture, grease, dust, too much floor polish or cleaning chemicals.

How to get rid of slippery floors

Luckily, keeping your family, employees and customers safe isn’t that hard when it comes to a slippery floor. There are proper maintenance and cleaning techniques that you can use and ways to keep floors dry at all times.

It is vital to constantly wipe away any moisture straight away as the most obvious issue is a wet spot on the floor. This is an accident waiting to happen.

It can also help if you use a degreasing agent in areas exposed to oil, like a commercial kitchen or home garage floors. Simple mopping with water won’t cut it when it comes to oil. A degreasing agent compatible with your floor type and the right kind of cleaner and polish is the best way to ensure your floor is as least slippery as possible.

If the wrong kind of cleaning chemicals are used on a floor, a buildup can occur, making things slippery. Matching your cleaners and polishes to the exact type of floor you have is very important, and often something many fail to realise as a requirement. Always test a new cleaner on a small portion of your floors to see if it is slippery before wasting time and money on cleaning the whole floor with it.

Cleaning your floors thoroughly

When you clean a floor, the residues of moisture, wax, grease, or soap can contribute to a slippery floor. A thorough cleaning ensures the floors are free of these elements and is a simple way to make things less slippery.

Always use a dry mop after cleaning or polishing as grease, soap, and moisture can cling to the mop you used in the initial clean. Reusing it can create a layer of grease, soap, or moisture left over, causing the floors to become slippery.

After cleaning, clean your mops properly to remove this residue, ready for the next clean. You can also invest in some matting for high-use areas, but be aware that different mats are designed for different areas. They can prevent slip and falls if used in the right spaces.

Utilising an anti-slip treatment floor treatment

Another solution to slippery flooring is the use of a clear-coat product that can increase the static friction on your flooring. These solutions can be customised to both residential and commercial properties and applied to general access areas, wet areas and more.

There is a range of traditional anti-slip solutions which can be somewhat time-consuming and expensive. Many people steer clear of these options as they have strong chemical smells and extensive drying times.

As with most industries and products, however, things have come a long way. The improvements in the world of non-slip floor treatments used here at Slip Doctors Sydney avoid these older issues. Our treatments are ready for use immediately, come with quality guarantees for effectiveness and service, and are installed by our team, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

• Commercial Anti Slip Treatment Service Sydney
• Residential  Anti Slip Treatment Service Sydney

The benefits of the Slip Doctors Sydney non-slip floor treatments include:

• A two-year guarantee on all products
• An expected five-year lifetime or more in some cases
• Flooring that is ready to use immediately
• No change to the aesthetic of your flooring
• Effective in all wet areas
• A treatment that makes routine cleaning easy
• Complies with all Australian OH&S standards

Best of all, we offer a free demonstration so you can see for yourself if the product does what it claims. This shows how it will work with your specific flooring surface before you move ahead with a full installation.

Want to make sure your flooring is safe for all who use it?

As a home or property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure that everyone who uses the space is safe. Our anti-slip floor treatments are not coatings; they go beyond this to ensure reliable and effective grip for the lifespan of the product.

Our professional services offer non-slip treatments delivered with a full-service treatment inclusive of customer service and quality of work guarantees. Our non-slip solutions are useful across a range of flooring types, including:

• Natural stone
• Tiles
• Vinyl
• Timber
• Epoxy
• Concrete
• And more

Our team is available 24-hours a day, ready to provide a no-obligation free quote and on-site demo so you can see first-hand how effective our treatments can be in your space. Contact us today and see what the best anti-slip treatment in Sydney and greater NSW can do. Contact the friendly staff here at Slip Doctors Sydney, arrange a consultation and enjoy the peace of mind in knowing your areas are much safer as a result.

Related Posts:

• What are the different types of Non-Slip Floor Treatment?
• The Best Anti-Slip Treatment for Ceramic Tiles
• Anti Slip flooring is a must for supermalls

When it comes to finding the right non-slip floor treatments for your needs, there are a lot of things to consider. While many people’s first thought is aesthetics, the effectiveness of the treatment being applied should also be a focus. 

There are several different treatments available to increase the slip resistance of your surfaces. These can include:

• Non-slip paint
• Acid etching treatments
• Shot blasting
• Anti-slip coating
• Grinding
• Adhesive strips
• And more

So which is right for you? As the experts in anti-slip solutions and tile treatments, Slip Doctors Sydney explores some of these methods below to help you gather information on the best ways to increase floor safety. As effectiveness will vary depending on the surface and other factors, you shouldn’t make a final decision until you’ve spoken to one of our expert team!

The various non-slip floor treatment methods

Increasing the slip resistance of floors can be done in a number of ways. Certain treatments provide different slip resistance levels, which is why it is vital to speak to the experts to ensure you have the right one for your needs.

Not all solutions will be appropriate for your location, which trims your options down a little. It is also important to consider your budget. The main anti-slip and non-slip treatments available include the following:

Anti-slip paint

Anti-slip paint is one of the fastest and simplest methods to reduce slipping potential. It has a quick application process and is durable enough to last you for quite a few years. It has very little downtime and provides some of the highest levels of safety and peace of mind.

This can also be a very cost-efficient solution. You can obtain a free sample before deciding whether or not this is right for you.

Acid Etching

This solution eats into the surface of your flooring, increasing the roughness and micro-porosity. There is a risk that the surface could discolour and you will need to alter the way you clean your flooring.

Coatings

Coatings are often a polymer such as epoxy or polyurethane that have a level of grit embedded in them. The slip resistance is relative to the size and packing structure of the grit, often available in varying degrees.

Shot Blasting

This method involves a material that is shot against the floor’s surface to increase the slip rating. This is generally used in more industrial environments such as large commercial areas like car parks.

Grinding

This anti-slip treatment involves large diamond grinding pads which ground the surface to increase roughness. Similar to shot blasting, the aesthetics and cleanability of the flooring will be affected.

Adhesive Strips

Adhesive strips have grit embedded in them and are easy to apply but may require replacement on a regular basis. This is a customizable option for a range of different spaces but it does create a specific aesthetic that may or may not suit your tastes.

Deciding which treatment is best for you

The best way to decide which treatment is best for your situation is slip resistance and any other relevant characteristic that affects your specific floor surface’s form and function. For example, these can include:

• Cost
• Cleanability
• Mechanical properties
• Adhesion to surface
• Aesthetics

The effectiveness of the various treatments and coatings mentioned above is rated against the Australian Standard AS 4360 Risk Management. This provides a systematic approach to help you evaluate the various options available.

Anti-slip vs Non-slip

The terms anti-slip and non-slip are somewhat misleading as every surface will have a degree of slippage regardless of how slip resistant the surface is. This means that there may be instances on a “non-slip” surface where someone could slip and fall.

Anti-slip and non-slip should be considered a preventative measure as opposed to total slip and fall prevention. In knowing this, it is important to keep an eye out for companies or products that do, in fact, claim their treatment is completely slip-proof via a guarantee or warranty.

Independent NATA accredited slip resistance testing is the best way to confirm the slip resistance of a surface. It is recommended that this testing be performed every three months to ensure the flooring is still suitable to prevent slips or falls.

Get the answer with a test sample

There is no better way to find out if a flooring treatment will work for you then trying it out! At Slip Doctors Sydney, we’ll pop out and run a test sample on your flooring so you can see first-hand if it will work for you.

This is a free service with no obligation to move forward. We want to ensure that you are not only happy with your non-slip floor treatment but that it will perform the function it is meant to. Speak to us today about organising your sample and get a definitive answer on whether or not a non-slip floor treatment will work for you.

Speak to the non-slip floor treatment experts in Sydney today

Slip Doctors Sydney is one of the leading providers when it comes to anti-slip solutions and tile treatments. With years of experience providing the best solutions for residential and commercial industries, our obligation-free quote and sample is the best way to go about choosing the right treatment for you.

We work hard to ensure you are satisfied with the chosen non-slip tile treatment to your tile. Our team works closely with you to handle the whole process of applying anti-slip treatment to your floors, giving our industry-leading knowledge and recommendations to ensure your safety.

Call us for a sample today and take the proper steps to ensure those who use your property are protected. When it comes to safety, no corners should be cut. Trust the experts for total peace of mind.

Using ceramic tiles for your commercial or residential flooring offers many benefits. Read on to learn more about non-slip treatments for tiles, and how the team here at Slip Doctors Sydney remain at the forefront of anti-slip treatment technology.

Ceramic tiles have been utilised for construction, flooring and art for thousands of years. Some of the earliest references to ceramic tiles go back to the 4th century BC in the Middle East and found their way to Europe via the Roman empire.

This robust, versatile and artistic building material has stood the test of time and is still a leading material used for flooring around the globe to this day. Although technologies, production, firing and finishing methods have developed over thousands of years, the product itself has remained relatively the same.

Whether your residential or commercial property has a classic or contemporary decor, ceramic tiles are versatile in that they can be left to show their natural rustic beauty, or be painted and glazed with striking colours, gloss finishes and ornate artistic designs.

Advantages of ceramic floor tiles

Using ceramic tiles for your commercial or residential flooring offers many benefits, including ecological sustainability. Ceramic is most commonly made from various natural clays dug straight out of the earth. It is then fired at a high temperature until it becomes hard and durable.

Some of the other benefits that ceramic tiles offer include:

• Water resistance
• Hardwearing and scratch-resistant
• Easy to maintain
• Hypoallergenic
• Naturally cooling
• Environmentally friendly and sustainable
• Recyclable and more

Ceramic tiles are also easy to replace if one does happen to crack, and have the potential to add value to your property.

For all their positives, however, ceramic tiles can present a significant slip-hazard when dirty or wet, and they have caused their fair share of minor and sometimes severe injury over the years. 

This hazard has prompted ingenious inventors around the world to develop non-slip solutions that do not compromise the aesthetic of the ceramic tiles designs and finishes.

Read on to learn more about non-slip treatments for tiles, and how the team here at Slip Doctors Sydney remain at the forefront of anti-slip treatment technology.

The science of slipping

Slipping occurs when there is an intense decrease in the coefficient of static friction between a moving person and the supporting surface on which they are walking or standing.

People often have mild slips that do not result in a fall and forget about it not long after. When a more intense slip occurs, it usually happens faster than a person’s nervous system can respond, resulting in a very swift and violent descent.

Ceramic tiles are strong and sturdy, but often do not provide a high friction surface, making them incredibly slippery when wet, or when incompatible footwear makes contact. Anti-slip treatments can be applied to ceramic tiles to increase the surface’s general friction without negatively affecting the tiles finish and grouting colour.

Slippery statistics

Most people have slipped over at least once or twice in their lives, and even if we are lucky enough not to suffer any physical injury, there is usually some hurt pride or bruised ego.

Slipping over is not something to be laughed off. Preventable slips and falls result in thousands of severe injuries every year; some even resulting in death.

Some of the most common injuries caused by falls on slippery floors include:

• Head injuries
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Broken bones
• Cuts and bruises
• Fractures and dislocations
• Fatalities

People aged 65 and over account for approximately 95% of all fatal falls; the highest mortality rate in those aged 85-years and over. These accidents occurred both at home and in professional care facilities. In the workplace, the figures are also a cause for concern. 

In Australia between the years 2003 to 2015, falls caused the death of 386 workers. 23% led to serious claims worth millions, negatively affecting those injured, their families, and financially devastating some businesses.

Between 2002 and 2005, the estimated annual costs for these unnecessary deaths was $250 million, and a further $1.28 billion for hospital admissions, excluding indirect costs. These are concerning statistics, especially in the knowledge that many of these falls could have been avoided.

The team here at Slip Doctors Sydney take these figures seriously and we do our bit to help prevent these unfortunate and sometimes fatal incidents from occurring through our commitment to remaining at the cutting edge of anti-slip treatments and applications. 

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The best anti-slip treatment for ceramic floors

With these statistics in mind, it is relieving to know that there is a solution to slippery ceramic floor tiles. There is a range of leading clear-coat products that can increase the coefficients of static friction on your flooring.

These solutions can be customised to any ceramic tile flooring in both residential and commercial properties.

Examples of property owners that could benefit from ceramic floor anti-slip treatments include:

• Homeowners
• Residential property owners
• Apartments and hotels
• Restaurants, cafes and eateries
• Bars, pubs and clubs
• Entertainment and event venues
• Retail shops and shopping centres
• Hospitals and medical facilities
• Pools and sporting facilities
• Disability and aged care facilities

These solutions can be applied to general access areas or increase safety in wet areas like kitchens, bathrooms and pools.

Traditional anti-slip treatment solutions could be time-consuming and expensive, with strong chemical smells and requiring extensive drying time. The industry-leading anti-slip treatment solutions we use here at Slip Doctors Sydney are ready for use immediately and come with quality guarantees for product quality, effectiveness and service.

Benefits of having your tiles treated by the team here at Slip Doctors Sydney include:

• 2-year guarantee with an expected lifetime of around five years or more between applications.
• The floor is ready to use immediately after treatment.
• Does not affect the aesthetic of your tiles
• Effective in all wet areas
• Ease of cleaning
• Complies with all Australian OH&S standards

Expert anti-slip treatment professionals

Our anti-slip solutions are non-slip treatments, not coatings, ensuring reliable and effective grip for the application’s lifespan. By utilising our professional services for your non-slip treatments, you will also receive our customer services and quality of work guarantees.

Our expert anti-slip treatment professionals also offer non-slip solutions for all other floor types, including:

• Natural stone
• Vinyl
• Timber
• Epoxy
• Concrete and more

We are available 24-hours a day and can provide a no-obligation free quote and onsite demo. If you are looking for the best anti-slip treatment, Sydney and greater NSW, call the friendly staff here at Slip Doctors Sydney today to arrange a consultation.