Free online tool for assessing slippery surfaces

A new online Slips Assessment Tool that evaluates potential risks to workers and others from floor slipping hazards in the workplace is being launched by the Health and Safety Executive.

A new online Slips Assessment Tool (SAT) that evaluates potential risks to workers and others from floor slipping hazards in the workplace is being launched by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

SAT has been designed for those with responsibility for assessing slip hazards on smooth floors prone to contamination from substances such as water, food, oil and dust.

Already being used successfully by HSE and local authority enforcement officers, it is now being made available to the wider health and safety community.

SAT is easy to use and full instructions are included with the software package, which can be downloaded from HSE's slips webpage.

Users will need to purchase a surface roughness meter.

The software consists of a computer-based package that is used in conjunction with a hand-held surface roughness meter to generate a 'slip-risk' rating.

This rating can then be used to determine the risk of pedestrians slipping in the area.

A summary of the results can be saved to file for further analysis, or a copy can be printed to provide those responsible for workplace safety with a record of the findings.

Unlike conventional slip test methods, SAT prompts the operator to consider a wide range of contributory factors, including floor surface properties, cleaning regimes and recontamination rates.

This will enable the user to determine the main causes of the slipping risk and identify the most effective remedial action to control it.

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