Transport terminals combine several factors increasing the risk of a slip; high footfall, crowds, distractions, high risk users, sudden changes of direction, rushing pedestrians, some carrying luggage, food/drink spillages and either exposure to the elements or with a high likelihood of water ingress from adjacent exposed areas. Happily, it is the case that most station platforms, being constructed largely of asphalt or concrete, offer a safe level of grip in both the dry and the wet. In our experience it is the smaller under cover areas, incorrectly assumed to be protected from water contamination, which pose the greatest risk of a slip and indeed are subject to most of our forensic investigations.
Risk assessment
High footfall and the need to provide a clean, bright, modern transport facility means that interior areas will typically feature a hard wearing smooth stone finish. Vitrified tiles and glass is a common addition to more recent constructions. Whilst these and similar high gloss surfaces will likely provide an excellent level of grip in the dry they are likely to pose a significant slip risk in the wet. Surfaces can often be reliably maintained in a dry and therefore safe condition in environments such as airports where external entrances are limited, but a thorough risk assessment is recommended for railway and bus stations typically featuring both external areas and a number of routes into the building.
Determining how far water ingress extends
Determining how far water ingress extends into interior areas is as simple as inspecting those areas in particularly wet weather, an easy task in the current British ‘summer’. It is important to note that only a few drops of water are sufficient to lubricate a slip. Areas not subject to water ingress can generally be considered safe, provided that the surface is clean, constantly monitored for any food/drink spills and any wet cleaning processes are limited to closed surfaces. Additional sources of contamination such as condensation, sinks/basins, drinks dispensers etc should be considered when determining if an area is dry in end use. Of the thousands of floors tested we have only ‘failed’ two in clean and dry conditions.
Surfaces that are located internally but are subject to water ingress in adverse weather make up the majority of our forensic investigations. Whilst exterior areas tend to benefit from effective anti-slip finishes, interior surfaces are typically erroneously considered dry even immediately adjacent doorways. Even the most modern entrance design, featuring an external canopy, hot air blowers, revolving doors and dewatering/barrier matting will not prevent water dripping from clothes, umbrellas, bags etc on to the floor surface. The high footfall in transport terminals further increases the rate of water ingress, and with more people crossing the surface the likelihood of a slip injury is greater. The only reliable solution to this problem is to ensure the floor surface offers a safe level of grip in wet conditions. This can sometimes be achieved through effective cleaning (for surfaces like terrazzo or limestone), but will often require an anti-slip treatment or replacement of the surface.
Slip testing in transport terminals
In summary, transport terminals will feature surfaces in three distinct environments, external, internal but subject to water contamination and internal where contamination can be reliably managed. For external surfaces we recommend periodic Pendulum slip testing in order to provide documented evidence of a safe surface and a robust defence against slip injury claims. For internal surfaces subject to water contamination it is most important initially simply to define these areas. It can then be determined whether the surface offers a safe level of grip and, if not, what is the most cost effective solution. You may find our impartial and unbiased assessment invaluable in this regard. Finally for internal surfaces that can be reliably managed a thorough risk assessment should be conducted in order to identify any potential contamination sources and the effective control of those sources. Remember that if a slip does occur in wet conditions on a ‘dry’ internal area you are very likely to be found liable.
A proactive approach to slip risk assessment can prevent unnecessary accidents, ensure a robust defence against any slip claims and provide valuable information on the effect of cleaning regimes on the slip resistance of the surface. For those seeking compliant surfaces and defence against slip and fall claims, our slip testing service is an ideal starting point. Our prices are competitive nationwide, our advice impartial, and our reports regularly used in the defence/prosecution of personal injury cases.
