Technical Bulletin: Ground and Floor Surfaces

What is slip resistance?

In its simplest sense, a slip resistant surface is one that will permit an individual to walk across it without slipping. Contrary to popular belief, however, some slippage is in fact necessary for walking, especially for persons with restricted gaits who may drag their feet slightly. While increasing the slip-resistance of a surface is desirable within certain limits, a very high coefficient of friction may actually hinder safe and comfortable ambulation by persons with disabilities. In fact, a truly non-slip surface could not be negotiated.

While visual inspection can provide some Information about a surface such as its degree of cleanliness, whether It is wet or dry, and even the type or texture it exhibits, it cannot provide sufficiently accurate information about a surface to be used in design.

Even clean, dry surfaces with readily-apparent texture will not always be slip resistant. Materials which might be suitable for level surfaces may be inappropriate for sloping surfaces; materials specified for dry conditions may be unsafe when it rains; a leather shoe may perform poorly on smooth dry surfaces yet provide adequate traction when wet. The presence of moisture or other contaminants, the characteristics of the shoe sole or crutch tip making contact, the direction (uphill and downhill effects differ) and slope of travel all will affect the slip resistance of installed surfaces. It is this interaction of material characteristics and human responses which fully characterizes slip resistance.