The FAQ's on Slip Resistance
(Coefficient of Friction)

Answer:
There are several ways to increase the C.O.F. on existing tiles and they all appear to have some advantages and disadvantages.

a. Surface coatings. A simple, painless, quick fix; however, the negative is that they wear off and have to be replaced on a regular basis.

b. Surface etchings. Hydrochloric acid is normally used, causing damage to the glaze and thus improve the slip- resistance. In the long-term the glaze has been damaged and maintenance will increasingly become more difficult. How that balances against an improved C.O.F. must be determined by the end user. An economical surface treatment using slightly less caustic products is Safeworld's Suregrip product, available from Safeworld International at 1-800-648-0924. This product does not require licensed applicators and has been endorsed by major national restaurant chains in increasing slip resistance of tile floors.

c. 'Shot-blasting' the surface. This is the least desirable, particularly to glazed tile, unless you want the surface considerably rougher. It has proven viable on unglazed quarry and porcelains, but should be done lightly on exterior applications only.

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Answer:
First, we must identify the type of tile; glazed, unglazed, surface texture, etc. Next, based on your experience, is it a tile problem or would a more intense maintenance program solve the situation? If it is the tile, you basically have three options:

1. A surface coating (see details in question #2).

2. Surface etching (see details in question #2).

3. Replace only the tile in the immediate area of the salad bar with a tile having a higher slip resistance factor. Consideration should be given to an abrasive tile because of the constant presence of food oil.

Regardless of which option you choose, you must immediately institute an intense maintenance program to thoroughly clean the area after each of the main eating periods; breakfast, lunch and dinner. Careful consideration should be given to each step of the maintenance, the cleaning agent and procedures, such as using a brush rather than a mop.

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Answer:
The only C.O.F. test procedure the tile industry recognizes complies with ANSI A137.1, which specifies ASTM C1028-89. This is a static C.O.F. test using the horizontal dynamometer pull method with Neolite sensor. Neither ANSI nor ASTM C1028-89 specifies a value for coefficicent of friction.

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