Factors to Consider

  1. Unless otherwise indicated, ceramic and porcelain tiles shouldn’t be used in areas where grease, oil, or water is a common occurrence on the floor both indoors or out.
     
  2. Maintenance is key to decreasing slip risk on floors. Improper care or use and improper cleaning/maintenance products can result in slippery build-up. Always follow manufacturer recommendations for the care and cleaning of tile floors.
     
  3. The tile industry uses AcuTest™ (ANSI A137.1 Section 6.9) to determine the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of tile. Ragno USA suggests that any independent testing other than AcuTest be carried out prior to product selection. Ragno USA does not warrant that any of its products will meet testing standards other than ANSI A137.1 Section 9.6.
     
  4. AcuTest, ANSI A137.1, specifies a wet DCOF of ≥.42 for interior tile in level spaces that will be used in wet conditions.
     
  5. No floor tile is “slip proof.”
     
  6. Minimizing foot traffic, using appropriate footwear, promptly cleaning up, providing efficient drainage, and keeping up with maintenance help to decrease slipping after a spill. Evaluate the application, use conditions, and maintenance program to determine product compatibility in any project before installation.
     
  7. Tile size impacts slip resistance in wet areas. Smaller sizes maximize drainage because more grout joints allow for better sloping to the drain. Larger format could result in planar variation that may increase the possibility of standing water.
     
  8. Ragno USA does not recommend application of polished or semi-polished tile in any areas subject to water, oil, or grease exposure.
     
  9. Ragno USA recommends the following guidelines in cooperation with a regular maintenance program to decrease risk of slipping:
     
Slip Hazard Example Area Classification
(includes, but is not limited to)		 Minimum DCOF
BOT3000
AcuTest (Wet)
Dry & Level Interior Public areas that are normally DRY, level, and contaminant free. Some examples are (but not limited to): hotel lobbies, apartments, public buildings, shopping centers (excluding food areas), hospitals, elevator lobbies, interior hallways, cafeterias, retail stores, theatre lobbies and other dry health service areas. Any
Wet & Level Interior Level public areas that are likely to be walked on when WET. Some examples are (but not limited to): Entry foyers of hotels, offices and other public buildings, supermarkets (entry areas, food preparation, produce, or any area where water may occasionally be present), shopping center food courts, and toilet facilities, and production areas not involving oil or fats.

In addition to this ANSI category defined above, Ragno USA also suggests using the following criteria. These are Ragno USA recommendations for the specified floor applications and are not ANSI standards:		 ≥ 0.42
Exterior Applications Service or recreation areas involving constant water where light or no footwear is used. Some examples are (but not limited to): public showers, steam rooms, swimming pool decks, and locker rooms. ≥ 0.60
Pool Decking & Other Wet Areas with minimal footwear Pedestrian areas that could be exposed to water (excluding ice), but are otherwise reasonably maintained, where footwear is typically used. Some examples are (but not limited to): walkways, gazebos, or patio areas. ≥ 0.60
Oils Service or production areas involving oils, greases, and/or fats. Some examples are (but not limited to): automotive fluids, catering areas, areas involving deep-fry and grill equipment, other food preparation areas involving grease or oil. BOH (Back of the house) quick service or family style restaurants or delicatessens. Any area where combined grease and water accumulation may be present.

Ragno USA recommends quarry and treaded paver products for this application.		 ≥ 0.60
Ramps & Inclines Inclined areas or ADA compliant ramps. Some examples are (but not limited to): Stairs and stair treads/nosings, wheelchair ramps, workshop bays (where no oil is present), sidewalks, and driveways where pedestrian tra c is normally present. ≥ 0.65