IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EN SLIP RESISTANCE TEST FOR FOOTWEAR

The Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL) use a ramp test method for assessing the slip resistance of footwear. The test involves an operator walking over an inclinable surface until the angle is reached at which a slip repeatedly occurs, indicating the Coefficient of Friction (CoF). The current International and European Standard test method for the measurement of the slip resistance of footwear, BS EN ISO 13287: 2007, is a mechanical test, which measures the CoF by attempting to recreate the action of a slipping shoe. The two tests show limited agreement, with the mechanical test often recording a higher CoF. This paper reports work to modify the parameters of the mechanical test, in an attempt to establish a relationship between the two test methods. The improved agreement between the test methods is reported, and ideas for further modification are outlined.