Development of a Slip Hazard: Partially Wetted Floors and Film Formation

Abstract Slip and fall hazards on wetted surfaces represent a substantial safety concern both in the home and workplace. In the presence of liquid contaminants, the hazards associated with potential slip and fall accidents are greatly increased. However, it is unclear at what point a partially wetted floor transitions from being a slip-resistant surface to a slip hazard. The presented work examines the relationship between film formation and slip hazards on flooring surfaces. First, a theoretical model was developed to predict the approximate onset of film formation for liquid droplets deposited uniformly across a surface. Then, the slip hazard of wetted flooring samples at various liquid contaminant surface densities was determined using a British Pendulum skid tester and an English XL tribometer. These experimental results were then compared with the theoretical model in an effort to further understand the role film formation plays in forming slip hazards on partially wetted floors. Using the combined approach, the minimum surface density loading required for a potential slip and fall hazard on a partially wetted surface was determined. This threshold value can inform safety professions of the potential injury risk of floors as they transition between dry to wet conditions.