SLP/General/TBT-SLP-012

Anti-Slip Paint and Surface Treatment

Slips, Trips & Falls › General › Anti-Slip Paint and Surface Treatment

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Anti-slip surface treatments improve traction on stairs, ramps, walkways, and platforms on construction sites.
Products include anti-slip paint, adhesive grip strips, textured coatings, and aggregate surface dressings.
Application of anti-slip coatings requires surface preparation including cleaning, degreasing, and drying.
Some anti-slip products contain solvents and resins that require COSHH controls during application.
Proper curing time must be allowed before the treated surface is walked on or subjected to traffic.
Anti-slip treatments wear over time and must be inspected regularly and reapplied when worn smooth.
The coefficient of friction required depends on the location — ramps and wet areas need higher ratings.
Aggregate additives in coatings must be compatible with the base surface material.
Anti-slip strips on scaffold boards, steel plates, and temporary surfaces reduce slip incidents significantly.
The application area must be well ventilated if solvent-based products are used indoors.

Prevent falls	Slippery surfaces cause thousands of construction injuries annually — anti-slip treatments are a proven prevention method.
Cost effective	Surface treatments are inexpensive compared to the cost of a slip injury in lost time, treatment, and compensation.
High-risk areas	Ramps, stairs, and scaffolds in wet conditions benefit most from anti-slip treatments during the construction phase.

Don't

Clean and prepare surfaces thoroughly before applying any anti-slip treatment
Select anti-slip products rated for the expected foot traffic and environmental conditions
Complete a COSHH assessment for solvent-based anti-slip products before application
Allow full curing time before opening the treated surface to pedestrian or vehicle traffic
Apply anti-slip strips to scaffold boards, steel plates, and temporary ramps
Ventilate the area adequately when using solvent-based coatings in enclosed spaces
Inspect anti-slip surfaces regularly and reapply coatings when they become worn smooth
Use higher-rated anti-slip products on ramps, stairs, and areas frequently exposed to water
Brief workers on which surfaces have been treated and the curing time needed
Record where anti-slip treatments have been applied for maintenance scheduling

DON'T apply anti-slip coatings to wet, oily, or unprepared surfaces — they won't bond
DON'T walk on freshly applied anti-slip treatments before the curing time has elapsed
DON'T use indoor solvent-based products in unventilated spaces without RPE
DON'T assume anti-slip treatments last forever — they wear and need regular renewal
DON'T use smooth untreated surfaces on ramps, stairs, or scaffold platforms in wet areas
DON'T apply anti-slip products that are incompatible with the base surface material
DON'T substitute anti-slip strips for proper non-slip surfacing on permanent installations
DON'T ignore worn anti-slip surfaces — they become as slippery as untreated ones
DON'T leave cans and application equipment blocking the walkway after treatment
DON'T rely solely on anti-slip treatment — also manage water, mud, and debris on surfaces

See also: Slips, Trips and Falls Awareness | Good Housekeeping Standards

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