Onsite Assessments

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After surfaces have been installed, they are essentially deemed "existing surfaces", and as such, need to be tested to AS 4663. This Standard is used for testing existing pedestrian surface materials, with results expressed as a numerical value. 

There are only two (2) test methods in this Standard, 

• Appendix A - Wet Pendulum, where water is the contaminant used during testing

Note: Appendix A tests can be conducted with either Slider 96 (representative of shoe interactions with the surface), or Slider 55 (representative of barefoot or vehicular interactions with the surface). 

• Appendix B - Dry Floor Friction, where testing is conducted in the dry condition

Additional information is usually required to understand how the surface is performing, this is achieved through the provision of reporting which assess compliance or risk. 

At Safetech Consult, we are not limited to testing to Australian Standards for slip resistance, we also have experience testing to other International Standards - such as CEN 16165, BS 7976 and ASTM E303. Should these be of interest to you, contact our team. 

Whether you are in building and construction or have recently treated floors at your property, a slip test is an extremely useful tool in determining the suitability of the flooring installed/ treated. 

At Safetech Consult, we use slip resistance data obtained from testing to AS 4663, with results then compared against criteria set out by the National Construction Code (NCC), Handbook (HB) 198 and 197 (depending on the location of the material). 

This ultimately provides you with the information you require, enabling you to make informed decisions with how to progress through your project. 

*** We always recommend conducting tests onsite, prior to installation of intended flooring materials, or on in-situ treatment samples prior to conducting full treatments. This acts as a quality control activity, safeguarding your processes to avoid potential costs (should testing be performed after installation/ treatment, and the flooring is deemed unsuitable, needing to be re-installed/ re-treated). 

Property owners need to manage their risks and to provide a safe working environment for all people using the area. Slips, trips and falls pose a significant financial impact to many property owners, facility managers and commercial cleaners, to put it into perspective, Work Cover Victoria estimates that the total cost of slip, trip and fall injuries equate to approximately $1.5 billion per year across Australia. 

At Safetech Consult, we can assist you in avoiding/ mitigating such liabilities as we assess compliance or risk of slipping on surfaces. 

As a minimum, slip resistance testing of existing floors to AS 4663 should be conducted, we recommend this be conducted frequently - quarterly to annually depending on the nature of the facility. These results will then be interpreted using a risk assessment, so that you understand the risks involved with the surface. Within the reporting, we also provide you with information on how to proceed, the type of controls and/ or recommendations to improve the safety of the surface, ultimately reducing your risk.

To be compliant for disability access, properties must have specific materials installed that meet the Luminance Contrast requirements set out by AS 1428 and the National Construction Code (NCC). Luminance Contrast determination is performed after two (2) materials have been tested for their Luminous Reflectance Values (LRVs), these values are compared against one-another, with the result represented as a percentage contrast. 

Building Elements (BEs) can be contrasted in accordance with Appendix B of AS 1428.1. These are materials like stair nosings, doorways, disability toilets. All BEs must meet a 30% luminance contrast to comply with the NCC and AS 1428.1. 

Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) can be contrasted in accordance with Appendix E of AS 1428.4.1. TGSIs are categorised into three (3) different types, each with their own luminance contrast requirements.

• Integrated TGSIs, require a 30% luminance contrast
• Discrete TGSIs, require a 45% luminance contrast
• Composite Discrete TGSIs, require a 60% luminance contrast

At Safetech Consult, we provide additional assessments - in the form of, 

• Safe Movement Assessments 
• Lighting Assessments
• Stair Assessments
• Ramp Assessments
• Ladder Assessments
• Slip, Trip & Fall, Public Liability Assessments

Sometimes slips, trips and falls occur when surfaces meet suitable levels of slip resistance. This is usually attributed to poorly designed/ constructed spaces. Depending on your needs, we can work with you to establish an understanding of what may be attributing to an unsafe environment. 

Safety is no accident. At Safetech Consult, we assess properties, using technical expertise in the interpretation of Standards, Building Codes and Legislation, to provide you with the knowledge you need to make your property safe. 

At Safetech Consult, we also provide independent dimensional assessments on a range of building materials - including tiles, TGSIs and more. We also conduct testing on materials for Small Colour Difference. 

Please contact the team for more information.