When selecting a flooring for a commercial space there are many factors that need to be taken into consideration, and the highest priority should be given to safety concerns. Here’s a look at the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) standards for flooring in the workplace, and how to ensure that you are compliant with the regulations.

The HSE website explains that the flooring should be suitable for the type of work activity taking place on it, and that it is in good condition and free from obstructions so that people can move around safely. 

When the flooring is to be installed in an area where moisture is present or it will be prone to spills and splashes, for example in a commercial kitchen or a leisure centre, then anti-slip or speciality flooring solutions should be used. This is flooring with a deliberate roughness or texture to make it more grippy underfoot and reduce the possibility of slips.

The floorspace should be assessed for potential trip and slip hazards on a regular basis. As well as wet or contaminated surfaces, uneven surfaces caused by worn out or badly fitted carpets or tiles can also be a major trip hazard. Unmarked changes in floor levels can also cause trips and falls. 

Managers responsible for maintaining health and safety standards in the workplace and other public buildings should make regular risk assessments and put the necessary preventative measures in place. These include establishing effective cleaning protocols so that spills and moisture are promptly and regularly removed from flooring.

Uneven surfaces caused by worn flooring should be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Where a hazard has been identified and can’t be addressed immediately, clear warning signs should be placed. 

Poor lighting is another cause of trips and falls, especially in high traffic areas and stairwells. Therefore ensure that these areas are well lit at all times. Inappropriate footwear may also increase the risk of slipping and falling so ensure that all visitors and staff adhere to any footwear policies. 

There is also an onus to educate employees about the importance of maintaining a safe work environment and reporting any hazards promptly to the relevant person. Any customers or visitors to the building should be made aware of potential hazards with clear signs and markings. 

It’s important to bear in mind that HSE inspectors may carry out slipperiness assessments of flooring material in public areas, particularly if there will be high foot traffic. They will use industry standard pendulum and surface microroughness analysis techniques to test how slippery the floor will be under different levels of contamination.

If the inspectors conclude from the results of the test that the floor is unacceptably slippy under normal working conditions, they will order for it to undergo an etching treatment to increase the resistance levels, or possibly even request that the flooring be completely replaced.

Therefore it’s crucial to seek professional advice if you are unsure of what type of safety flooring is required for a public building or workplace.