According to OSHA Docket No. S-775 A on Steel Erection; Slip Resistance of Skeletal Structural Steel: “OSHA received evidence that workers were slipping and falling when working on painted or coated structural steel surfaces.  The Agency decided that requiring the use of slip resistant coatings on these surfaces would help address the slipping and falling hazard.”  OSHA is stating that painting or powder coating metal materials, such as steel floor plates, would only provide a temporary solution until the paint or powder coating wears or chips after years of use.  Slip resistant steel floor plates would provide a permanent slip resistant solution for workers, regardless of their work environment, thus reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

OSHA continues by stating that “workers shall not be permitted to walk the top surface of any structural steel member installed after July 18^th, 2006 that has been coated with paint or similar material unless documentation or certification that the coating has achieved a minimum average slip resistance of 0.50.”  Slip resistant steel floor plates have exceeded the minimum average slip resistance, or Coefficient of Friction (COF).  Non slip steel floor plates have a COF of 0.98, thus doubling the necessary requirement for slip resistance. 

When utilizing steel floor plates in applications such as industrial flooring, metal walkways and slip resistant platforms, use slip resistant steel floor plates instead of painted steel plates to ensure your employees the safety and security needed in harsh environments for many years to come.

OSHA.  “Steel Erection; Slip Resistance of Skeletal Structural Steel.” http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FEDERAL_REGISTER&p_id=18199

Filed under: Steel Floor Plate by nmoran Social tagging: floor > flooring > plate > plates > resistant > slip > steel > surface