ANSI Requires Slip Resistant Flooring for Material Recovery Facilities in Waste Management Industry
An article titled “Don’t Stumble Over Safety” by Larry Trojak addresses safety issues that often plague the waste management industry. The safety stance within material recovery facilities is examined and proactive steps are commended. Safety guidelines and practices have become more strict in order to protect employees and minimize worker liability costs.
The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) wrote a guide of uniform regulations for material recover facilities titled ANSI Z245, “Facilities for the Processing of Commingled Recyclable Materials: Safety Requirements.” From implementing an emergency stop feature at sorting stations to prohibiting employees from riding on conveyors, safety guidelines such as these are critical to the waste management industry
One guideline, 7.3.5.5 Flooring (sorting station) states, “Flooring shall be constructed of a slip resistant material that can be readily cleaned of the types of wastes or recyclable materials which are processed in the facility.”
A non-slip steel floor is often used in manufacturing/processing facilities, such as waste management and recycling facilities, due to the fact a steel floor can stand up to the harshest of environments and heaviest traffic. Other options such as taped on, painted on, epoxy and other temporary solutions may need to be replaced often and are not an optimal solution in an environment such as a material recovery facility. Plastic and rubber slip solutions may chip, crack or wear under the tremendous wheeled traffic and machinery. Raised surface choices tend to wear quickly and smooth over time.
A long term solution such as SlipNOT® steel floor plate has proven to remain slip resistant in the most detrimental environments and lasts years longer than other short term solutions. SlipNOT® stainless steel floor plate is also used due to the corrosion, chemical resistant properties it has to offer.
Trojak, Larry. “Don’t Stumble Over Safety.” Waste Age Feb 1997 http://wasteage.com/mag/waste_dont_stumble_safety/
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