International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2003
... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,J... more ... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,John Abeysekera a , Mikko Hirvonen b , Carita ... 2001; Eilert-Peterson and Schelp, 1998; Hassi et al., 2000; Hemenway and Colditz, 1990; Kemmlert and Lundholm, 2001; Leamon ...
Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. ... more Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. Slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces involve not only outdoor workers, but also pedestrians and the general public; and occur in cold regions and in winter season in many parts of the world. However, in comparison with the size of the problem, research on slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces has been scarce. The objective of this paper is to explore the slip resistant properties of footwear (soling materials, roughness and hardness) on ice. The coefficients of kinetic friction of four different soling materials (synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber and polyurethane) were measured on ice (-12 degrees C). The outsole roughness and hardness were also measured. Results showed that the polyurethane soling did not perform better than synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber and natural rubber on pure hard ice (-12 degrees C). Soling roughness was positively correlated with the coefficient of kinetic friction. The most slip resistant soling material (polyurethane) on floors and lubricated floors may not provide sufficient slip resistance on ice.
The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. ... more The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature on the biomechanics of gait relevant to slips. This knowledge can be used to develop slip resistance testing methodologies and to determine critical differences in human behaviour between slips leading to recovery and those resulting in falls. Ground reaction forces at the shoe-floor interface have been extensively studied and are probably the most critical biomechanical factor in slips. The ratio of the shear to normal foot forces generated during gait, known as the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during normal locomotion on dry surfaces or 'friction used/achievable' during slips, has been one biomechanical variable most closely associated with the measured frictional properties of the shoe/floor interface (usually the coefficient of friction or COF). Other biomechanical factors that also play an important role are the kinematics of the foot at heel contact and human responses to slipping perturbations, often evident in the moments generated at the lower extremity joints and postural adaptations. In addition, it must be realized that the biomechanics are dependent upon the capabilities of the postural control system, the mental set of the individual, and the perception of the environment, particularly, the danger of slipping. The focus of this paper is to review what is known regarding the kinematics and kinetics of walking on surfaces under a variety of environmental conditions. Finally, we discuss future biomechanical research needs to help to improve walkway-friction measurements and safety.
In Finland about 70 000 pedestrian and bicycle falling accidents occur yearly at the street, walk... more In Finland about 70 000 pedestrian and bicycle falling accidents occur yearly at the street, walkways and courtyards leading to serious consequences. The total costs of these accidents including the indirect costs are estimated to be as high as 420 million euros. Maintenance of the walkways in winter for example to the City of Helsinki causes costs of about 4 million euros per year but the costs of pedestrian and bicycle falling accidents are estimated to be tenfold. In general, slipping is due to fairly complex causal pathways, involving both environmental and human factors. The primary environmental factor behind slipping accidents is the slip resistance characteristics of the underfoot surface. Especially in winter, when the walking surfaces are often covered e.g. by ice, snow, slush or frost, slipping accidents are mainly due to the inadequate friction between footwear and underfoot surfaces. Portable devices measuring friction, i.e. slipmeters, may be used for assessing slipper...
... is due to fairly complex causal pathways, involving both environmental and human factors (eg ... more ... is due to fairly complex causal pathways, involving both environmental and human factors (eg Courtney ... the Finnish Meteorological Institute could utilize the results of this study in developing ... sample used in DCOF measurements is a major single parameter affecting test results. ...
ABSTRACT The current European standards for professional footwear require that the outsoles of sa... more ABSTRACT The current European standards for professional footwear require that the outsoles of safety and protective footwear are oil resistant. Because of this obligatory requirement, non-oil resistant materials cannot be used as outsoles in professional footwear even if some of them have been found to be more slip resistant in winter conditions than oil resistant materials. The slip resistance properties of professional footwear in winter conditions should be improved since they have been found to provide an inadequate grip on icy surfaces. The aim of this study was to establish whether there is a significant difference between oil resistant and non-oil resistant outsoles and, therefore, a need to change the EN standards regarding oil resistance to improve the grip provided by professional footwear. The Portable Slip Simulator of FIOH was used to measure the slip resistance of various outsole materials both in simulated winter conditions and in standard test conditions. Oil resistant outsoles were found to have poorer slip resistance characteristics than non-oil resistant ones, and they also hardened significantly due to cold. Based on these results, it is concluded that the current European standards on professional footwear should be altered to make oil resistance an additional requirement, so that non-oil resistant materials could be used in cases where the risk of slipping outweighs that caused by oil contamination.
... Proctor and Coleman (1988) demonstrated that certain surface roughness is needed to increase ... more ... Proctor and Coleman (1988) demonstrated that certain surface roughness is needed to increase friction using the hydrodynamic squeeze-film theory. ... The selections of the filter type and bandwidth were addressed in previous studies (Chang and Matz, 2000; Chang, 2000). ...
ABSTRACT Influencing the safety of firefighters’ work environment is almost impossible. Therefore... more ABSTRACT Influencing the safety of firefighters’ work environment is almost impossible. Therefore, good individual physical capacities and adequate protective equipment are important in preventing accidents due to slips and falls. This study investigated slip and fall risk in walking experiments with firefighters wearing fire-protective equipment and determined the associations of balance, muscular capacities and age with the risk of slipping. Professional male firefighters aged 33–38 and 43–56 years (n = 14 and n = 15, respectively) participated in four slipping trials under different conditions on a straight path of 8 meters. Slip distances were measured in each trial. Postural balance and dynamic stability were tested on a force platform, and functional balance was measured during walking on a wooden plank. Muscular capacity of the legs and trunk were also measured. The average slip distances with glycerol were 9.7 ± 9.1 cm (100 steps/min) and 15.6 ± 18.2 cm (120 steps/min) in the 33-to-38-year age group and correspondingly 10.8 ± 15.3 cm and 18.0 ± 18.6 cm in the 43–56-year age group. Though the older firefighters tended to have longer and more serious slips than the younger ones, the differences in slip distances were not statistically significant. Half of the firefighters, regardless of their age, experienced critical, over 5-cm long, foot slides, considered to increase the risk of an unavoidable fall. These firefighters performed significantly poorer in the dynamic stability test as well, whereas associations with muscular capacity and risk of slipping were not significant. The results suggest that the ability to exploit visual feedback efficiently in balance control may be associated with smaller risk of slipping. This kind of test may be useful in evaluations of balance ability. The findings also support the importance of adding exercises which enhance balance ability to the exercise protocols of firefighters.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2003
... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,J... more ... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,John Abeysekera a , Mikko Hirvonen b , Carita ... 2001; Eilert-Peterson and Schelp, 1998; Hassi et al., 2000; Hemenway and Colditz, 1990; Kemmlert and Lundholm, 2001; Leamon ...
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2004
ABSTRACT For years stevedores and labour protection authorities in Finland have been concerned ab... more ABSTRACT For years stevedores and labour protection authorities in Finland have been concerned about the safety properties of lumber wraps. The wraps used to protect lumber during transportation and warehousing have proven to be slippery especially in wintertime when covered e.g. by ice, snow or frost. The aim of this project was to reduce the risk of industrial accidents in stevedoring of the lumber bundles by developing a measurement method that can estimate the slipperiness of lumber wraps, and by determining the slip resistance values required for safe working.The slip resistance of lumber wraps was assessed by test subjects in laboratory walking tests using paired comparison and subjective rating. The results obtained in the walking tests were used to estimate the validity and reliability of the developed measurement method. The method presented adopts a well-established slip resistance method, and the lumber wrap is covered with frost to produce a slippery surface. The results of slip resistance measurements showed a significant correlation (paired comparison: r=0.933, p
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1994
ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to develop a method for the detection and recording of sudden m... more ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to develop a method for the detection and recording of sudden movements caused by a person's effort to regain balance during slipping and tripping. The method is based on the assessment of the horizontal acceleration of the trunk. A portable device was developed for recording sudden movements at work sites. The device was tested in laboratory conditions with 20 test persons. The experiments showed that the device is capable of detecting slips and even slight losses of balance which do not lead to actual falls. The acceleration levels of the trunk increased significantly in slipping incidents compared to normal walking, both in antero-posterior and medial-lateral direction.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1995
The coefficient of kinetic friction of 49 types of footwear was determined using a prototype appa... more The coefficient of kinetic friction of 49 types of footwear was determined using a prototype apparatus simulating actual foot slippage on dry and wet smooth ice at surface temperatures of − 10° C and 0° C, respectively. The effects of soling material type, hardness, and tread design on the frictional properties were assessed in particular. In addition the effect of
The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. ... more The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature on the biomechanics of gait relevant to slips. This knowledge can be used to develop slip resistance testing methodologies and to determine critical differences in human behaviour between slips leading to recovery and those resulting in falls. Ground reaction forces at the shoe-floor interface have been extensively studied and are probably the most critical biomechanical factor in slips. The ratio of the shear to normal foot forces generated during gait, known as the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during normal locomotion on dry surfaces or 'friction used/achievable' during slips, has been one biomechanical variable most closely associated with the measured frictional properties of the shoe/floor interface (usually the coefficient of friction or COF). Other biomechanical factors that also play an important role are the kinematics of the foot at heel contact and human responses to slipping perturbations, often evident in the moments generated at the lower extremity joints and postural adaptations. In addition, it must be realized that the biomechanics are dependent upon the capabilities of the postural control system, the mental set of the individual, and the perception of the environment, particularly, the danger of slipping. The focus of this paper is to review what is known regarding the kinematics and kinetics of walking on surfaces under a variety of environmental conditions. Finally, we discuss future biomechanical research needs to help to improve walkway-friction measurements and safety.
Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. ... more Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. Slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces involve not only outdoor workers, but also pedestrians and the general public; and occur in cold regions and in winter season in many parts of the world. However, in comparison with the size of the problem, research on slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces has been scarce. The objective of this paper is to explore the slip resistant properties of footwear (soling materials, roughness and hardness) on ice. The coefficients of kinetic friction of four different soling materials (synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber and polyurethane) were measured on ice (-12 degrees C). The outsole roughness and hardness were also measured. Results showed that the polyurethane soling did not perform better than synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber and natural rubber on pure hard ice (-12 degrees C). Soling roughness was positively correlated with the coefficient of kinetic friction. The most slip resistant soling material (polyurethane) on floors and lubricated floors may not provide sufficient slip resistance on ice.
Friction is widely used as an indicator of surface slipperiness in preventing accidents in slips ... more Friction is widely used as an indicator of surface slipperiness in preventing accidents in slips and falls. Surface texture affects friction, but it is not clear which surface characteristics are better correlated with friction. Highly correlated surface characteristics could be used as potential interventions to prevent slip and fall accidents. The dynamic friction between quarry tiles and a commonly used sole testing material, Neolite, using three different mixtures of glycerol and water as contaminants at the interface was correlated with the surface parameters of the tile surfaces. The surface texture was quantified with various surface roughness and surface waviness parameters using three different cut-off lengths to filter the measured profiles for obtaining the profiles of either surface roughness or surface waviness. The correlation coefficients between the surface parameters and the measured friction were affected by the glycerol contents and cut-off lengths. Surface waviness parameters could potentially be better indicators of friction than commonly used surface roughness parameters, especially when they were measured with commonly used cut-off lengths or when the viscosity of the liquid contaminant was high.
The main objective was to design and construct a prototype portable slipmeter with the capability... more The main objective was to design and construct a prototype portable slipmeter with the capability of measuring static, transitional kinetic and steady-state kinetic coefficient of friction properties of on-site floors. The second objective was to evaluate its operation in the laboratory, using a commercial force platform as reference. The prototype was found to be capable of measuring the described frictional characteristics of floor surfaces, using three different test wheels and two modes of operation, impact and non-impact testing. The results anticipate that the slipmeter may prove to be more valid than any traditional measurement technique. The study continues with biomechanical trials and will be completed during the year 2000.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2003
... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,J... more ... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,John Abeysekera a , Mikko Hirvonen b , Carita ... 2001; Eilert-Peterson and Schelp, 1998; Hassi et al., 2000; Hemenway and Colditz, 1990; Kemmlert and Lundholm, 2001; Leamon ...
Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. ... more Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. Slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces involve not only outdoor workers, but also pedestrians and the general public; and occur in cold regions and in winter season in many parts of the world. However, in comparison with the size of the problem, research on slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces has been scarce. The objective of this paper is to explore the slip resistant properties of footwear (soling materials, roughness and hardness) on ice. The coefficients of kinetic friction of four different soling materials (synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber and polyurethane) were measured on ice (-12 degrees C). The outsole roughness and hardness were also measured. Results showed that the polyurethane soling did not perform better than synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber and natural rubber on pure hard ice (-12 degrees C). Soling roughness was positively correlated with the coefficient of kinetic friction. The most slip resistant soling material (polyurethane) on floors and lubricated floors may not provide sufficient slip resistance on ice.
The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. ... more The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature on the biomechanics of gait relevant to slips. This knowledge can be used to develop slip resistance testing methodologies and to determine critical differences in human behaviour between slips leading to recovery and those resulting in falls. Ground reaction forces at the shoe-floor interface have been extensively studied and are probably the most critical biomechanical factor in slips. The ratio of the shear to normal foot forces generated during gait, known as the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during normal locomotion on dry surfaces or 'friction used/achievable' during slips, has been one biomechanical variable most closely associated with the measured frictional properties of the shoe/floor interface (usually the coefficient of friction or COF). Other biomechanical factors that also play an important role are the kinematics of the foot at heel contact and human responses to slipping perturbations, often evident in the moments generated at the lower extremity joints and postural adaptations. In addition, it must be realized that the biomechanics are dependent upon the capabilities of the postural control system, the mental set of the individual, and the perception of the environment, particularly, the danger of slipping. The focus of this paper is to review what is known regarding the kinematics and kinetics of walking on surfaces under a variety of environmental conditions. Finally, we discuss future biomechanical research needs to help to improve walkway-friction measurements and safety.
In Finland about 70 000 pedestrian and bicycle falling accidents occur yearly at the street, walk... more In Finland about 70 000 pedestrian and bicycle falling accidents occur yearly at the street, walkways and courtyards leading to serious consequences. The total costs of these accidents including the indirect costs are estimated to be as high as 420 million euros. Maintenance of the walkways in winter for example to the City of Helsinki causes costs of about 4 million euros per year but the costs of pedestrian and bicycle falling accidents are estimated to be tenfold. In general, slipping is due to fairly complex causal pathways, involving both environmental and human factors. The primary environmental factor behind slipping accidents is the slip resistance characteristics of the underfoot surface. Especially in winter, when the walking surfaces are often covered e.g. by ice, snow, slush or frost, slipping accidents are mainly due to the inadequate friction between footwear and underfoot surfaces. Portable devices measuring friction, i.e. slipmeters, may be used for assessing slipper...
... is due to fairly complex causal pathways, involving both environmental and human factors (eg ... more ... is due to fairly complex causal pathways, involving both environmental and human factors (eg Courtney ... the Finnish Meteorological Institute could utilize the results of this study in developing ... sample used in DCOF measurements is a major single parameter affecting test results. ...
ABSTRACT The current European standards for professional footwear require that the outsoles of sa... more ABSTRACT The current European standards for professional footwear require that the outsoles of safety and protective footwear are oil resistant. Because of this obligatory requirement, non-oil resistant materials cannot be used as outsoles in professional footwear even if some of them have been found to be more slip resistant in winter conditions than oil resistant materials. The slip resistance properties of professional footwear in winter conditions should be improved since they have been found to provide an inadequate grip on icy surfaces. The aim of this study was to establish whether there is a significant difference between oil resistant and non-oil resistant outsoles and, therefore, a need to change the EN standards regarding oil resistance to improve the grip provided by professional footwear. The Portable Slip Simulator of FIOH was used to measure the slip resistance of various outsole materials both in simulated winter conditions and in standard test conditions. Oil resistant outsoles were found to have poorer slip resistance characteristics than non-oil resistant ones, and they also hardened significantly due to cold. Based on these results, it is concluded that the current European standards on professional footwear should be altered to make oil resistance an additional requirement, so that non-oil resistant materials could be used in cases where the risk of slipping outweighs that caused by oil contamination.
... Proctor and Coleman (1988) demonstrated that certain surface roughness is needed to increase ... more ... Proctor and Coleman (1988) demonstrated that certain surface roughness is needed to increase friction using the hydrodynamic squeeze-film theory. ... The selections of the filter type and bandwidth were addressed in previous studies (Chang and Matz, 2000; Chang, 2000). ...
ABSTRACT Influencing the safety of firefighters’ work environment is almost impossible. Therefore... more ABSTRACT Influencing the safety of firefighters’ work environment is almost impossible. Therefore, good individual physical capacities and adequate protective equipment are important in preventing accidents due to slips and falls. This study investigated slip and fall risk in walking experiments with firefighters wearing fire-protective equipment and determined the associations of balance, muscular capacities and age with the risk of slipping. Professional male firefighters aged 33–38 and 43–56 years (n = 14 and n = 15, respectively) participated in four slipping trials under different conditions on a straight path of 8 meters. Slip distances were measured in each trial. Postural balance and dynamic stability were tested on a force platform, and functional balance was measured during walking on a wooden plank. Muscular capacity of the legs and trunk were also measured. The average slip distances with glycerol were 9.7 ± 9.1 cm (100 steps/min) and 15.6 ± 18.2 cm (120 steps/min) in the 33-to-38-year age group and correspondingly 10.8 ± 15.3 cm and 18.0 ± 18.6 cm in the 43–56-year age group. Though the older firefighters tended to have longer and more serious slips than the younger ones, the differences in slip distances were not statistically significant. Half of the firefighters, regardless of their age, experienced critical, over 5-cm long, foot slides, considered to increase the risk of an unavoidable fall. These firefighters performed significantly poorer in the dynamic stability test as well, whereas associations with muscular capacity and risk of slipping were not significant. The results suggest that the ability to exploit visual feedback efficiently in balance control may be associated with smaller risk of slipping. This kind of test may be useful in evaluations of balance ability. The findings also support the importance of adding exercises which enhance balance ability to the exercise protocols of firefighters.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2003
... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,J... more ... Chuansi Gao a , Corresponding Author Contact Information , E-mail The Corresponding Author ,John Abeysekera a , Mikko Hirvonen b , Carita ... 2001; Eilert-Peterson and Schelp, 1998; Hassi et al., 2000; Hemenway and Colditz, 1990; Kemmlert and Lundholm, 2001; Leamon ...
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 2004
ABSTRACT For years stevedores and labour protection authorities in Finland have been concerned ab... more ABSTRACT For years stevedores and labour protection authorities in Finland have been concerned about the safety properties of lumber wraps. The wraps used to protect lumber during transportation and warehousing have proven to be slippery especially in wintertime when covered e.g. by ice, snow or frost. The aim of this project was to reduce the risk of industrial accidents in stevedoring of the lumber bundles by developing a measurement method that can estimate the slipperiness of lumber wraps, and by determining the slip resistance values required for safe working.The slip resistance of lumber wraps was assessed by test subjects in laboratory walking tests using paired comparison and subjective rating. The results obtained in the walking tests were used to estimate the validity and reliability of the developed measurement method. The method presented adopts a well-established slip resistance method, and the lumber wrap is covered with frost to produce a slippery surface. The results of slip resistance measurements showed a significant correlation (paired comparison: r=0.933, p
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1994
ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to develop a method for the detection and recording of sudden m... more ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to develop a method for the detection and recording of sudden movements caused by a person's effort to regain balance during slipping and tripping. The method is based on the assessment of the horizontal acceleration of the trunk. A portable device was developed for recording sudden movements at work sites. The device was tested in laboratory conditions with 20 test persons. The experiments showed that the device is capable of detecting slips and even slight losses of balance which do not lead to actual falls. The acceleration levels of the trunk increased significantly in slipping incidents compared to normal walking, both in antero-posterior and medial-lateral direction.
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics, 1995
The coefficient of kinetic friction of 49 types of footwear was determined using a prototype appa... more The coefficient of kinetic friction of 49 types of footwear was determined using a prototype apparatus simulating actual foot slippage on dry and wet smooth ice at surface temperatures of − 10° C and 0° C, respectively. The effects of soling material type, hardness, and tread design on the frictional properties were assessed in particular. In addition the effect of
The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. ... more The biomechanics of slips are an important component in the prevention of fall-related injuries. The purpose of this paper is to review the available literature on the biomechanics of gait relevant to slips. This knowledge can be used to develop slip resistance testing methodologies and to determine critical differences in human behaviour between slips leading to recovery and those resulting in falls. Ground reaction forces at the shoe-floor interface have been extensively studied and are probably the most critical biomechanical factor in slips. The ratio of the shear to normal foot forces generated during gait, known as the required coefficient of friction (RCOF) during normal locomotion on dry surfaces or 'friction used/achievable' during slips, has been one biomechanical variable most closely associated with the measured frictional properties of the shoe/floor interface (usually the coefficient of friction or COF). Other biomechanical factors that also play an important role are the kinematics of the foot at heel contact and human responses to slipping perturbations, often evident in the moments generated at the lower extremity joints and postural adaptations. In addition, it must be realized that the biomechanics are dependent upon the capabilities of the postural control system, the mental set of the individual, and the perception of the environment, particularly, the danger of slipping. The focus of this paper is to review what is known regarding the kinematics and kinetics of walking on surfaces under a variety of environmental conditions. Finally, we discuss future biomechanical research needs to help to improve walkway-friction measurements and safety.
Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. ... more Current research on slipperiness of footwear has mainly focused on floors and lubricated floors. Slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces involve not only outdoor workers, but also pedestrians and the general public; and occur in cold regions and in winter season in many parts of the world. However, in comparison with the size of the problem, research on slips and falls on icy and snowy surfaces has been scarce. The objective of this paper is to explore the slip resistant properties of footwear (soling materials, roughness and hardness) on ice. The coefficients of kinetic friction of four different soling materials (synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber, natural rubber and polyurethane) were measured on ice (-12 degrees C). The outsole roughness and hardness were also measured. Results showed that the polyurethane soling did not perform better than synthetic rubber, nitrile rubber and natural rubber on pure hard ice (-12 degrees C). Soling roughness was positively correlated with the coefficient of kinetic friction. The most slip resistant soling material (polyurethane) on floors and lubricated floors may not provide sufficient slip resistance on ice.
Friction is widely used as an indicator of surface slipperiness in preventing accidents in slips ... more Friction is widely used as an indicator of surface slipperiness in preventing accidents in slips and falls. Surface texture affects friction, but it is not clear which surface characteristics are better correlated with friction. Highly correlated surface characteristics could be used as potential interventions to prevent slip and fall accidents. The dynamic friction between quarry tiles and a commonly used sole testing material, Neolite, using three different mixtures of glycerol and water as contaminants at the interface was correlated with the surface parameters of the tile surfaces. The surface texture was quantified with various surface roughness and surface waviness parameters using three different cut-off lengths to filter the measured profiles for obtaining the profiles of either surface roughness or surface waviness. The correlation coefficients between the surface parameters and the measured friction were affected by the glycerol contents and cut-off lengths. Surface waviness parameters could potentially be better indicators of friction than commonly used surface roughness parameters, especially when they were measured with commonly used cut-off lengths or when the viscosity of the liquid contaminant was high.
The main objective was to design and construct a prototype portable slipmeter with the capability... more The main objective was to design and construct a prototype portable slipmeter with the capability of measuring static, transitional kinetic and steady-state kinetic coefficient of friction properties of on-site floors. The second objective was to evaluate its operation in the laboratory, using a commercial force platform as reference. The prototype was found to be capable of measuring the described frictional characteristics of floor surfaces, using three different test wheels and two modes of operation, impact and non-impact testing. The results anticipate that the slipmeter may prove to be more valid than any traditional measurement technique. The study continues with biomechanical trials and will be completed during the year 2000.
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