Reforming enshittified slip resistance data
Abstract
Introduction
Many falls are due to slippery floor conditions. While building and WHS regulations may impose floor safety requirements, there is minimal research funding, an overreliance on subjective assessments, poor documentation of products and incidents: indeed a perfect recipe for broken bones and, as a consequence, floors requiring premature replacement. Merchants and architects require relevant slip resistance data to ensure floors will remain safe for economically reasonable life cycles when appropriately maintained, thus fulfilling user expectations and sustainability requirements.
Method
This work synthesises expert analysis of current standards and studies in considering the fitness for purpose of EN 16165-2021 slip resistance data.
Results
Of the four EN 16165 slip resistance test methods, the pendulum is the most versatile and the logical candidate for a revised standard, since the European Commission wants a single test method, which leads to the question, how could the pendulum test method be revised to better produce data that reflects the nature and purpose of the required testing, whether for determining ex-factory properties, predicting probable performance, or defining current functional performance?
Conclusions
EN 16165 data fleetingly characterises the slip resistance of products, since most become progressively less slip resistant in service. There is too little publicly available slip data, for floors where slips have occurred. Research is required to determine the probability of slipping in terms of wet pendulum data.
While slip probability models may have a stochastic basis, meaningful risk analyses must be related to the output of a validated measurement model aligned to JCGM GUM Part 6, rather than resulting from historical coincidental equivalence.
Multinational public health and safety standards should be consistent with international best practice. Australia has long experience of multiple slip test methods and use of accelerated wear conditioning. It is developing a standard to produce the most relevant slip data, which should benefit humanity.
Comments
Author's note
The published abstract reflected an initial intention to examine how useful information may become progressively degraded, oversimplified or disconnected from its original purpose. During preparation of the poster, it became apparent that the more fundamental issue was not simply the loss of information, but the preservation, interpretation and transparent communication of information that supports sound decision-making.
This led to greater emphasis on preserving mechanistic evidence relating to falls, the proposed Mechanism-Based Falls Taxonomy (MBFT), and the broader principle that effective prevention depends upon retaining information that remains meaningful, interpretable and fit for purpose throughout its life cycle.
The resulting poster therefore extends beyond a critique of existing practices and explores how evidence, assumptions, uncertainties and confidence may be preserved to support more reliable decisions relating to falls prevention and slip resistance.