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ANTI-SLIP COATINGS OUTLAST AND OUTPERFORM SAND-IN-PAINT SYSTEMS AND TAPES

Workforce injuries resulting from slips and falls are one of the leading, longstanding causes of unplanned workplace absence.  The latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) make for a sobering read. https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causinj/index.htm

Of the annual 750,000+ non-fatal injury reports it received in the UK, 29% cited slips, trips and falls, on the same surface level, as the cause.  And this translated into a phenomenal 11.25 million lost working days in just one year. 

So, the application of anti-slip coatings to all risk areas not only makes sound sense from a health and safety perspective but also from an operational and cost efficiency standpoint too.  Coatings are available with a broad range of characteristics that don’t just create a durable anti-slip finish for people but vehicles as well, ranging from light to heavy traffic.

LOCTITE® is a brand with notable benefits in this field.  Products in the range outlast and outperform typical sand-in-paint systems and tapes and are proven to be the strongest, most aggressive anti-slip methods available.   Typical applications include ramps, walkways, stairs, changing rooms, machine shops, assembly areas, warehouse floors and loading docks. And they are suitable for use on concrete, asphalt, wood, ceramic, fibreglass and metal surfaces with applications across industry, commerce and in the public service, utilities and transport sectors. 

Choice of solutions

LOCTITE anti-slip coatings based on epoxy adhesive technology are designed to provide tough, long lasting, anti-skid surfaces that are easy to clean, resistant to chemicals and available with fire resistant qualities when cured.  Complementing these products are water-based acrylic anti-slip coatings that are resistant to chips and scuffs and are impact and UV resistant, qualities that make them suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.  Both types are rated for use in dry service temperatures from -29°C to +60°C.

Application is simple and quick.  Having removed loose or flaky material by brushing or blasting and ensured the surface is grease-, oil- and contaminant-free, masking tape can be applied to mark the area.  The mixed product is then typically applied using a paint roller or trowel and hard roller; the tape is then removed to leave clean, straight edges.

As the choice includes a solvent-free formulation, the technology can also benefit odour sensitive environments such as wineries, food processing facilities, hospitals and other confined areas.

This solvent-free anti-slip coating is LOCTITE PC 6315, a two-part, black, epoxy that is fire retardant when cured and resistant to most acids, alkalis, solvents, grease, oil, salt water, detergents, alcohol, petrol, jet fuels and hydraulic acids.  It is typically used to create a textured and extremely durable surface that can also withstand forklifts and heavy vehicular traffic. Contaminants are trapped in the ‘valleys’ of the surface profile while traction is maintained on its ‘peaks’.

Productivity gains & maintenance savings

An application example for this product from the marine sector illustrates how the anti-slip coating can boost productivity as well as enhance safety. Following the application of LOCTITE PC 6315 to a ferry poop deck, an operator not only confirmed far fewer crew and passenger falls but also a 10% saving in vehicle loading time thanks to better surface traction allowing quicker manoeuvring.  LOCTITE PC 6315 replaced anti-slip rubber strips which did not adhere well to the ship’s aluminium floor in the presence of sea water and condensation.

A North of England tram operator experienced a similar problem with the durability of the anti-slip tape product it was using on carriage doorways.  Although effective when freshly applied, the tape soon lifted with standard cleaning processes and lost grip when weathered.  Replacing the strip was a lengthy process too, typically around two hours. 

The solution this customer chose was LOCTITE PC 6261, a single-part epoxy that is quick and easy to apply, extremely durable and primarily designed for application in areas of high pedestrian footfall or light rolling traffic.  It too is fire-retardant when cured and resists petrol, oil, acids, alkalis and aliphatic solvents.  Application is by roller to create a ridged profile or it can be sprayed for a more uniform finish. 

As LOCTITE PC 6261 is available in yellow as well as grey, it met the customer’s need for a high visibility strip that could be repainted without removal or rework.  Not only has the product enhanced passenger safety it has also saved maintenance time. Indeed, its success has now led to the coating being considered for use on the company’s bus fleet and other operational areas with high footfall.

www.henkel.com

 

 

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