Transferability of the results of testing the slip resistance of safety, protective and occupational footwear according to DIN EN 13287 on critical practice conditions

Status:

completed 07/2007

Aims:

The european standard DIN EN 13287 for the determination of the slip resistance of safety, protective and occupational footwear has been published in August 2004 and has replaced the previous German standard DIN 4843 part 100. This results in an essential change of the test procedure from the earlier "walking method - inclined plane" to the mechanical measurement of the sliding friction coefficient. Caused by the change of the test procedure there is an increased demand of companies, employees and OH&S officers for expert advice. Aim of the project is to examine the consequences of the changes of criteria for the testing and assessment of the slip resistance of footwear. The transferability of the test results according to DIN EN 13287 to critical practice conditions in various working areas has to be analysed. From this knowledge base, recommendations for the choice of suitable shoes and for the implementation of the new test procedure into the regulations of the German accident insurance institutions shall be worked out.

Activities/Methods:

Inquiry and analysis of typical parameters (especially floors and friction-reducing agents) which lead to slipping accidents in working areas; tests of the slip resistance in accordance with DIN 4843 part 100 (inclined plane), DIN EN 13287 (machine shoe tester) and with typical parameters of working areas; tests of footwear with different sole materials, profiles and qualities; tests of footwear for different areas of application; statistical analysis of the test results; evaluation and reduction of the uncertainty of measurement; classification of the anti-slip properties of footwear

Results:

The results of the study contribute towards providing a holistic view of the "slipping while walking" hazard and towards its reduction, for example by the selection of suitable safety, protective and occupational footwear.
The study presents the following:
- The "action value and limit value of the coefficient of friction while walking" protection concept
- The conversion model for the transfer of results from the "slip resistance of footwear" test to "real situations in the work area"; the model is also suitable for conversion between values obtained by means of different tribometers
- The influence of the shoe upon the slip resistance within the frictional system
- The results of a round-robin test to DIN ISO 5725-2
- The uncertainty of measurement associated with measurements to DIN EN 13287
- The "HML quality assurance method" for reduction of the uncertainty of measurement

The present research project was conducted at the University of Wuppertal in the department "safety engineering - occupational safety". It also contains the results of HVBG research project No. 259, which was sponsored from 2006 onwards by the HVBG (now the German Social Accident Insurance, DGUV). This project examines the results from slipresistance tests performed upon safety, protective and occupational footwear to DIN EN 13287 with regard to their suitability for transfer to critical practical conditions.

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