Development of a portable test device for assessing on-site floor slipperiness: an interim report.
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.
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Department of Physics, Vantaa. raoul.gronqvist@libertymutual.com
R
R
Grönqvist
M
M
Hirvonen
E
E
Rajamäki
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006804:Ergonomics; D005430:Floors and Floorcoverings / Q000145:classification*; D017276:Friction; D006801:Humans; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055672:Static Electricity; D013499:Surface Properties