Slip Prevention in Restaurants

Reasons a Restaurant can be Slippery

Contamination

Liquid spills are among the most common reasons for why a restaurant floor can become slippery. Beverages, cooking oils, and greasy substances can  quickly contaminate and make a floor slick, increasing the risk of slip and fall accidents.

The use of improper cleaning products or techniques can leave a residue on the surface, making it the culprit in slip and fall accidents. This is especially true if the cleaning solution is not properly mixed or if the floor is not thoroughly rinsed after cleaning. Many restaurants mop a degreaser onto the floor and then close shop for the night, this ends up making matters worst as now you have spread a mix of grease and soap without ever rinsing it properly.

Over time, floors in high-traffic areas can become worn and smooth, reducing traction and making them more prone to becoming slippery, especially when wet. This wear can be accelerated in areas near kitchens and bathrooms where moisture and grease are more prevalent.

Florida humidity combined with the heat creates a necessity for air conditioning. However, this may lead to condensation forming on the floor due to differences in temperature between the floor surface and the air. This natural accumulation of moisture can create a serious hazard on restaurant floors. Additionally, moisture can be tracked in from outside during the rainy seasons!

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Measures to Take!

Resist the urge to install flooring material just because it looks good. Consider the importance of choosing the right flooring materials that are designed with floor safety in mind, especially in areas prone to wetness or spills, such as kitchens and entranceways.

Before purchasing flooring material, ask for any slip testing documentation that has been done. Here’s what to look for:

  1. Current National Standards – Many flooring distributors provide an outdated testing report, usually the ASTM C1028, a test method that has been withdrawn since 2014 with no replacement. Look for ASTM E303, ANSI A326.3 or A137.1.
  2. DCOF or PTV – Make sure the report is offering results of DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) or of PTV (Pendulum Test Values).
    Some distributors may offer you a report showing SCOF (Static Coefficient of Friction) numbers. The difference between SCOF and DCOF is extremely important. Click here to read more about it. 
Highlight the importance of regular training sessions for staff on slip and fall prevention, including how to properly clean floors, manage spills, and maintain a safe walking environment. Discuss creating a culture of safety where employees feel responsible for reporting and addressing potential hazards. Consider hiring a professional cleaning company to come and properly degrease your floors periodically.
Keep in mind that Floor Safety is not something you do just to keep slip and fall lawyers off your back. It is something that is mandatory and necessary in case of an emergency.

The IFC – International Fire Code mandates that all “Means of Egress” be slip resistant.

“Means of Egress” refers to the path or route that people can use to safely exit a building or area in case of an emergency, like a fire, earthquake, or other dangerous situations. This path typically includes doorways, corridors, and stairways that lead outside or to a safe area. In simple terms, it’s the way out during an emergency.

Why it’s important in regards to floor safety:

  1. Clear Path: The floor along the means of egress must be kept clear of obstacles and hazards that could prevent people from evacuating quickly and safely. This means no clutter, equipment, or spills that could cause trips or falls.
  2. Slip Resistance: Floors in these pathways need to be made of materials that are slip-resistant, or remediated to be made slip-resistant, especially since these areas might see a lot of use during an emergency, possibly under less-than-ideal conditions (like darkness or the presence of water or debris).
  3. Visibility: Floor safety also involves ensuring that the means of egress is well-lit and clearly marked, so people can see where they are going and avoid potential hazards on the ground. This includes having glow-in-the-dark signs and floor markings that guide people towards exits.
  4. Accessibility: The floor and the overall route must be accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. This means avoiding abrupt changes in floor levels and ensuring there are ramps where needed.

The importance of having a safe and clear means of egress cannot be overstated. In an emergency, a well-planned and maintained egress route can be the difference between life and death, as it ensures that occupants can exit the building as quickly and safely as possible. Regular inspections and maintenance of these paths are crucial for floor safety and overall emergency preparedness.

Conducting quarterly floor audits in a restaurant is a proactive approach to ensuring the safety and well-being of both staff and patrons. Here are three compelling reasons why restaurants should consider implementing such a practice:

  1. Identifying and Mitigating Hazards: Regular floor audits help in the early identification of potential slip, trip, and fall hazards. This can range from areas prone to frequent spills, wear and tear on flooring that reduces its slip resistance, or inadequate floor cleaning practices that leave slippery residues. By identifying these issues on a quarterly basis, the restaurant can take timely corrective action to mitigate risks, such as repairing damaged flooring, improving cleaning protocols, or adding non-slip mats in critical areas.
  2. Ensuring Compliance with Safety Regulations: Health and safety regulations often change, and it’s crucial for restaurants to stay compliant to avoid legal and financial repercussions. Quarterly floor audits can serve as a check to ensure that the restaurant’s safety practices are up to date with the latest local, state, and federal regulations. This includes adherence to building codes related to means of egress, as well as occupational safety standards. Staying compliant not only helps in avoiding accidents, injuries and lawsuits, but also in protecting the restaurant’s reputation.
  3. Maintaining a High Standard of Customer Experience: A clean, well-maintained floor is integral to the overall customer experience. Regular audits can ensure that flooring remains in good condition, which contributes to a positive impression of the restaurant. This attention to detail can enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, preventing accidents through diligent floor maintenance also avoids negative publicity that can arise from slip and fall incidents, protecting the brand’s image.

Quarterly floor audits in a restaurant are a critical component of operational safety and risk management. They help in proactively addressing potential hazards, ensuring regulatory compliance, and maintaining a high standard of customer experience, all of which are vital for the successful and safe operation of the restaurant. Check out our Floor Safety Program for more information.