Safety Tips
Does Your Business Need an Anti-Slip Solution?
If these work health and safety (WHS) statistics fail to convince you to install anti-slip solutions where your staff and customers walk, perhaps your legal duties will. Are anti-slip solutions mandated by law? Yes, as a business owner, you have a general duty of care. Put simply, you have WHS responsibilities. As we’ve emphasized in our slip resistance compliance guide: Slipping, tripping and falling are risks that can be associated with steps and stairs, and can lead to serious injuries. Under the WHS Act, the employer has a ‘duty of care’ to provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace – all potential hazards must be identified, the associated risks assessed and then controls introduced to eliminate or reduce those risks as far as practicable. (Make sure to get your free copy of the guide here.) Your responsibility extends to making sure your customers, visitors, and any contractors are safe at your business premises. It is prescribed by Australian Standard AS1428.1 and a mandatory compliance requirement under the Building Code of Australia. Disclaimer: AIMS is not a WHS law expert, therefore the information provided here should be treated as general in nature and not be treated as specific, legal or professional advice. Our article about WHS laws only aims to compile resources that may be helpful to your business. Official sources of information are cited. Specific standards for different flooring surfaces Standards Australia has a compilation of the prescribed minimum slip resistance requirements for different flooring surfaces. Here are the links for your convenience: Designation Title AS 4586:2013 Amd 1:2017 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS 4586-2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS 4663-2013 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces AS/NZS 3661.2:1994 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, Part 2: Guide to the reduction of slip hazards AS/NZS 3661.2-1994 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces - Guide to the reduction of slip hazards AS/NZS 4586:2004 AMDT 1 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS/NZS 4586-2004 AMDT 1 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials HB 197:1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials HB 197-1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials SA HB 198:2014 Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces Common slip and trip hazards You can refer to this comprehensive fact sheet from Safe Work Australia (SWA) when trying to identify what may possibly cause a slip or trip accident. For your convenience, we’ve simplified SWA’s list below. Common slip hazards: Spills of liquid or solid material Wet cleaning methods Wind-driven rain or snow through doorways Sudden change in floor surface (eg. joins between carpet and polished timber) Change from a wet to a dry surface Dusty and sandy surfaces Ramp incline Bumpy/Loose flooring Poor lighting Use of unsuitable footwear Common trip hazards: Ridges in floors or carpets Worn floor coverings Broken tiles Cracks and potholes in floors Changes in floor level Thresholds and doorstops Floor sockets and phone jacks Cables from power extension units Loads that obstruct vision Obstacles in traffic areas For more information, be sure to read our article about how you can prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Which floor types need anti-slip solutions SWA’s fact sheet has a quick guide to help you figure out which kinds of surfaces get slippery in what situation: Floor Type Characteristics Concrete Rounded aggregate can be slippery when concrete wears. Interior surface is often sealed to prevent dusting and absorption of liquids - this can increase slipperiness. Terrazzo Gives good appearance and wears well but can be slippery when wet, when excess polish is used or when dusty. Quarry tiles, ceramic tiles Low water absorption and good resistance to chemicals. Slippery in wet conditions if smooth, but can be moulded with aggregate or profiles to improve slip resistance - special cleaning equipment may then be required. Glazed ceramic tiles Slippery when wet, particularly with soapy water. Some slip resistance treatments available, but preferable not to install these tiles on floors. Vinyl tiles and sheet Easy to clean. Use sheet form where frequent washing is required to avoid water getting under tiles. Slippery when wet, particularly if polished, however slip resistant vinyls are available. These have aggregates moulded in. Thicker and softer vinyls are more slip resistant than hard ones. Cork Must be sealed to prevent absorption of oil and water, but may then be slippery when wet. Steel plate Tends to be slippery when wet or oily, particularly when worn. Rubber Less effective in wet conditions. Must be fixed down well at the edges and joints or will cause a trip hazard. Plastic matting Interlocking PVC extrusions give good drainage and slip resistance. Hose down or steam clean. Carpet Carpet has a shorter life than hard floor surfaces, but it can be a cost-effective solution. Installations should be wall to wall, to avoid the hazard of a trip on edges. When used in small local areas, such as at entrances, it should be installed in a recess in the floor. Alternatively, it should be rubber-backed and with hardwearing tapered edges. Trolleys can be harder to push on carpet, but if larger wheels are fitted and the carpet does not have a deep pile, this is not a serious problem. Fiberglass gratings This product can have grit particles moulded into upper surface to provide very good slip resistance. Fluids are quickly drained away. We’re guessing there’s a big chance you’ll need an anti-slip solution for your business. Naturally, your next question will be which anti-slip solution is right for you, and we’ll cover that in the next article. For now, download our free guide to slip resistance compliance. In the meantime, here are some easy things that you can do quickly to prevent slips: Use anti-slip tapes Apply anti-slip coatings Install ladder run covers, safeplates and stair nosings Sub-Topics Law mandate Standards for floor surfaces Hazards Floor types People Also Ask — Anti-Slip Safety Solutions for Business Q: Why do businesses have a legal duty to address slip hazards? Under Australian work health and safety legislation, employers have a primary duty of care to eliminate or minimise risks to workers and others in the workplace, so far as is reasonably practicable. Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injury. Failure to implement adequate floor safety controls can expose employers to significant penalties and civil liability where injuries occur. Q: What types of anti-slip products are used in commercial and industrial settings? Common anti-slip solutions include anti-slip tapes applied to steps, ramps and transitions, anti-slip coatings for floor surfaces, anti-fatigue matting for standing work areas, interlocking rubber or PVC matting for wet or contaminated areas, and structural anti-slip nosings for stairways. The correct product depends on the surface material, contamination present and pedestrian traffic volume. Q: What is the difference between anti-slip tape and anti-slip coating? Anti-slip tape is a self-adhesive strip with a grit or textured surface applied to existing floors, typically to mark transition zones, steps or work area edges. Anti-slip floor coating is a paint or resin product applied across a larger floor area incorporating abrasive particles into the cured surface. Coatings provide more uniform coverage but require surface preparation and curing time; tapes are faster to install and easier to target specific hazard points. Q: How should anti-slip matting be maintained to remain effective? Anti-slip matting loses effectiveness if it becomes saturated with oil, grease or fine debris that fills the surface texture and reduces friction. Mats should be cleaned regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically by hosing, scrubbing and allowing to drain. Damaged mats with curled edges or tears are a trip hazard themselves and must be replaced promptly. Need anti-vibration mounts? Browse the AIMS range at anti-vibration mounts. Need anti-seize compounds? Browse the AIMS range at anti-seize compounds.
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Why Anti-Slip Ladder Rung Covers Are Essential
What Are the Rungs of a Ladder? The rungs of a ladder are the horizontal steps you place your feet on between the two vertical side rails (stiles). On a portable ladder they are typically spaced around 250–300 mm apart and are the highest-wear surface — they take the entire load of foot traffic, often in greasy, wet or dusty workshop conditions. Worn, slippery or damaged rungs are one of the most common contributing factors in workplace ladder-related falls in Australia, which is why anti-slip rung covers exist. The full selection and install guidance sits in the body below. What standard covers ladder rung safety in Australia? Portable ladders sold and used in Australia are typically manufactured to the AS/NZS 1892 series (Portable ladders), which covers materials, dimensions, load ratings and rung specifications across timber, metal and reinforced plastic ladders. Workplace ladder use is governed by the relevant state/territory WHS Regulation, which references the manufacturer's load rating and condition (rungs free of damage, free of slip hazards, secured at top and base where required). (Taken from Advance Anti-Slip Surfaces. Republished with permission. Edited for point of view, recency and relevance.) Slips, trips, stumbles, tumbles and falls are the highest frequency safety risks in most industries and workplaces today. The severity of each possible hazard can depend on the industry, the situation and the person, but one small slip, stumble, trip, tumble or fall has the potential to cause a serious incident or injury or, in the worst-case scenario, even a fatality. These can lead to the possibility of legal liability, lost production time, and lengthy workplace absences. Businesses also have a duty of care for the well-being of their employees, contractors, visitors and customers, which could mean serious consequences if one of them were injured while ascending or descending a ladder in your workplace. In this article, we discuss: Why you should care about anti-slip ladder rung covers Why you need them The key benefits that they offer anchor" id="overview">Understanding anti-slip ladder rung covers When it comes to health and safety, there should be no shortcuts. That is why it is essential that an anti-slip hazard control measure is recommended throughout all locations, and in every facility. In this article, let's focus on ladders. Ladders are indispensable tools in various settings, everywhere from commercial, industrial workplaces to mobile machinery and equipment. Nevertheless, they come with inherent risks, especially when used in slippery conditions. Since they are commonplace in various industries, and their proper maintenance and safety features are crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Installing non-slip ladder rung cover products will (1) maximise pedestrian safety and (2) prevent many incidents and injuries that hurt people, reduce productivity and increase costs. That's where Advance Anti-Slip ladder rung covers come into play. Their rung covers are designed to provide an additional layer of safety, helping to reduce the risk of slips and falls when climbing ladders. They also meet Australian safety standards, such as the AS 1657-2018 for fixed platforms, walkways, stairways, and ladders. p> Why do you need anti-slip ladder rung covers? Non-slip ladder rung covers are essential because they: Provide a greater surface area on the ladder rung for people to step on Provide a visual reference point for people, including people with a vision impairment, and make the rungs more visible to prevent a possible fall Support and protect the rung from unnecessary wear and tear or any possible impact damage, which extends the useful life of the ladder Provide a firm footing, keeping people safe from a slip, stumble or fall Mitigate any possible liability resulting from an accident if one does occur Provide a safer access for workers, contractors and visitors Reduce accidents, medical and insurance costs, lost productivity, and increases morale Deliver firm footed traction from the top to the bottom of the ladder For a variety of reasons, ladders can often become hazardous. Anti-slip ladder rung covers are an effective way to provide extra grip to the rungs where people tread most frequently. A half-round ladder rung cover just doesn’t provide enough non-slip surface area on the ladder rung. The heel of a person’s boot can catch lower on the rung cover which could almost turn a half round rung cover into a secondary trip hazard. You'll often see ladder rung covers in industrial and workplace applications, such as in: Construction: To keep workers safe on scaffolding and elevated work platforms Manufacturing: To improve safety on factory floors and assembly lines Warehousing: To prevent accidents in distribution centres and storage facilities Maintenance: Essential for facility management and repair work Utilities: To protect utility workers during pole and tower climbs Their performance has been tested even in some of the world's toughest environments, including: Offshore drilling platforms Marine vessels Greasy food processing facilities Dusty manufacturing plants Automotive refinishing operations Power generation facilities Key benefits of anti-slip ladder rung covers Safety in diverse environments: Anti-slip ladder rung covers are versatile and suitable for various environments, including construction sites, silo’s, shipping, defence facilities, factories, warehouses, and even on the top of most tall buildings. Regulatory compliance: Many safety regulations and standards -- such as those set by various workplace occupational safety and health administrations -- require the use of anti-slip solutions on ladders and other elevated work platforms. Enhanced traction: The primary purpose of anti-slip ladder rung covers is to offer improved traction. They are coated with carborundum materials that provide a secure grip for your feet, even in wet or oily conditions. Durability: Advance Anti-Slip ladder rung covers are crafted from robust materials, ensuring they will withstand the test of time and frequent use. They are designed to be resistant to many chemicals, corrosion, fire and harsh weather conditions, as well as the constant abuse of boot traffic up and down the ladder. Ease of installation: Installing these covers is usually a straightforward process. They can be quickly attached to your ladder's existing rungs, making it a cost-effective and quick safety upgrade. Customisation: Advance Anti-Slip ladder rung covers come in different sizes and designs to accommodate various ladder types and rung dimensions. Why choose Advance Anti-Slip Surface ladder rung covers Advance Anti-Slip Surfaces' Class 1, metal-backed and non-slip ladder rung covers provide a full 270 degrees of slip protection, exactly where it is needed the most. They are available in circular and square styles that snap fit easily over the rung to provide a long-lasting, highly visible surface to climb on. Their performance has been tested in some of the world's toughest environments, including offshore drilling platforms, marine vessels, in greasy food processing facilities, dusty manufacturing plants, automotive refinishing operations, and power generation facilities. Advance Anti-Slip Surfaces is an Australian-owned manufacturer and supplier of an extensive range of class-one metal-backed anti-slip ladder rung cover safety products. These durable non-slip rung covers resist corrosion and impacts, providing years of anti-slip protection in a variety of environments, from offshore drilling platforms to commercial applications. They are available in circular and square profiles to easily fit over existing ladder rungs. Advance Anti-Slip Surfaces’ non-slip products comply with national and international standards for quality, performance and safety. They are also backed by an extensive warranty. Shop for Advance Anti-Slip ladder rung covers now. AIMS’ Note on Buying Industrial Supplies Breadth and depth of brands and categories: Go with a supplier that offers a wide range of reputable brands across multiple categories and sub-categories. Bulk purchase discounts: For large orders, check if you can take advantage of volume leverage. Some suppliers offer business accounts* that give you access to special pricing (volume discounts), preferential support and even credit eligibility (subject to supplier approval, terms and conditions). Product and service information: Evaluate the completeness and usefulness of data in their online product listings. Prudent suppliers will include as much useful information as possible to help you assess and compare products. In terms of service info, the supplier’s FAQs (if any) will give you a good idea of their standard policies*, processes and commitments. Promotions: Check for ongoing promotional campaigns so you can get the best prices. Many suppliers run regular discount-based promos. Some can point you to government-hosted rebate programmes like the SafeWork NSW $1000 Small Business Rebate. Safety compliance: Make sure the product in question meets Australian safety standards and regulations, especially if there are relevant compliance requirements or work health and safety (WHS) laws that apply to your business or state. Look for relevant certifications and markings where necessary. Supplier reliability: Choose reputable suppliers with a proven track record of delivering quality products and reliable customer service. Warranty and support: Check warranty terms and after-sales support* options, as this can be crucial in case of product defects or performance issues. Lead time and availability: Confirm product availability and estimated delivery times to avoid delays in your projects. Returns: Familiarise yourself with the suppliers returns and exchange policy in case you receive incorrect or damaged items. Delivery: Clarify delivery terms, including estimated delivery times, shipping costs and who handles insurance during transit (where applicable). *Need help with a purchase decision? Contact us directly via chat or send an email to sales@aimsindustrial.com.au. This blog's sub-topics Need PPE? Our Safety collection covers Sqwincher, B-Safe, First Aiders Choice and other AU-trusted brands. People Also Ask — Ladder Rung Covers Q: What is a ladder rung cover and what is it used for? A ladder rung cover is a slip-resistant cover fitted over the rungs of a fixed access ladder to improve grip and reduce the risk of slipping. They are manufactured from materials such as fibreglass, aluminium with abrasive grit, or rubber-coated steel and are required on fixed ladders in industrial facilities under work health and safety regulations relating to safe means of access. Q: When are ladder rung covers legally required in Australia? Australian work health and safety regulations require that fixed ladders providing regular access to elevated work areas are fitted with adequate anti-slip protection. The specific requirement depends on the relevant state WHS legislation, applicable codes of practice and Australian standards governing fixed ladder design and installation. Employers have a duty to ensure fixed access ways meet current safety standards. Q: How do ladder rung covers attach to existing rungs? Most industrial ladder rung covers attach by bolting or clamping directly to the existing rung, allowing retrofit installation without replacing the ladder. They are typically available in standard rung widths and can be cut to length on site. Some designs use a push-fit or snap-on profile for quick installation; heavy-duty versions require mechanical fastening for secure retention under regular use. Q: What materials are best for ladder rung covers in wet or outdoor environments? Fibreglass (GRP) rung covers are the preferred choice for outdoor and wet environments as they do not corrode, maintain grip performance when wet, and are lightweight. Aluminium covers with anti-slip grit surfaces are also suitable but require anodising or powder coating for long-term outdoor use. Plain steel covers should be avoided outdoors due to corrosion risk.
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Quick Guide to Anti-Slip Safety Compliance
In this article, we discuss: Are anti-slip solutions mandated by law? Specific standards for different flooring surfaces Common slip hazards Common trip hazards Which floor types (surfaces) need anti-slip solutions Where to use anti-slip products More anti-slip FAQs Are anti-slip solutions mandated by law? When it comes to slip resistance compliance, always err on the side of caution. If these work health and safety (WHS) statistics fail to convince you to install anti-slip solutions where your staff and customers walk, perhaps your legal duties will. Yes, as a business owner, you have a general duty of care. Put simply, you have WHS responsibilities. As we’ve emphasized in our slip resistance compliance guide: Slipping, tripping and falling are risks that can be associated with steps and stairs, and can lead to serious injuries. Under the WHS Act, the employer has a ‘duty of care’ to provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace – all potential hazards must be identified, the associated risks assessed and then controls introduced to eliminate or reduce those risks as far as practicable. (Make sure to get your free copy of the guide here.) Your responsibility extends to making sure your customers, visitors, and any contractors are safe at your business premises. It is prescribed by Australian Standard AS1428.1 and a mandatory compliance requirement under the Building Code of Australia. Disclaimer: AIMS is not a WHS law expert, therefore the information provided here should be treated as general in nature and not be treated as specific, legal or professional advice. Our article about WHS laws only aims to compile resources that may be helpful to your business. Official sources of information are cited. Specific standards for different flooring surfaces Standards Australia has a compilation of the prescribed minimum slip resistance requirements for different flooring surfaces. Here are the links for your convenience: Designation Title AS 4586:2013 Amd 1:2017 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS 4586-2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS 4663-2013 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces AS/NZS 3661.2:1994 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, Part 2: Guide to the reduction of slip hazards AS/NZS 3661.2-1994 Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces - Guide to the reduction of slip hazards AS/NZS 4586:2004 AMDT 1 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials AS/NZS 4586-2004 AMDT 1 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials HB 197:1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials HB 197-1999 An introductory guide to the slip resistance of pedestrian surface materials SA HB 198:2014 Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces Common slip and trip hazards You can refer to this comprehensive fact sheet from Safe Work Australia (SWA) when trying to identify what may possibly cause a slip or trip accident. For your convenience, we’ve simplified SWA’s list below. Common slip hazards: Spills of liquid or solid material Wet cleaning methods Wind-driven rain or snow through doorways Sudden change in floor surface (eg. joins between carpet and polished timber) Change from a wet to a dry surface Dusty and sandy surfaces Ramp incline Bumpy/Loose flooring Poor lighting Use of unsuitable footwear Common trip hazards: Ridges in floors or carpets Worn floor coverings Broken tiles Cracks and potholes in floors Changes in floor level Thresholds and doorstops Floor sockets and phone jacks Cables from power extension units Loads that obstruct vision Obstacles in traffic areas For more information, be sure to read our article about how you can prevent slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Which floor types (surfaces) need anti-slip solutions SWA’s fact sheet has a quick guide to help you figure out which kinds of surfaces get slippery in what situation: Floor Type Characteristics Concrete Rounded aggregate can be slippery when concrete wears. Interior surface is often sealed to prevent dusting and absorption of liquids - this can increase slipperiness. Terrazzo Gives good appearance and wears well but can be slippery when wet, when excess polish is used or when dusty. Quarry tiles, ceramic tiles Low water absorption and good resistance to chemicals. Slippery in wet conditions if smooth, but can be moulded with aggregate or profiles to improve slip resistance - special cleaning equipment may then be required. Glazed ceramic tiles Slippery when wet, particularly with soapy water. Some slip resistance treatments available, but preferable not to install these tiles on floors. Vinyl tiles and sheet Easy to clean. Use sheet form where frequent washing is required to avoid water getting under tiles. Slippery when wet, particularly if polished, however slip resistant vinyls are available. These have aggregates moulded in. Thicker and softer vinyls are more slip resistant than hard ones. Cork Must be sealed to prevent absorption of oil and water, but may then be slippery when wet. Steel plate Tends to be slippery when wet or oily, particularly when worn. Rubber Less effective in wet conditions. Must be fixed down well at the edges and joints or will cause a trip hazard. Plastic matting Interlocking PVC extrusions give good drainage and slip resistance. Hose down or steam clean. Carpet Carpet has a shorter life than hard floor surfaces, but it can be a cost-effective solution. Installations should be wall to wall, to avoid the hazard of a trip on edges. When used in small local areas, such as at entrances, it should be installed in a recess in the floor. Alternatively, it should be rubber-backed and with hardwearing tapered edges. Trolleys can be harder to push on carpet, but if larger wheels are fitted and the carpet does not have a deep pile, this is not a serious problem. Fiberglass gratings This product can have grit particles moulded into upper surface to provide very good slip resistance. Fluids are quickly drained away. Where to use anti-slip products Standard anti-slip products are installed in relatively familiar pedestrian locations: Ladders rungs: The mostly smooth and often small foot surface area on ladder rungs present an extremely high-risk hazard that needs to be made safe by being covered with anti-slip material as specified in AS1657. Here are more reasons why ladder rung covers are essential for safety. Landings, platforms, ramps and walkways: Even flat surfaces can become slippery when left oily, overly polished or wet. That's where you need safeplates to ensure firm footing. Steps, stairs and stairwells: Slips, trips and falls on stairways are a more common occurrence in industrial and commercial environments than they should be, sharing about the same frequency of incidents being reported. Consider installing stair nosings in those places. There are even commercial grade ones for surfaces such as ceramic, concrete and masonry. Conveyor channel cleats: Slip-proof these surfaces with cleats that provide firm footing on most types of grating mesh conveyor ramps, platforms or walkways (even those with a sharp incline). You’ve probably even seen anti-slip products during your daily routine and haven't really noticed them placed on: Transport and logistics vehicles Trains and station platforms Emergency service vehicles Construction and mining machinery Food production equipment Weighbridges Skateboards They’re even on infrastructure projects, such as: Bridges Dams Tunnels Anti-slip products are also widely used in various areas in civil aviation and the agriculture sector. We’re guessing there’s a big chance you’ll need an anti-slip solution for your business. In the meantime, here are some easy things that you can do quickly to prevent slips: Use anti-slip tapes Apply anti-slip coatings More anti-slip FAQs The safe surfaces industry is one of the most important sectors in the safety market for protecting workers, visitors, contractors and all pedestrians from incident and injury due to a slip, trip, stumble, tumble or a fall. Anti-slip products come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colours, coarseness grades and are required to achieve a multitude of different results, such as: Safety Compliance requirements Visibility Aesthetic Covering of an aging or worn surface Do you need different kinds of anti-slip for indoor and outdoor use? Primarily, you will consider the level of safety that the anti-slip product can provide. There are instances where indoors is harsher and has more slip hazards, especially in workplaces where floors often get liquid spills. In this case, the level of coarseness will make all the difference. Which level of coarseness (grade) is right for my intended use? Consider the types of pedestrians that need to be kept safe from a possible slip, stumble, trip, tumble, falter or fall. Grade Generally used in Barefoot – 80 ISO (86) Areas where people may walk around in bare feet or in open-toed footwear, and there is no excess buildup of dirt, dust or debris, such as in child care centres, playground areas, picnic grounds and community pools Fine – 46 ISO (86) Industrial – 24 ISO (86) Commercial or light industrial applications where an increased level of safety is required, such as at educational institutions, walkways and ramps for people with a disability, some residential applications and public transport infrastructure Heavy Duty – 20 ISO (86) Industrial applications where workers and visitors need a superior level of safety when traversing all types of pedestrian access areas, due to the possibility of an excess of dirt, dust, debris or spillage of product in trafficked areas around the workplace Offshore – 16 ISO (86) Applications where there is a high accumulation of, or the presence of carbon greases, heavy oils, or increased spillages on a stairway, walkway, platform or landing need the highest level of safety surface When installed to manufacturer guidance, standard metal-backed anti-slip products would generally have beads of silicone adhesive applied to bond the metal to the substrate. That, in addition to a layer of laminated material and resin coating, makes the product safe from potential electrical/static conduction, according to Advance Antislip Solutions. What are your anti-slip products made of? According to Advance Anti-Slip Surfaces, their main range of anti-slip, metal-backed products are made from high quality, BlueScope sheet products such as Colorbond®, Galvabond®, as well as 5052 aluminium and 316 stainless steel. They also offer anti-slip tapes. Do they corrode and rust? The sealed surface is unlikely to corrode or rust. It’s because the foundation elements are machine pressed, sheer cut from sheet steel, and the edges are coated and sealed to protect the metal. What about anti-slip coatings? Applied anti-slip floor coating and slip-resistant coating products have their place in the safe surfaces industry, especially where there are extremely large square metreage areas that need to be made safe for pedestrians. They are initially very effective at preventing slips and falls; however (over time and with lots of machine cleaning), they will wear away and need resurfacing at regular intervals. They also need a lot of time to dry before pedestrians can access the area. What kinds of liquid can your anti-slip products “resist”? They are resistant to most solvents, petroleum products and acid solutions. High concentrations of chemical, alkali, acid, solvent or other liquid contaminant (that may be harmful to humans even when wearing safety boots with slip-resistant soles) could have an effect on the product’s hardened resin coating. Although so far, we haven’t come across an instance where the products have succumbed to such a liquid contaminant attack. How do I keep the anti-slip products clean? You can use a firm bristle brush/broom and mops to clean them. You can even spray them with pressurized water, too (if that’s part of your housekeeping SOP). Most readily available surfactant-based detergents can clean the non-slip surface well enough, and most diluted cleaning chemicals clean the anti-slip surface without affecting its integrity. Avoid acid-based cleaning chemicals with high concentrations of acidic components. What are the available colours? You can choose from our standard colour range chart. The most popular is Safety Yellow. We also offer “higher visibility” photo-luminescent (glow in the dark) Safety Yellow, Nano Green and Safety Red. Can I relocate (reuse) the products to a different location/surface later on? Relocating or repositioning a previously installed metal-backed anti-slip product is possible if it is removed from its existing location without sustaining any damage. If you intend to reposition them on a similar surface, there should be no potential issues, although a quick check with us to confirm the details might be wise. AIMS’ Note on Buying Industrial Supplies Breadth and depth of brands and categories: Go with a supplier that offers a wide range of reputable brands across multiple categories and sub-categories. Bulk purchase discounts: For large orders, check if you can take advantage of volume leverage. Some suppliers offer business accounts* that give you access to special pricing (volume discounts), preferential support and even credit eligibility (subject to supplier approval, terms and conditions). Product and service information: Evaluate the completeness and usefulness of data in their online product listings. Prudent suppliers will include as much useful information as possible to help you assess and compare products. In terms of service info, the supplier’s FAQs (if any) will give you a good idea of their standard policies*, processes and commitments. Promotions: Check for ongoing promotional campaigns so you can get the best prices. Many suppliers run regular discount-based promos. Some can point you to government-hosted rebate programmes like the SafeWork NSW $1000 Small Business Rebate. Safety compliance: Make sure the product in question meets Australian safety standards and regulations, especially if there are relevant compliance requirements or work health and safety (WHS) laws that apply to your business or state. Look for relevant certifications and markings where necessary. Supplier reliability: Choose reputable suppliers with a proven track record of delivering quality products and reliable customer service. Warranty and support: Check warranty terms and after-sales support* options, as this can be crucial in case of product defects or performance issues. Lead time and availability: Confirm product availability and estimated delivery times to avoid delays in your projects. Returns: Familiarise yourself with the suppliers returns and exchange policy in case you receive incorrect or damaged items. Delivery: Clarify delivery terms, including estimated delivery times, shipping costs and who handles insurance during transit (where applicable). *Need help with a purchase decision? Contact us directly via chat or send an email to sales@aimsindustrial.com.au. This blog's sub-topics People Also Ask — Anti-Slip Solutions Q: What are anti-slip products used for? Anti-slip products reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls on surfaces that become hazardous when wet, oily, or worn. They include anti-slip tape, grit coatings, stair nosings, anti-fatigue matting, and floor markers. The right solution depends on the surface type, traffic level, and the likely contaminant — water, oil, dust, or chemical. Q: What is the difference between anti-slip tape and anti-slip coating? Anti-slip tape is a peel-and-stick abrasive product — fast to apply and easy to replace, ideal for targeted high-risk zones like stair edges and ramp entries. Anti-slip coating is a paint-based product that bonds to the floor surface and covers larger areas uniformly. Coating is more permanent; tape is better suited to localised treatment or temporary installations. Q: Where should anti-slip tape be installed? Anti-slip tape is most critical on stair nosings, ramp entry and exit zones, loading dock edges, machinery access platforms, and any walkway where surfaces become slippery under normal operating conditions. Pay particular attention to transition zones between outdoor and indoor areas, where workers track in moisture on their footwear. Q: How long does anti-slip tape last in an industrial environment? Lifespan depends on traffic volume, surface preparation, and exposure. In low-traffic areas with correct surface prep (clean, dry, oil-free), quality anti-slip tape can last 3–5 years. In heavy industrial areas, expect 12–24 months before replacement is warranted. Worn tape is as hazardous as no tape — inspect regularly and replace on any sign of lifting or wear-through. Q: Does anti-slip matting replace fixed floor treatments? No — they serve different roles. Anti-slip matting is best at entry points, workstations, and fatigue reduction zones. Fixed treatments (tape, coating, stair nosings) are required in thoroughfares, stairways, and ramps where matting would itself create a trip hazard. A layered approach combining matting at stations with fixed treatment in walkways gives the best overall outcome. See AIMS's full anti-vibration mounts range — trade pricing and Australia-wide despatch. See AIMS's full anti-seize compounds range — trade pricing and Australia-wide despatch.
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