Non
slip tiles porcelain tiles
Alcalagres - Tile of Spain member Alcalagres launches new range of class 3 anti-slip tiles
Slips and trips consistently account for
around one in three non-fatal minor injuries, and for over one
in five over-three-day injuries in workplace areas throughout
Great Britain, a total of at least 35,000 injuries per annum
(one serious accident every three minutes). HSE statistics
suggest that most of these accidents are slips, most of which
occur when floor surfaces are contaminated (water, talc, grease
etc).
In March 2006 the Spanish building regulations (Código
Técnico de la Edificación)
established the minimum slip resistance required for floor
surfaces, which have in turn influenced new collections from
tile manufacturers all over Spain. Several of these were
showcased at Cevisama, one of the world's major tile trade
shows, in Valencia earlier this year.
The Spanish minimum slip resistance required for floor surfaces
(Rd) is determined using the British Portable Skid Resistance
Tester, also known as the 'pendulum test' The class 3 tile
(Rd>45), Spain's highest slip resistance on a scale of four, is
equivalent to the UK's Low Slip risk classification, based on
pendulum test values.
Tile of Spain member Alcalagres has developed a special
technique for manufacturing through-body porcelain tiles with a
firm non-slip grip, without relinquishing all the traditional
benefits of Integral Porcelain Tiles. The tiles are smooth to
the touch when dry as they are chemically treated as opposed to
relying on surface roughness. When saturated with water the
chemicals react, thus increasing the tiles' integral traction
levels. The non-slip properties are specially developed during
the manufacturing phase of the porcelain tiles, guaranteeing
long-term durability in comparison with other surface treatments
that are applied once floor tiles have been made or laid.
The final result has exceeded the required limits of UNE - ENV
12633-2003 non-slip tests (Rd>45 - Class 3), carried out with
surfaces saturated with water, and those of the TORTUS meted
(0.87 / 0.81). Consequently, the tiles are ideal for use in
private and public outdoor areas where a good non-slip grip is
required, particularly for surfaces that are subject to damp or
considerable amounts of water.
It is the perfect solution for outdoor paving in entrance areas
to large or small public surfaces, on pavements, in porch areas
and even for tiles around swimming pools and terraces.
Typically, they are used indoors in changing rooms, public
toilets, hospital clinics, homes for the elderly, or industrial
kitchens.
ALCALAGRES currently offers this finish from its Lifestone
series available in 30x60cm and 45x45cm sizes, Cottísimo
series, in a 30x30cm format, and with the 30x60cm Rodena model
from its Natura series.
"The new tiles in our collection that meet Spanish building
regulations class 3 specifications, such as the Lifestone series
retain all the beauty and style of the rest of our porcelain
range." comments Feli Ayensa, Export Manager, Alcalagres. The
use of liquid reactive chemicals ensures that the surfaces
remain smooth to the touch and are therefore perfect for areas
where the user will be barefoot as well as any external areas
where a strong anti-slip flooring solution is required.
Previously this could only be achieved by using heavily textured
surfaces such as rice grain finishes which compromise the
overall look and finish of the tile."
The non-slip chemicals used by Alcalagres are completely
environmentally friendly and will not affect ground water.
Email:
tileofspain@hillgatepr.co.uk