maintenance matters What if the company you’re working for has no program in place, but you do? For one, make sure that your documenta-tion is current. In the event an incident occurs, then at least you will have written proof of compli-ance. Just the fact that you or your company can show a proactive approach to floor safety will go a long way in disproving any claims of negligence on your part. “look the same” and “offer the same things,” offering slip-resistant chemicals as an option sets your company apart from the competition. This, when combined with the fact that you can show your company has a floor safety program in place for your employees as well as documentation from a third-party walkway auditor, will truly distinguish you and your company. Another plus of having a third-party walk-way auditor is the opportunity to have writ-ten proof that your cleaning process is superior to that of others. You may ask, “How will auditing accom-plish this?” Well, it’s easy if you’re starting a new facility to simply have the walkway audit performed before you start. The reason many floors have a low slip resistance is because the floors are not properly maintained. This will show up in the audit by the lower standard coefficient of friction (SCOF) values. By documenting the lower SCOF values of the floor when you first start routine cleaning and then comparing them to the higher SCOF values after your cleaning pro-cess, you will show proof that your clients’ floors are being cleaned and maintained in a proper manner. This is just another way to set your company or operation apart from all the others. Another Source Of Protection Another resource you may want to consider is the use of slip-resistant chemicals. These chemicals will cost more, but the value of the product will make it worth any extra expense. In fact, there’s much to be said about perceived value in the eyes of customers. If you can offer a product that not only cleans but also raises the slip resistance of the floor, then you have shown your client you have added value. In a business where all the companies New Standards That Affect You Even though the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) B101.1 Standard has been out since late 2009, it is still the newest standard concerning the testing of wet SCOF. This standard is only one of eight that will soon be the recognized benchmark for slip and fall prevention the United States. What this means for everyone who owns and operates a business is that the time for not having to focus on floor safety is quickly ending. With the development of these new stan-dards, public awareness is increasing, and the need to be compliant with these new standards is vital if a company or organiza-tion wishes to defend against any type of slip and fall accident. The new standards not only act as a pro-tection for the public, but they also act as ammunition for law firms that make a living on slip and fall litigation. Now, the attorneys have a written stan-dard that clearly defines what the accept-able wet SCOF values are and, if they aren’t met, it is bad news for anyone on the wrong side of a lawsuit. So, now is the time to start focusing on what type of image your operation will put forth: Proactive or reactive. CM Michael Fraley is president of Consolidated Safety Group Inc. (www.WalkwaySafety.com). He is NFSI-certified as a Walkway Safety Auditor and a Slip and Fall Prevention Specialist. Fraley cur-rently is serving on the NFSI/ANSI B101 Standards Committee and is chairman of the ANSI B101.4 Sub-Committee. His company offers nationwide walkway auditing services as well as customized floor safety programs. They also offer a variety of safety enhancing cleaners and degreasers and products. You can contact him at (888) 818-9038, at [email protected] or by visiting www. FloorTesting.com. Circle Product Information no. 214 on page 32 48 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • September 2011
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