ABSTRACT
It could be argued that falls due to slips are the most frequent type of fall accident. In order to effectively apply assessment and measurement techniques for slip resistance, it is essential to have a working knowledge of the underlying principles of friction, factors that affect traction on walkway surfaces, and the origins of measurement instruments and related thresholds of safety. Knowledge of these principles permits informed decision making regarding appropriate methods of measuring traction, critical factors that contribute to or hamper pedestrian traction, and meaningful interpretation of slip resistance test results.
