SureFoot Systems is a national company, which markets and distributes a revolutionary anti-slip treatment for wet surfaces throughout the UK. The Precision technologies Centre of Industrial Collaboration (Precision Technologies CIC) was approached by SureFoot Systems Ltd to carry out precision measurement work for their ‘Anti-Slip’ floor treatment. In doing so, they were able to independently validate the function of this revolutionary product and increase customer confidence. The Centre was asked to provide scientific evidence assessing and confirming exactly what happens to the surface of a floor tile when treated with ‘Anti-Slip’. SureFoot also asked the Centre to demonstrate that the system does not work by acid etching or by substantially roughening the surface. This is extremely important when considering the treatment of marble, granite and porcelain as damage to the glaze would make cleaning difficult.

Experts at applying non-slip technologies in wet environments on any surface type. Reducing the risk of accidental drowning in domestic and commercial swimming pools.

The Precision Technologies CIC carried out surface roughness measurements using contact and optical techniques on a micro scale. The results showed that the product works in a different way to traditional acid etching systems. It impregnates the glaze of a tile or the natural pores of marble and granite with a material that expands on contact with moisture, causing ‘bumps’ to grow on the surface. This provides increased friction and creates the anti-slip function in wet conditions. A published report was released by the Centre that was incorporated into sales and marketing material. This contributed to increased customer confidence and brought in more sales leads for SureFoot. The Galpharm Stadium Leisure complex in Huddersfield is one of the many venues that have used ‘Anti-Slip’, and since application, there have been no slips.