We’ve recently helped Red Funnel Ferries with a gangway refurbishment with our anti-slip panels, in quick time!

The problem

Red Funnel had noticed it was time to refurb one of their gangways to ensure there were no slip hazards arising.

Previous methods to combat this using anti-slip paint and tapes have always offered a very short service life. This was becoming especially noticeable in areas where there is a high footfall and a lot of luggage trolleys being wheeled about which start to wear the surface down and then eventually create the loss of slip resistance. So, there was potentially a slip hazard waiting to happen. This can be seen quite clearly in the two pictures below.

 

GripClad’s Solution

Our simple solution was the use of GripClad® non-mechanical fixed 2mm thick Low Profile anti-slip sheeting.

This sheeting is extremely durable and designed for surfaces that are subject to heavy usage and movement. A special adhesive was all that was required to set this material firmly over the gangways to create a tough and safe floor and it will last and resist wear and tear for many years.

When testing surfaces for potential slip hazards, a device called a Pendulum Slider is used and produces results referred to as Pendulum Test Values (PTV) or Slip Resistance Values (SRV). Anything above 36+ is considered low risk. GripClad’s anti-slip sheets PTV Test Reading when dry is 71 and wet is 63.

The overall length was 3.94m x 2.57m so we installed sheets in three main colours including individual fingers in black. We also cut around the viewing glass which is needed by the ferry crew as a safety precaution.

 

A quick turnaround challenge

Installing the pedestrian slip-resistant enhancement to the Red Funnel gangway was no easy task due to limited downtime for the installers to set down new anti-slip panels.

The ferry operators could not simply shut down to allow for the installation, so as each ferry came in to dock it was tools to the ready as there were no more than 40 minutes (their time to dock, unload and reload car and foot passengers) to get the installation done, so time was certainly not on our side, but we managed it all with a great finish!

In the end, this proved to be a clean simple job to refurb a wearing gangway and GripClad’s solution will offer many years of hazard free walking in these gangplanks, and so safeguarding the foot passengers against slip accidents.

If you need further information and advice on GripClad’s anti-slip sheets just get in touch on 02380 406796 or email us enquiries@gripclad.co.uk.

To keep up to date with our latest products, applications and to receive anti-slip help, advice and guidance sign up to receive our regular updates here.