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