Slippery Decking Solution for Godalming College

Slippery decking is a major safety issue throughout the year but more so during the winter months. Watco Decking Strips have provided a solution to this potential safety hazard at Godalming College in Surrey.

The decking is in a high traffic area in the middle of the campus and is used as a seating area at lunchtime for staff and students. In dry weather the area did not generally cause any concerns but if the weather was wet or frosty the potential for slip accidents was huge. The college had used Watco products on internal floors so called us to ask for advice.

We realized a long term solution was needed, the college had tried to make the area safer by applying anti-slip coatings recommended by another supplier, but these had been applied to slightly damp wood and had flaked off in the frost. The potential slip issue was increased by the fact that the decking did not have any grooves in the top surface to offer traction underfoot. Watco recommended and supplied 50mm wide FRP chamfered edge decking strips.

The stone colored strips were chosen to allow for the strips to blend in with the decking but still provide the all important slip resistance underfoot. Yellow strips were used to highlight the edges and steps to help meet DDA regulations. The strips are supplied already predrilled so the installation was completed in just two days over the Easter break, allowing the area to be put back into service in plenty of time for the start of the new term.

If you have a floor coating or safety problem please let us know, you can email us at info@watcofloors.com or call us on 1.855.627.6350 and speak to one of our technical advisors.

Watco GRP Decking Strips

Watco FRP Decking Strips are virtually indestructible, based on an extremely durable fiberglass base with a coarse, ceramic grit which is bonded to the top for a heavy duty, slip resistant surface. Chamfered edges minimise trip hazards. The strips are available in 2 colors.

Decking strips can be trimmed on site using a hacksaw if required, a cut to size service available for non standard sizes.

Holes are pre-drilled in Watco FRP Decking Strips at approximately 300mm intervals. One row of holes is drilled in the 50mm and 90mm wide strips, two rows in the 120mm width. Holes are 50mm in from each end. Screws are supplied for fixing to timber.