Cleaning slippery surfaces – prevention is better than cure

Category: Health and safety, Steam cleaning

Paved areas often become slippery when it rains and this is usually caused by biofilms such as algae, moss or lichen. These microorganisms often go unnoticed in dry weather, but when it rains they can turn exterior paved areas, pathways and steps into serious slip hazards.

Avoid unnecessary accident claims

Biofilms need moisture to grow and reproduce so tend to flourish in the Autumn and Winter, especially in sheltered or shaded areas. Property owner/managers need to take action to address these areas as they can become a serious health and safety hazard. In fact, they are required by law to ensure the health and safety of visitors to their premises, and in today’s litigious society, if someone does slip and injure themselves badly, they may take legal action. A fall can easily end up in court, with surprisingly high legal fees and damages to pay - a claim could run into tens of thousands of pounds.

Fast, efficient removal of moss, lichen and algae

Having the pathways, ramps and steps of your premises professionally cleaned to remove slippery biofilms makes them safer to walk on. It also demonstrates that you have taken measures to address health and safety risks which will mitigate in your favour against a claim.

Pressurised steam cleaning is a fast and efficient way of removing biofilms. The steam kills spores helping prevent regrowth and we can apply a biocide to further inhibit future growth and keep the surfaces slip-free for longer. View case studies relating to cleaning slippery surfaces for Bristol University and Coed Darcy.

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