What is SRC?

Emily Fraser

25 August 2016

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If you work at a company who require you to wear safety footwear, you probably see SRC ratings on most of the footwear you’re purchasing. But what actually is SRC? And how is this testing done?

Well luckily for you, we’re going to answer these questions, breaking it down to hopefully give you a better understanding.

SRC testing is carried out in order to determine the slip resistance of footwear. Slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of major incidents and injuries in the workplace, but almost all of these slips and trips can be prevented, often with simple, inexpensive solutions.

One of these solutions is to use safety footwear that has been proven to be slip resistant. Knowing how to select suitable safety footwear and that the information you are provided with regarding the footwear is reliable can be somewhat challenging. That is why there is legislation around safety footwear and requirements for it to be tested on certain surfaces and to certain levels for it to be deemed as safe to use and slip resistant.

SRC is the most stringent specification for safety footwear and slip resistance. SRC tested footwear are slip resistant tests that give a specific number rating to compare slip. When a product is SRC tested it is tested under two separate conditions; ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution and tested on smooth steel with glycerol.

Standard SRC test machine

Standard SRC test machine [Source: Satra Technology]

Testing is carried out using a machine that tests:

Heel slips. These are tested as they are the most common and dangerous mode of step and a large cause of work related accident. In this test, the heel and flat of the shoe are tested separately.
The comparison of results on dry and wet surfaces. This then measures the effectiveness of the tread pattern.
The standard reinforce floor surfaces that has been defined. For an SRC test this includes both ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution and smooth steel with glycerol.
The machine can also apply higher levels of coefficient of friction (CoF) for higher risks and units.

The machine then will give you a number of the rating. The shoe must be a certain rating for it to be deemed as safety, slip resistance and suitable for the workplace. The standard ratings are:

Surface	Heel value	Flat Value
Ceramic tile wetted with dilute soap solution	0.28	0.32
Smooth steel with glycerol	0.13	0.18

So, how can the design of safety footwear help with the slip ratings and make your safety footwear slip-resistant? There are a number of aspects which can help such as:

Good, fit for purpose tread pattern
Flexible and flat sole
Low heel height
High quality and friction materials

integra.boot Trekker with a great, multi-purpose sole and high slip rating

So there you have it, what SRC testing is and how it is done. So now you know just what your safety footwear has to pass to be deemed as slip-resistant.

When examining safety footwear and choosing the best product for you, there are a few things you should take into account, such as: the tread pattern, the materials used and the test results. You should always ask for more information specific to your use and trial samples before purchasing them. Integra.boot offer you the chance to do a free boot trial so you can be confident in your purchase.

integra.boot Fortis wellington with high slip rating and a wide tread pattern for anti clog, flexibility and slip resistance

However, footwear isn’t the only thing that needs to be tested when investigating and preventing slips, flooring is also another important factor that should be tested. But you’ll just have to come back and read that blog at a later date….

REMEMBER: Through UK legislation employers have a duty to prevent or control slip risks and integra.boot can help you with this through our extensive range of safety footwear for all industries.

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William Aitken, Highland Council

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Alan Patterson, Stewarts of Tayside

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Margaret Robertson, Tullibardine Distillery

We recently changed to the Traction boots, because the sole lasted longer. Drivers are very happy with the Traction boots.

Rafael Fernandez, Suckling Transport

Footwear is excellent. All my guys find it very comfortable.

Mark Pearson, Glasgow Airport

We use integra boots throughout the factory and have no complaints with these.

Carol Adie, Grahams Family Dairy

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Stores Manager, Local Authority

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Elizabeth Gourlay, Harry Lawson

Highly recommend integra.boot safety footwear for durability and value for money.

Lisa Ralston, Dewar Brothers Ltd

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Peter Ross, ANM Group Ltd

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Jim Sellwood, DHL

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Karol Wojcik, Scotbeef Ltd

integra.boot wellingtons are more comfortable than previous ones used. They are also lighter, have more slip resistance and are easier to clean.

Tony Swann, Welcome Foods

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