Non Skid Tape
Non skid tape or, as some people call it, anti slip tape, is available in a variety of colors and grits.
There are typically commercial grade and non commercial grades sold by most manufacturers. If you own a business then we recommend you opt for the commercial grade products. Remember you are buying this to keep people safe and cutting corners is not advised in that regard.
Most likely you are considering buying non skid tape to make sure you are in compliance with OSHA recommendations to provide a durable and consistent non skid or anti slip surface.
Most of these types of tape surfaces resemble very coarse grit sand paper. But just as there are different grades of sand paper, there are different grades of anti slip tape too. The highest quality is made from using silicon carbide as the grit material. This type of material can last significantly longer than other types of grit materials too.
There are usually two different grits of this tape. There is an 80 grit and a 60 grit. Other grits may be available but these appear to the by far the most popular surfaces. You should know that the lower the grit number, the more coarse the surface of the tape. So a lower grit should provide more traction than a higher grit number. If you have any doubt at all, be sure to check with local authorities on what is required and/or with the OSHA office to make sure you are in compliance there too.
Once you know what the requirements for your area and your business are, you will be better prepared to buy exactly what is needed.
Here are a few things you should consider:
Do you need an indoor or an outdoor surface? Or maybe you need both. If you need tape for outdoor use, be sure the tape you buy is rated for outdoor use.
You only want to install non skid tape one time. Be sure the adhesive used on the back surface is aggressive and very strong. You certainly don’t want the corners or edges peeling up and presenting a safety hazard. Ironic that a safety feature could become a hazard in itself.
You want the surface to give the highest slip resistance possible. And you may as well consider buying a tape that uses silicon carbide for longer lasting performance and more consistent slip resistance.
Some areas will require the use of non skid tape that is resistant to various chemicals and/or fluids. Keep in mind that some cleaning chemicals can have an adverse affect on the adhesion of non skid tape too. So make sure the tape you buy will not be affected by harsh cleaning chemicals or even other chemicals it may come in contact with on a day to day basis.
There is an organization that certifies various flooring products. If you have any questions about whether the product you are considering meets the requirements or is certified as a High Traction product, then you can check with the National Flooring Safety Institute. They maintain a database of the various products they have certified and the rating given to each one.
Just remember, you are buying non skid tape to keep people safe. Spending a little extra money here may be one of the cheapest insurance policies you can purchase.
