Richard Bowman, Chair of the HFESA STF SIG, will make a wide ranging presentation “Might Artificial Intelligence transform slip resistance design and management practices?” before chairing the SIG’s annual (transformative) meeting. While the main business is to elect a chair and committee participants, there will also be time to consider any proposed activities.

Abstract

Richard’s presentation will include a summary of the proposed changes to the Australian slip resistance standards, and a debunking of some outdated views that are being perpetuated in many expert opinions. He will use an old research proposal as a means of providing a gaps analysis. The general aim of the proposal was to ensure pedestrians would have adequate lifecycle slip resistance performance of flooring products and proprietary remedial treatments, recognising the influence of maintenance products and practices. The project sought to coach slip resistance practitioners, and empower them to improve the quality and consistency of audits, thereby enabling a more reliable body of data to be generated, which in turn could be processed and utilised (in a generic format) by industry stakeholders to make informed decisions about ensuring the sustainability of the slip resistance of various pedestrian surfaces  in specific environments. A discussion of how diverse interests might work together for the common good will segue into possible SIG activities and the SIG elections.

Richard, a ceramic engineer, is the Principal of Intertile Research, a specialist ceramic tiling and slip resistance consultancy. Richard established the CSIRO slip resistance laboratories and was the founding Chair of the Standards Australia slip resistance committee (1991-2011). He is serving on SA, BSI, CEN, ISO and ASTM slip resistance committees. He represents HFESA on ME-064, Access for People with Disabilities; chaired the IEA Slips, Trips and FallsTechnical Committee (2015-21); and is an active member of the UK Slip Resistance Group.