Safety Alert
Slippery Decking
Decking covered with green algae, mould or moss is very slippery under foot especially after rainfall. Wet Winters and Springs therefore increase the risk of falls and injuries for our centre whanau.
Depending on the awkwardness of the fall, harm can vary from a minor bruise or graze to a severe injury with long term consequences.
Everyone is at risk! However, young tamarki and the elderly are particularly at risk.
How can we reduce the risk of slipping? The answer is decking maintenance.
What Can be Done to Prevent Slips on Decking?
There are several ways to remove green algae, mould or moss and maintain decking. These are:
Regular brushing and sweeping growth: Brushing your deck throughout the year prevents the build-up of algae, fungi, moss, green mould, mud and leaf litter which can create a slippery surface. Brushing also cleans out the gaps and helps rainwater to drain away. This is the cheapest and easiest method.
Washing the deck: Algae and fungi build-up can be removed by cleaning the deck with soapy water, commercial deck cleaner or water blasting (using the appropriate nozzle).
Non-slip coating: Nonslip stains or paints that contain additives like sand reduce slippiness and increase grip for footwear. Products that are epoxy coatings work well in high traffic areas. Some coatings contain a biocide that prevents growth of algae and fungi. Decking needs to be clean and dry before application.
- A DIY version of the anti-slip paint can be made by mixing four-parts exterior paint to one-part fine-grained silica sand (in a separate container). Keep stirring the sand mix to prevent the sand settling at the bottom of the container. When dry, apply a second layer of paint (no sand).
Recommendation: Try this method out, in a small out of the way area, before proceeding so you are happy with the finish.
Anti-slip adhesive decking tape: This is a quick, temporary solution for creating a safe walking surface. Good for high traffic areas and steps. Deck needs to be clean and dry before tape is applied to the decking.
Anti-slip strips or grip strips: A more permanent version of the anti-slip tape. Strips have a gritted anti-slip surface and are screwed into the decking where needed. Good for high traffic areas and steps.
Choice of decking: Composite decking and some wood species (cedar and redwood) are less prone to decay and algal growth.
Woodcare coatings, finish or sealant: Wood is naturally porous and absorbs moisture. Annually sealing decking with a finish or treatment that seals the surface reduces water absorption and growth of algae and fungi. Treatments should be applied to clean and dry decking. This is not necessary if the deck is painted.
Rubber outdoor grip mats: A quick temporary solution for areas that cannot be treated immediately.
Anti-slip outdoor rugs: Synthetic outdoor rugs or walkway matting used for high traffic areas. Rugs may have a slip resistant backing or need grippers to secure them in place. Please note that long term use of some rugs or matting can cause timber to break down quicker, so make sure the surface underneath is adequately sealed or painted regularly. Lifting mats up during the holidays can assist with airing out the areas.
Other considerations to prevent algae and fungal growth:
- Covered decking is protected from both rainfall and algal growth.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are working and not leaking onto the deck.
- New decking can be designed to have a slight slope to prevent rainwater pooling.
The following are not recommended for decking, walkways or footpaths:
X Metal chicken wire/mesh – because the metal wires deteriorate, rust and become loose creating a trip hazard. Broken wires also leave sharp points that can cause cuts to feet and additional injuries if someone falls.
X Plastic netting – because the plastic can stretch or break becoming a trip hazard. Wet plastic is also slippery for some types of shoes.
NOTE: Some of the solutions listed above may need internal or external approvals before they can happen. Please check-in with the Property team before you make changes to the decking at your centre.
If you need further information or you have query about this Safety Alert, then please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
References:
6 slippery deck solutions: how to stop decking from being slippery | Gardeningetc
Slippery deck solutions: 5 expert ways to prevent slips | Homes & Gardens (homesandgardens.com)
How To Stop Decking Being Slippery: 8 Fixes & Solutions (duffieldtimber.com)
About: Safety Alerts are released to alert all Playcentre whānau, employees and contractors to a hazard or fault that could result in a serious injury or fatality – so that immediate remedial action can be take
Car seats are not safe sleeping environments for pēpi
As an ECE, Playcentre Aotearoa are required to follow MoE guidance to ensure we are providing a safe sleep environment for pēpi and tamariki attending our centres and using the carparking areas. Cots need to be a safe design, be free of loose bedding or clothing that could become a strangulation hazard and allow pēpi to lie flat on their backs. Car sears/capsules are only designed for temporary transportation and cannot be used as a substitute for a cot for routine sleep.
RISK: Pēpi sleeping in car capsules/seats are more at risk of positional asphyxiation because the semi-upright position elevates baby’s head into a chin-chest position which can cause the head and neck to block their airway leading to suffocation.
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- This is why car seats must be properly fitted to ensure the seat is correctly reclined and airways remain open.
- Baby capsules removed from the car seat and placed on another surface may not provide the correct recline.
Reference
Recommended reading:
MoE (2024). PF29 Design of sleep provisions. Sleep – Ministry of Education
Everything You Need to Know About Sleeping in a Car Seat » Safe in the Seat (2024)
Other reading:
How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe: AAP Policy Explained – HealthyChildren.org (2023)
Sleep-Related SUID Deaths – The National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention