Summer 2001
Is your consultant/expert certified in the measurement of slip resistance?
Over the years Mr. Vidal has participated in and/or coordinated numerous workshops, round robins, and research studies. His expertise in the use of various tribometers (slip meters) has been demonstrated and is highly regarded in tribometric circles. He has testified on behalf of OSHA, and plaintiff and defense attorneys on hundreds of occasions. Over time it has become evident that while there are many so-called experts in slips, trips and falls, many operate and use slip meters that are inappropriate and/or improperly used. As science marches on, many so-called experts fail to keep up with current technology, methods, and research. As an example of this type of activity, there are many who still use drag sled devices to meter wet or contaminated surfaces.
There does exist one certification program (as of this writing 9/07) which is overseen by William English Inc., to certify users of the Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT) (aka English XL). This is currently the only known certification program for tribometers in existence.
There is also an organization that is reportedly “certifying” tribometers. However, the only tribometer certified by that organization is the one they marketed under their own name. An ethical dilemma? Perhaps. The former distributor for the device has approached several ASTM committees over the years, attempting to garner support for the device, which is an automated device that produces a chart after crawling along a surface for a matter of seconds. It is electronic and does not have a calibration procedure to determine if it is reporting repeatable, reliable results. Our conclusion . . . .…be careful what you use, or buy in evaluating surfaces for slip resistance. There are many who are eager to sell you snake oil if they can.
Why should you care about a certified tribometrist? Well, would you like to have a nurse or an orderly taking x-rays of you and interpreting those x-rays? Or would you prefer the x-rays to be interpreted by certified radiologist? Of course you'd prefer the certified radiologist. Such is the case for your consultant/expert. You can be assured that your tribometrist is certified in the use of an instrument that determines the slip resistance of a walkway surface, if he/she has completed the VIT Certification Program. However, I have heard of a few instances where a certified tribometrist (CXLT) has performed testing in an inappropriate fashion. Certification for CXLT's who are ethically challenged can and will be revoked according to William English, the inventor/mfg of the VIT. A certified user is also required to be re-certified after two years, which helps in keeping serious tribometrists active, knowledgable and hopefully credible regarding current developments in the field of pedestrian safety.
Anyone who has an English XL Variable Incidence Tribometer and meets minimum qualification criteria established by William English can become certified (or re-certified). The whole-day course consists of classroom instruction, a written test, and hands-on operating tests. Following satisfactory completion of the written test the applicant is required to meter several surfaces with their XL and produce correct results demonstrating proper technique. Anyone interested in getting more details on this certification program should contact the William English (www.englishxl.com) and check out all of the details, including the times and places for scheduled classes.
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