Exceeds OSHA Standards for Slip Resistance

OSHA guidelines define a reasonable measure of slip-resistance as a static coefficient of friction (COF).  A COF of 0.50, which is based upon studies by the University of Michigan and reported in "Work Surface Friction Definitions, Laboratory and Field Measurements, and a Comprehensive Bibliography," is recommended as a guide to achieve proper slip resistance. 

Since OSHA designates a reasonable measure of slip-resistance of 0.50, sidewalk repairs that do not meet this minimum slip-resistance represent a potential liability and continued trip hazard.

Our patented saw-cutting technology completely and cleanly removes not only trip hazards from sidewalks but leaves a micro-textured finish on the repair that is equal to or exceeds OSHA standards for adequate slip-resistance. By having Precision Safe Sidewalks remove their trip hazards, our clients reduce their legal liability using the most efficient and cost effective method available.

• Each offset will be tapered according to the specifications requested by the client and will have a smooth, uniform appearance and texture that meets or exceeds OSHA guidelines for slip resistance.

• The raised sidewalk will be cut from edge to edge and brought to a zero point of differential settlement, completely eliminating the trip hazard.

Cut It, Don’t Grind It

Our patented precision concrete cutting method is a fast, efficient, and green alternative to grinding.

Our method allows for edge-to-edge repair eliminating the entire trip hazard at precisely calculated slopes.  This means helping eliminate liability for trip and fall incidents for every repair.   

In contrast, grinders often leave partial hazards at the edges of sidewalk panels, which means little has been done to decrease liability. PSS’ method removes entire hazards, edge to edge.

Greater Savings:  Our method allows us to repair uneven sidewalk panels up to 2.5 inches in height differential on a 4-inch pour.  Grinding equipment is limited to repairing hazards up to just 1 inch.  The combined savings over alternative methods of grinding with demolition and replacement is up to 70% in most cases.

Uniform Repair, No Damage: Grinding often causes eyesore-repairs, with crevices, pitting, and displaced aggregate. Grinding also causes accelerated concrete deterioration from water retention and increased freeze-thaw damage in the low, uneven spots. Precision Safe Sidewalks does not damage adjacent structures and requires no landscape repair.

Highest Efficiency:  Alternative methods like grinding and demolition and replacement are slow and cause maximum disturbance.  In contrast, a Precision Safe Sidewalks team can remove approximately 100 or more trip and fall hazards in a day using our patented precision concrete cutting process when repairing for compliance.  There is minimal disturbance to central business districts and high traffic areas. 

Economically Friendly:  Silica dust cannot be contained while using grinding equipment and does not comply with OSHA regulations.  PSS’ dust abatement is patented and captures up to 95% of concrete dust generated during repairs.  Our filters and systems also comply with new OSHA regulations and have passed multiple field evaluations by OSHA inspectors.  The precision method saves hundreds of thousands of tons of concrete, reduces fossil fuel usage, and eliminates tons of CO2 emissions.

Photo by Tatomm/iStock / Getty Images

Our Repair Process

Precision Concrete Cutting    

Step 1

Sidewalk panel prior to being cut using precision concrete cutting.

Trip Hazard Size:   1.5 Inches
Panel Width:           5 Feet
Repair Slope:         To customer specifications

Elapsed Time: 1 Minute

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Step 2

Sidewalk panel being cut from right to left.  The Trip Hazard Specialist has taken precise measurements to know exactly where to start and end the cut.

Elapsed Time: 3 Minutes

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Step 3

The Trip Hazard Specialist has taken precise measurements to create a zero differential between sidewalk panels. The cut surface has an OSHA compliant slip resistance greater or equal to the brushed finish on the adjacent panels.

Elapsed Time: 7 Minutes

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Step 4

The Trip Hazard Specialist has removed 75% of the hazard while maintaining a safe slope and zero differential between sidewalk panels. All debris is collected and recycled to maintain a "green" solution to trip hazard removal and repair.

Elapsed Time: 11 Minutes

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Step 5: Completed Removal

The sidewalk is now safe and OSHA compliant for slip resistance, and the trip hazard is removed. There was minimal disturbance to the surrounding trees, yard, sprinklers and landscaping.

Elapsed Time: 13 Minutes

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Don’t Grind!…   

Grinding - Trip Hazard Remains

Sidewalk panel after grinding leaves a trip hazard and unsightly mess.  

Trip Hazard:  Not Removed
Liability:  Extremely High
Damage:  Pulverized Concrete & Loose Aggregate
Appearance:  Unsightly

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Grinding - Damaged Adjacent Panel & Trip Hazard Remains

Sidewalk panel after grinding leaves a trip hazard, unsightly mess and damaged adjacent panel.

Trip Hazard:  Not Removed
Liability:  Extremely High
Damage:  Pulverized Concrete, Loose Aggregate and Damage to Adjacent Sidewalk Panel
Appearance:  Unsightly to both Sidewalk Panels

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Grinding - Hazard Remains, Not ADA Compliant, Not Edge-to-edge

Sidewalk panel after grinding leaves a trip hazard, unsightly mess and is not edge-to-edge.

Trip Hazard:  Not Removed, Not Edge-to-Edge
Liability:  Extremely High
Damage:  Pulverized Concrete, Loose Aggregate and Damage to Adjacent Sidewalk Panel
Appearance:  Unsightly to Sidewalk Panels

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Grinding - Creates Dust Plumes

Actual sidewalk grinding operation in downtown area.  Huge dust plumes are not safe for pedestrians or customers in shopping districts.  Water trucks cannot contain the silica dust created by grinding operations.  

Liability:  Extremely High, not OSHA Compliant
Damage:  Pulverized Concrete, Loose Aggregate and Damage to Adjacent Sidewalk Panel
Appearance:  Unsightly to Sidewalk Panels
Dust: Plumes are Dangerous to Pedestrians and Grinder Operators