Wood ramp

[cg3375]

Can pressure treated wood (2x lumber, not plywood) be considered to be "slip-resistant material" according to IBC 1010.7.1 without any additional product applied to it (epoxy w/sand, grip strips, etc.)?

An additional material might be preferable, as would a roof cover, but a client has asked with this small building (1100 sq foot stand-alone jewelry shop), for the access ramp to be treated wood with no paint or grip strips that might peel up, etc.

 

[boo1]

Any ramp will become dangerous when wet, or when
covered with leaves, ice, or snow. The 2x wood decking does not meet the slip-resistant material requirement.


"1010.7 Ramp construction. All ramps shall be built of materials consistent with the types permitted for the type of construction of the building; except that wood hand rails shall be permit ted for all types of construction. Ramps used as an exit shall con form to the applicable requirements of Sections 1019.1 and 1019.1.1 through 1019.1.3 for vertical exit en closures.

1010.7.1 Ramp surface. The surface of ramps shall be of slip-resistant materials that are securely at tached."

For futher testing see:

http://www.safety-engineer.com/adasurfaces.htm

 

[cg3375]

Though not the ideal situation, where does code say wood definitively does not meet the requirement?

It appears from looking that there is no consistent ASTM slip standard for wood surface, so it left for judgment or interpretation. This puts it back on ICC which I can find no stated opinion.

Thoughts?

 

[boo1]

I could not find the definition of woods slip resistance in the ICC code. But, typically wood treads and ramps have slip resistant treatments. Consider asking your building departments opinion and requirements.

 

[msquared48]

With the slippery black mold that grows in the Northwest, on anything, plus the unspecified slope and preservative oils in the treated members, Never, Never, Never assume a non-slip condition.

I would apply a paint with gypsum granules to the surface regularly as a maintenance item. Cheap insurance.

Oh, and don't forget the handrails.

Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask

 

[Ron]

Do a coefficient of friction test on the wood....you'll find that in the dry condition, it will be marginal. In the wet condition, it will likely fail. Both are required in the test.

 

[CarlB]

To give running shoes traction on ice we screw sheet metal screws into the bottom, the head grabs pretty well. Hey, just a late-night wild idea...

 

[Bobber1]

There is an ASTM standard on the slip resistance of shoes on various surfaces. Lawyers use this all the time. Sorry, but I can't quote the ASTM number.

Bob G.

 

[CarlB]

Here's a product I've heard works on outdoor surfaces:

http://www.shop3m.com/safety-walk-heavy-duty-tread.html

 

[Dinosaur]

If someone slips and gets injured, would you want to defend your decision to a jury?

As a PE, I sometimes have to cinsider this possibility. How much does a few feet of grip tape cost?