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High Friction Surfacing was first trialled in the UK in the 1970’s for the Greater London Council. Formerly and more commonly known as 'Anti-skid' surfacing, an epoxy resin process dressed with calcined bauxite aggregate was the first on the market. The GLC treated accident black spots in London and the results were highly significant. Accident frequency was reduced by about 50%, saving lives, saving casualties and saving costs to the emergency services.
The use of High Friction Surfacing increased dramatically in the late 80’s and early 1990’s and a number of manufacturers entered the market place. The most significant developments were in the introduction of hot applied processes incorporating a pre-mixed blend of thermoplastic resins and bauxite and later on, Coloured Surfacing.
Today, many hundreds of thousands of square metres of High Friction Surfacing are installed every year all over the UK in every major centre. The growth of these products has seen a number of manufacturers’ produce materials conforming to UK standards and HMS as an independent contractor is one of the country's leading installers. With a number of partner suppliers, HMS are able to offer a range of High Friction Surfacing solutions tailored to meet the demands of the site.
Today, Hot Applied and Cold Applied are the two generic processes of High Friction Surfacing available and 'Type 1' accreditation is the highest quality standard, under the BBA (British Board of Agrément) certification scheme. HMS is accredited as a 'BBA Approved Installer' for both hot and cold applied processes (Installer Number 3551) and is also a member of the High Friction Surfacing Association.
Only 'Type 1' processes are permitted on motorway and trunk roads. Both the 'product' and the 'installer' must be individually accredited for the installed high friction surfacing to conform to Clause 924 of the Specification For Highway Works.
HMS will offer BBA approved products wherever possible, however BBA accredited High Friction Surfacings may not always be the most appropriate solution in specialist applications. To meet all demands, HMS are able to offer other specialist processes for projects off the highway which have a need for an 'anti-skid' solution. For example, projects on specialist surfacing, or in pedestrian or industrial locations may require special consideration when specifying the 'anti-skid' product, especially on surfaces other than tarmac, such as concrete, steel and timber.
For product details, technical information and how to specify, click on the links below: -
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