Posted By Neal Robertson We have been refurbishing toilets in the factory, the subject of replacing the old lino has come up. The fitter says "You`ll need anti slip in there, its against health & safety" My initial assessment is that normal vinyl should be OK - all the workers are in nice, dry jobs and the toilets are a fir distance from the outside door. The cleaner mops and dries the floor and puts up caution notices when the floor is wet. Any guidance appreciated.

Posted By Dyfed Rowlands I would start by undertaking a risk assessment - may prove useful not only in reducing/minimising the risks etc. but in giving you some clout when obtaining money from the powers that be. I would also advise that you take into consideration that accidents do happen in toilets (e.g. spilling water from sink units, urinating on the floor surface), irrespective of the work that your employees undertake. I would tend to go with the slip-resistant material - I know I'm being petty, but is there such a thing as a non-slip floor? Last but not least - take note from the HSG Series - sorry forgot the numbers. Good Luck Dyfed

Posted By Stuart Nagle Neal. If this really is 'old' linoleum then you may also be well advised to carry out asbestos sampling and testing before it is 'ripped up' to enable the correct precautions to be taken if it should contain asbestos...

Posted By John Webster Neal, There is very little difference in cost between normal commercial grade vinyl flooring and slip resistant grades. Most suppliers - Altro have been mentioned above - have a range. All are fitted the same way, with welded seams. The labour cost is therefore the same. Given the added protection from a slip resistant grade it would be penny pinching not to use one. Extracating an injured person who has fallen down the side of a toilet is no joke. As for degredation, it is domestic grades which degrade, the commercial stuff should last longer than you need to worry about, particularly if kept clean. You will get a much better job if you can remove the WC pans to lay the floor - the cost is partly offset by the flooring fitters having an easier job and you won't have an unhygienic gap to catch the urine dribbles.