The floor area in our lab is made of lino and is constantly getting
slippery.  There have been several near misses over the last few years,
including the Manager of Housekeeping and the Medical Director.  The most
effective way we have found is to have the floor cleaned with an abrasive
cleaner (Ajax) using a floor scrubber with large rotating pads.  Once a
month seems to work OK.  We have to be very specific that no polish is to be
applied afterwards.

Bryan Llewellyn

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kathy Paton" <Patonk@WHL.co.nz>
To: <histonet@pathology.swmed.edu>
Sent: October 9, 2000 8:26 PM
Subject: Flooring surfaces in Histology


> Dear All
>
> Sorry to raise a well worn issue.    Wax on the floors in the microtomy
> area.
> We have moved into a new laboratory with heavy duty lino with no special
> abrasive surface.
> Within three months we had a few very nasty stingey hurtee type falls.
> With Health and Safety foremost in my
> Mind I contacted a company that supplies a special type of lino with a
> metallic inset.
> We have also established a more intensive cleaning up process.
> However the architects who are designing the remainder of the laboratory
> have assured us that this is a "process problem". And that no special
> surface should be necessary.   The genius even suggested putting the
> microtomists into "little rooms" with vacuums surrounding them!!!!!!
> Has anybody some enlightening suggestions for this old problem or any
> similar experiences.
> Frank Lloyd Wright...........come in please.
> Regards
> Kathy Paton
> Team Leader
> Surgical Pathology Unit
> North Shore Hospital
> Auckland
> New Zealand
>
>
>
>