The First Splash Pad Surface Certified by NSF/ANSI/CAN 50
The Standard
Understanding the danger that concrete and other surfaces can pose in these aquatic environments, NSF/ANSI/CAN 50:26 recommends that all splash pads feature certified safety surfacing. Life Floor is the first product to meet this standard.
THIRD-PARTY TESTED
As part of the certification process, our tiles have been third-party tested to demonstrate slip-resistance and impact cushioning for improved safety. They have also shown aquatic durability after passing tests for UV and chemical resistance, impermeability, and cleanability.
testing Based on Performance
NSF/ANSI/CAN 50 concluded that for a surface to meet an appropriate standard for splash pad surfacing, it must fulfill six unique performance-based requirements. Life Floor is certified to all six requirements:
Slip-Resistance
Certified surfaces are slip-resistant to minimize slip-and-fall injuries. Meeting the criteria requires a 40 British Pendulum Number (BPN) and a P4 on the Australian Standard. Life Floor exceeds this criteria with a 65 BPN and P5 rating.
Impact Attenuation
Certified surfaces must be cushioned to absorb inevitable falls. The standard requires a HIC (Head Injury Criterion) value of 750 or lower and GMAX of 200 or lower, with a .20-meter minimum fall height. Life Floor is certified to this standard with a 74 HIC.
Impermeability
Impermeability is important so that foreign substances such as sunscreen, fertilizer run-off, and other hazardous substances do not absorb into the tile. Life Floor is certified to this criteria with 99.7% Impermeability.
Cleanability
Life Floor is made from a closed-cell foam, which means it does not harbor bacteria, or support microbial growth. During testing, our tiles experienced a 99.9% reduction of bacteria after being sanitized, including the joints of tiles.
Chemical Resistance
Surfaces must remain slip-resistant and impact attenuating after undergoing exposure to high chemical shock periods without showing signs of erosion. Unlike ceramic or painted depth markers, our tiles also retain color contrast and visual clarity after chemical exposure which is important for safety messaging and depth markers.
UV Resistance
Resistance to UV radiation is essential, as many splash pads experience intense, year-long sun exposure. During testing, erosion is not acceptable if it compromises the surface’s traction and impact attenuation. Life Floor is certified to this standard.
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