3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads: Slippery floors can be a major hazard in various settings, leading to accidents and injuries. To address this issue, 3M offers a range of anti-slip tapes and treads that are designed to add traction and improve safety on slippery surfaces. These products are highly effective in preventing slips and falls, particularly in areas with light to heavy shoe traffic. In this article, we will explore the different series of 3M anti-slip tapes and treads, their features, applications, and benefits.
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Series 1: 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads 500 Series
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Conformable Tapes and Treads 500 Series (3M ID 7000010831) are specifically designed for irregular or contoured surfaces. The product consists of abrasive particles bonded by a tough, durable polymer to aluminum foil, providing a high-friction, slip-resistant surface. The reverse side is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive covered by a removable protective liner.
Standard Sizes and Colors
The 500 Series is available in standard sizes, including a variety of widths and lengths, which can be referred to in the Standard Product Chart (Page 2). The available colors are Black (#510), Safety Yellow (#530), and White (#588). Custom sizes are also available upon request.
Features and Applications
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Conformable Tapes and Treads 500 Series are ideal for irregular or contoured surfaces such as diamond plating, flat surfaces with rivets or screw heads, ladder rungs, and more. The aluminum backing conforms to corners, curves, and irregular surfaces, providing excellent traction and grip. These tapes and treads are commonly used on stairs, ladders, loading ramps, platforms, and other surfaces that require slip-resistance. They are resistant to wrinkling, curling, tearing, shrinking, and lifting. Additionally, custom shapes and sizes can be obtained to suit specific needs.
Series 2: 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads 600 Series
The 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads 600 Series (3M ID 7000002135) are designed for areas with light to heavy shoe traffic. The product features abrasive particles bonded to a dimensionally stable plastic film, providing a mineral-coated, high-friction, slip-resistant surface. The reverse side is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive covered by a removable protective liner.
Standard Sizes and Colors
The 600 Series is available in standard sizes, which can be found in the Standard Product Chart (Page 2). The available colors include Black (#610), Clear (#620), Safety Yellow (#630), Safety Yellow/Black Stripe (#613), White (#688), and Black with Photo-luminescent (PL) strip (#690). Custom sizes are also available upon request.
Features and Applications
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant General Purpose Tapes and Treads 600 Series are highly durable and can withstand the rigors of equipment traffic. They offer a high-friction surface that helps reduce trip hazards, making them suitable for flat surfaces, steps, stairways, entrances, ramps, ladders, and various types of machinery and vehicles. The tapes and treads are easy to apply due to the high-performance pressure-sensitive adhesive. They are also NFSI high traction certified, providing slip resistance even when wet. Custom shapes and sizes can be requested for specific applications.
Series 3: 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads 300 Series
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Medium Resilient Tapes and Treads 300 Series (3M ID 7000048994) are designed to provide slip resistance and cushioning for medium traffic areas. These tapes and treads feature a soft textured surface with mineral abrasive particles embedded in a resilient, wear-resistant, and easy-to-clean vinyl backing. The reverse side is coated with a pressure-sensitive adhesive covered by a removable protective liner.
Standard Sizes and Colors
The 300 Series is available in standard sizes, as listed in the Standard Product Chart (Page 2). The colors available include Black (#310), Clear (#320), Gray (#330), and Safety Yellow (#340). Custom sizes can be requested to meet specific requirements.
Features and Applications
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Medium Resilient Tapes and Treads 300 Series are designed for areas with medium traffic, such as locker rooms, stairwells, boat decks, pool areas, and industrial equipment. The cushioning properties of the medium resilient backing provide added comfort underfoot, making them suitable for barefoot traffic as well. These tapes and treads are resistant to water, oil, and grease, ensuring reliable slip resistance in various environments. The textured surface offers enhanced traction and helps prevent slips and falls.
Series 4: 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads 700 Series
5.1 Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Coarse Tapes and Treads 700 Series (3M ID 7000048866) are designed to provide aggressive slip resistance in high-traffic areas. These tapes and treads feature a tough mineral-coated surface that offers enhanced traction and durability. The backing is made of a pressure-sensitive adhesive covered by a removable liner, allowing for easy installation.
5.2 Standard Sizes and Colors: The 700 Series is available in standard sizes, as listed in the Standard Product Chart (Page 2). The colors available include Black (#710), Gray (#730), and Safety Yellow (#740). Custom sizes can be requested to meet specific requirements.
5.3 Application Areas: The 3M Safety-Walk Coarse Tapes and Treads 700 Series are specifically designed for areas with heavy traffic and where aggressive slip resistance is required. These areas may include ramps, stairways, dock areas, construction sites, industrial equipment, and other high-traffic zones.
5.4 Key Features:
- Aggressive Slip Resistance: The coarse mineral-coated surface provides exceptional slip resistance, even in wet or oily conditions, reducing the risk of accidents.
- Durable Construction: The tough surface and adhesive backing are designed to withstand heavy foot and equipment traffic, ensuring long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: The pressure-sensitive adhesive allows for simple and secure installation, and the removable liner facilitates a clean and hassle-free process.
- Versatile Application: The 700 Series can be applied to various surfaces, including irregular or rough surfaces, providing reliable slip resistance in different settings.
5.5 Typical Properties:
- Thickness: Approximately 0.040 inches (1.02 mm)
- Adhesive: Pressure-sensitive adhesive
- Backing: Mineral-coated, slip-resistant material
- Temperature Range: -20°F to 170°F (-29°C to 77°C)
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to water, oil, and most common cleaning agents
The 3M Safety-Walk Coarse Tapes and Treads 700 Series offer aggressive slip resistance and durability in high-traffic areas. With their tough mineral-coated surface, easy installation process, and versatile application, these tapes and treads provide an effective solution for reducing the risk of slips and falls. Whether it’s ramps, stairways, or industrial equipment, the 700 Series is designed to enhance safety and provide reliable traction. By incorporating 3M Safety-Walk Coarse Tapes and Treads, businesses and organizations can create safer environments for their employees and visitors.
Series 5: 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads 200 Series
6.1 Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Fine Resilient Tapes and Treads 200 Series (3M ID 7000050622) are designed to provide slip resistance on smooth surfaces. These tapes and treads feature a fine-textured resilient surface that enhances traction while providing a comfortable feel underfoot. The backing is made of a pressure-sensitive adhesive covered by a removable liner, making installation quick and easy.
6.2 Standard Sizes and Colors: The 200 Series is available in standard sizes, as listed in the Standard Product Chart (Page 2). The colors available include Black (#220), Gray (#230), and Clear (#240). Custom sizes can also be requested to meet specific needs.
6.3 Application Areas: The 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads 200 Series are suitable for application on smooth surfaces where slip resistance is desired. These surfaces may include stairs, ladders, ramps, entryways, and other areas where a secure footing is crucial.
6.4 Key Features:
- Slip Resistance: The fine-textured resilient surface offers enhanced traction, reducing the risk of slips and falls on smooth surfaces.
- Comfortable Underfoot: The resilient material provides a cushioned feel, making it comfortable to walk on for extended periods.
- Easy Installation: The pressure-sensitive adhesive backing allows for simple and efficient installation, and the removable liner ensures a hassle-free process.
- Durable Construction: The tapes and treads are designed to withstand regular foot traffic and provide long-lasting performance.
- Versatile Application: The 200 Series can be applied to various smooth surfaces, including tile, vinyl, concrete, and more, making it adaptable to different environments.
6.5 Typical Properties:
- Thickness: Approximately 0.025 inches (0.64 mm)
- Adhesive: Pressure-sensitive adhesive
- Backing: Fine-textured, resilient material
- Temperature Range: -20°F to 170°F (-29°C to 77°C)
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to water, mild detergents, and most common cleaning agents
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Fine Resilient Tapes and Treads 200 Series provide slip resistance and comfort on smooth surfaces. With their fine-textured resilient surface, easy installation process, and versatile application, these tapes and treads offer an effective solution for enhancing safety. Whether it’s stairs, ramps, or entryways, the 200 Series is designed to provide reliable traction and a comfortable underfoot experience. By incorporating 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Fine Resilient Tapes and Treads, businesses and individuals can create safer environments and minimize the risk of slips and falls.
Series 6: 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Slip-Resistant General Purpose Floor Signs 660
7.1 Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant General Purpose Floor Signs 660 are designed to provide visual cues and improve safety in various commercial and industrial environments. These floor signs feature a slip-resistant surface that helps prevent slips and falls, even in areas prone to wetness or spills. The signs are highly visible, durable, and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
7.2 Key Features:
- Slip-Resistant Surface: The floor signs are equipped with a slip-resistant material that enhances traction and reduces the risk of accidents caused by slippery surfaces.
- High Visibility: The signs feature bright colors and bold graphics, making them easily noticeable and effectively conveying important safety messages.
- Durable Construction: Made from high-quality materials, the signs are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic, exposure to various weather conditions, and frequent cleaning.
- Easy Installation: The signs can be easily applied to clean, dry floors using the pressure-sensitive adhesive backing, ensuring a secure and long-lasting attachment.
- Versatile Application: Suitable for a wide range of environments, including warehouses, factories, retail spaces, and public areas, where safety communication is crucial.
7.3 Typical Properties:
- Thickness: Approximately 0.022 inches (0.56 mm)
- Adhesive: Pressure-sensitive adhesive
- Backing: Slip-resistant material
- Temperature Range: -20°F to 170°F (-29°C to 77°C)
- Chemical Resistance: Resistant to water, mild detergents, and most common cleaning agents
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant General Purpose Floor Signs 660 offer an effective solution for improving safety and preventing slips and falls in commercial and industrial settings. With their slip-resistant surface, high visibility, and durable construction, these signs help create a safer environment by conveying important safety messages and providing visual cues. Whether it’s wet floors, hazardous areas, or general safety reminders, the 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant General Purpose Floor Signs 660 are designed to promote awareness and reduce the risk of accidents.
Series 7: 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Slip-Resistant Tub and Shower Strips 7705
8.1 Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Tub and Shower Strips 7705 are specially designed to enhance safety and reduce the risk of slips and falls in wet and slippery environments such as bathtubs, showers, and other water-prone areas. These strips provide a reliable and durable solution for improving traction on surfaces, helping to prevent accidents and promote a safer bathing experience.
8.2 Application Areas: The Safety-Walk Tub and Shower Strips 7705 are suitable for use in various residential and commercial settings, including:
- Bathtubs: Apply the strips to the bottom surface of the bathtub to enhance traction and prevent slipping while taking a bath or shower.
- Showers: Use the strips on the floor of the shower to improve grip and minimize the risk of falls caused by wet and slippery surfaces.
- Other Wet Areas: These strips can also be applied to other wet areas such as bathroom floors, swimming pool areas, and spas to provide a non-slip surface.
8.3 Key Features:
- Slip-Resistant Surface: The strips feature a textured surface that enhances traction and helps prevent slipping, even when the surface is wet or soapy.
- Easy Installation: The strips come with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing, allowing for easy and secure attachment to clean, dry surfaces.
- Durable Design: Made from a resilient and water-resistant material, the strips are designed to withstand exposure to water, cleaning products, and regular use.
- Customizable Length: The strips can be easily cut to the desired length, ensuring a perfect fit for different tub and shower sizes.
- Long-lasting Performance: With their strong adhesion and durable construction, the strips offer long-lasting slip resistance, requiring minimal maintenance.
The 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Tub and Shower Strips 7705 provide an effective and practical solution for enhancing safety in wet and slippery environments. By improving traction and reducing the risk of slips and falls, these strips help create a safer bathing experience for individuals of all ages. Whether it’s for residential bathrooms, hotel facilities, or other water-prone areas, the Safety-Walk Tub and Shower Strips 7705 offer reliable slip resistance and peace of mind.
Other Types:
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Home and Recreation Tread
- Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Home and Recreation Tread is designed to create a safer outdoor surface for walking, working, and stepping. It offers enhanced durability and wear resistance to withstand outdoor conditions. The tread features a self-adhesive backing, allowing for easy application on clean metal surfaces. It can also be cut to size with scissors before installation. Additionally, it smoothly adheres to clean, dry wood, concrete, and stone surfaces with contact adhesive. The medium-duty tread is suitable for a wide range of surfaces and conditions, and it can be used as stair treads.
- Standard Sizes and Colors: The tread is available in a roll format with an overall length of 180 inches (60 ft) or 18.29 meters. The overall width is 2 inches (50.8 mm), and it comes in gray and black colors.
- Application Areas: The Home and Recreation Tread is ideal for outdoor applications, such as trailers, trucks, walkways, and other high-traffic zones. It helps meet the coefficient of friction recommendations of OSHA and ADA.
- Key Features: The tread is made of a polymer material with anti-slip properties. It offers enhanced durability and wear resistance. The self-adhesive backing ensures quick and easy application on clean metal surfaces. It can be cut to size with scissors for a customized fit. The tread is suitable for use on various surfaces, including wood, concrete, and stone.
- Typical Properties: The tread has an overall length of 180 inches (60 ft) or 18.29 meters. The overall width is 2 inches (50.8 mm). It comes in gray and black colors.
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Step and Ladder Tread
- Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Step and Ladder Tread is designed to create a safer walking surface in wet conditions or high-traffic areas, both indoors and outdoors. It offers enhanced durability and wear resistance. The tread features a self-adhesive backing for quick and easy application on clean metal surfaces. It can be cut to size with scissors and smoothly adheres to clean, dry wood, concrete, and stone surfaces with contact adhesive. The tread is also safe to use on exercise and sports equipment and comfortable to walk on with bare feet. It can be used as stair treads.
- Standard Sizes and Colors: The tread is available in various widths, including 1 inch, 4 inches, and 2 inches (25.4 mm, 101.6 mm, 50.8 mm). The overall length is 180 inches (15 ft). The color is black.
- Application Areas: The Step and Ladder Tread is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications, providing traction in wet conditions or high-traffic areas. It helps meet the coefficient of friction recommendations of OSHA and ADA.
- Key Features: The tread is made of a durable material that resists wear and offers enhanced durability. The self-adhesive backing ensures quick and easy application on clean metal surfaces. It can be cut to size for a customized fit. The tread can adhere smoothly to various surfaces, including wood, concrete, and stone, with the use of contact adhesive. It is safe to use on exercise and sports equipment and provides comfortable walking surface.
- Typical Properties: The tread has an overall length of 180 inches (15 ft). The width options include 1 inch, 4 inches, and 2 inches (25.4 mm, 101.6 mm, 50.8 mm). The color is black.
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Tub and Shower Tread
- Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Tub and Shower Tread is designed to create a safer walking surface in wet conditions, specifically for indoor areas. It is suitable for areas with barefoot traffic and offers enhanced durability against wear. The tread features a self-adhesive backing for quick and easy application. It can be cut to size with scissors as needed. For optimal results, it should be smoothly adhered to clean, dry surfaces without wrinkling, tearing, or lifting. The tread has a non-mineral, fine-textured, slip-resistant vinyl surface.
- Application Areas: The Tub and Shower Tread is ideal for use in wet areas such as bathtubs, showers, locker rooms, and areas around pools. It helps meet the coefficient of friction recommendations of OSHA and ADA.
- Key Features: The tread helps create a safer walking surface in wet conditions, particularly for areas with barefoot traffic. It offers enhanced durability and resistance to wear. The self-adhesive backing allows for easy application. The tread can be cut to size for a customized fit. It has a slip-resistant vinyl surface that provides traction. It is transparent in color.
These are the details for the additional types of 3M Safety-Walk products. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!
Accessories: 3M Anti-slip Tapes & Treads
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Edging Compound
- Product Description: The 3M Safety-Walk Edging Compound is specifically designed to protect the exposed edges of 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Materials from excessive moisture or liquids. It is a liquid, solvent-based sealer that helps maintain the integrity and performance of slip-resistant tapes and treads.
- Highlights: The primary function of the Safety-Walk Edging Compound is to safeguard the exposed edges of 3M Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant Materials from the damaging effects of excessive moisture or liquids. By applying this compound, the slip-resistant tapes and treads maintain their effectiveness and longevity in providing enhanced traction and safety.
- Typical Properties:
- Adhesive Type: The Edging Compound utilizes a PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) for application.
- Brands: It falls under the Safety-Walk™ brand.
- Factory ISO Certification: No specific ISO Certification information is available for this product.
- Product Color: The Edging Compound is transparent in color.
- Units per Case: Each case contains 12 units of the Edging Compound.
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Primer
A solvent-based adhesive primer to be applied on rough or porous surfaces before using adhesive-backed products. One quart can cover approximately 35 square feet.
3M™ Safety-Walk™ Rubber Hand Roller
A rubber hand roller designed to help achieve a firm bond when applying Safety-Walk slip-resistant materials. The roller has a diameter of 1 3/8″ and is 2″ wide, with an overall length of 6″.
Surface Preparation Instructions:
- Ensure that the surface is clean, dry, smooth, and above the minimum application temperature specified for the specific Safety-Walk series being used. Repair or replace any broken or damaged surface. Minimum application temperatures:
- Coarse (700 series): 40ºF (4ºC)
- General Purpose (600 series): 40ºF (4ºC)
- Conformable (500 series): 40ºF (4ºC)
- Medium Resilient (300 series): 40ºF (4ºC)
- Fine Resilient (200 series): 50ºF (10ºC)
- Remove any chipped, cracked, or peeled paint before applying Safety-Walk material.
- Remove loose residue from the surface.
- If there is floor finish present, it may be removed prior to application.
- Consult the “Surface Preparation Table” on page 6 and use the appropriate cleaner or solvent wipe to clean the surface. After cleaning, allow the surface to dry thoroughly.
Priming Instructions:
- Prime clean, dry surfaces with 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Primer, especially in the following cases: a. Uncoated concrete surfaces. b. Coated, painted, or porous concrete if the surface is excessively rough. c. Other porous surfaces.
- Priming Instructions: a. Properly clean the surface following the “Surface Preparation Table” on page 6. b. Use a paintbrush to apply a thin coat of 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Primer to the area where the material will be placed. c. Allow the primed area to dry thoroughly (no evidence of stickiness or tackiness) before applying Safety-Walk slip-resistant material. The approximate drying time is 15 minutes.
Please make sure to follow these instructions for proper surface preparation and priming before applying the Safety-Walk Slip-Resistant material. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.
Tools Needed: Rubber Hand Roller or Rubber Mallet
- Ensure that individual pieces are spaced a minimum of 1/2″ apart and a maximum of 2″ apart.
- Round the corners of any pieces cut from rolls.
- Peel back the protective liner about 2″ from one end and position the piece on the surface. Take care to minimize touching the adhesive with fingers.
- Continuously remove the liner while firmly pressing the piece in place.
- For small pieces: Peel off the liner and hold the piece by its edges. Gently curve the piece with the adhesive side out. Align the middle of the piece over the middle of the target surface and press down.
- Finally, ensure firm contact with the surface by using a rubber hand roller. Start in the middle and roll out toward the edges.
- When applying 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Conformable Tapes and Treads, use a soft-headed rubber mallet to ensure product conformability to the surface. Apply extra pressure to the edges.
- For steps, apply tread material 1/2″ from the stair edge to prevent edge curl and premature wear.
Maintenance Instructions:
- Periodically inspect the application to maintain product effectiveness.
- Coarse, General Purpose, and Conformable tapes and treads should be deck brushed regularly.
- Medium and Fine Resilient Treads should be mopped or deck brushed regularly.
- Use an appropriate degreaser/cleaner for general maintenance to keep the material and surrounding surfaces dirt and grease-free.
- To remove and replace worn or torn material, start by pulling up the old material. A heat gun may assist in this process. After removal, use 3M™ General Purpose Adhesive Remover or an equivalent product to soften adhesive residue. Scrape the surface in preparation for product replacement.
- Replace 3M™ Safety-Walk™ as you observe mineral wear or loss from its surface.
Important Tips for Proper Application and Service Life:
- Ensure that all surfaces are clean, dry, and at the recommended temperature before applying the product.
- Rough or porous surfaces must be primed with 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Primer for proper adhesion.
- Use a 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Rubber Hand Roller to ensure a firm bond when applying all Safety-Walk slip-resistant materials.
- For extra protection from excessive moisture or liquids, use 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Edging Compound. Note that Safety-Walk slip-resistant materials are not recommended for continuous immersion in water.
- 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Slip-Resistant Material can be applied to most painted surfaces in good condition. The material will adhere as well as the base paint. Painted surfaces must be thoroughly dry before application.
- Treated or untreated wood must be painted prior to application.
- Do not apply the material over surfaces with constant water contact or moisture seepage.
- Avoid applying the material over grouting or cracks in concrete or any surface.
- Quarry tile in commercial kitchens with constant oil exposure is not recommended for 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Slip-Resistant Materials.
- Store the product in its original carton within the recommended temperature range of 40°F (4°C) to 100°F (37.7°C) and a humidity range of 40% to 60%.
- It is recommended to use the product within five years from the date of receipt.
Note: 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Slip Resistant Tapes and Treads Series 200, 300, 500, 600, and 700 have been certified by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) as providing “high traction.” NFSI considers a wet static coefficient of friction (SCOF) greater than 0.60 as the criteria for “high traction.” Surfaces maintaining this level of slip resistance when wet have shown to reduce slip-and-fall claims by between 50% and 90%.
By following these instructions, you can ensure proper application and maintenance of 3M™ Safety-Walk™ Slip-Resistant materials. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask.
