The Forensic Science of Floors
Forensics is the science of evidence gathering for presentation to a court. The Forensic Scientists at Interior Specifications focus on all aspects of floors. We are Slip & Fall Experts.
Each flooring product has a set of rules prepared by the industry’s governing body. As a member of these associations (i.e. The National Wood Flooring Association, The Marble Institute of America, American Standards Testing and Materials), we are kept up to date of current issues.
When the gathering of evidence goes beyond relevant document review, we go into the field and harvest materials, which our associate laboratories test.
COMPANY PROFILE
Hire an expert.
Our institutional clients include, Retailers, Hospital Developers, Healthcare Facility Managers, Real Estate Managers, Educational Institutions, and Governmental Institutions.
Our litigation clients are 50% Defendant and 50% Plaintiff.
Services
- Forensic Investigations
- Floor Safety Evaluation
- Floor Testing
- Materials Testing
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Floor Testing
- Materials Testing
- Expert Witness Testimony
- Written Specifications
- Like Kind and Quality Assessment
- Continuing Education Programs
- Cost of Repair Assessment
- Replacement Programs
In a decision passed down by the Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Bernardino (case no. CIVRS 1101850), it was found that testing a ceramic tile floor for slip resistance using a method not sanctioned by ASTM was “inappropriate.” “The Court was persuaded by Mr. Newson’s testimony” that using the Floor Covering Industry standard was the proper forensic methodology for testing the Static Coefficient of Friction on a ceramic tile floor.
Why have there been so many more failures in the last 30 years than before? The floor-covering industry started to clean up its act in the 1970’s. VOC’s were removed from chemicals used as bonding and finishing agents. Asbestos was removed from materials and adhesives. This made the materials more sensitive to moisture. We can find your problems and recommend a repair. We can design installation protocols that will protect your materials.
Here is a place where the potential for a slip and fall is always present. We have been hired by both plaintiffs and defendants to find the cause(s) of a slip and fall. We consider the floor covering, we look at the victim, study shoe research, study age research, body type research, and industry standard maintenance protocols, looking for answers. We are here to help.
We have helped The GAP, Macy’s, Finish Line, Crate & Barrel and many others with floor-covering materials selection, installation protocols, and ongoing programs. We have specified Wood, Cork, Dimensional Stone, Rubber, Linoleum, Vinyl, Ceramic Tile, Agglomerated Stone, concrete polishing and sealer. All good things in the right places, installed properly.
Interior Specifications
831 E. Market Basket Dr.
Queen Creek, AZ 85140
480-906-5094
ken@4floors.com
CONTRACTORS LICENSE
#710802
ACFE I No. 10104
