At All Preparation Equipment, we’re often asked for solutions to concrete trip hazards by city and regional councils, local government, and building and property managers. It’s become increasingly obvious that concrete trip hazards are a problem that needs to be recognised, reduced, and removed.

Our expert team have come up with ways to help councils improve safety, save time and money, and avoid potential litigation or lawsuits

 – all without going to the expense of replacing concrete walkways, slabs or surfaces. We do this by making concrete trip hazard removal faster, smarter, and safer, at a fraction of the cost of replacing an entire uneven surface.

WHAT IS A CONCRETE TRIP HAZARD?

Concrete trip hazards occur when concrete walkway or footpath panels have separated, sinking or rising on one side to make an uneven surface where a person can easily trip. The causes of concrete trip hazards include ground movement, erosion, weather damage, and heavy tree roots growing underneath the concrete surface.

As you’ll no doubt be aware, a local council has an obligation to remove a concrete trip hazard once it is brought to their attention. The experienced All Preparation Equipment team have the know-how to help councils be more proactive in the removal of concrete trip hazards before they become a danger to the public.

EVALUATING A CONCRETE TRIP HAZARD

Based on the feedback given to us by council members responsible for removing trip hazards, when assessing how to remedy a particular concrete trip hazard, you should consider:

• What is the size/depth of the trip hazard?
• Is the concrete footpath or walkway area frequently used?
• What is the likely outcome if it is not rectified?
• What is the lighting like in this area?
• Is the footpath located in or around a public place?
• Is the concrete slippery – or slippery when wet?

IS REMOVAL OR REPLACEMENT THE BEST SOLUTION TO CONCRETE TRIP HAZARDS?

Replacing a concrete slab is often a very expensive method. Instead, the All Preparation Equipment team recommend looking thoroughly at each individual concrete slippage or trip hazard to determine the most efficient solution.

Depending on the size and significance of a trip hazard in a concrete footpath, it can be quite economical to remove the trip hazard rather than replace the slab. The fix could be as easy as grinding or scarifying down the hazard.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS BEST FOR REMOVING A TRIP HAZARD?

Using a scarifier or concrete grinder can be the ideal solution for eliminating a small lip or rise in a concrete path quickly and efficiently.

Concrete floor grinders use rotating diamond grinding shoes or wheels to grind down a concrete surface. It’s important to use the right type of diamond shoe (grit and bond) to ensure the fastest possible removal, with the best finish.

Concrete Scarifiers and profilers use tungsten cutters that rotate around a fast rotating drum to remove layers of concrete and asphalt surfaces. The depth of each pass on the concrete varies according to the power of the scarifying machine and the hardness of the concrete being removed.

Grinding or scarifying the concrete tripping hazard will:

• Eliminate the tripping hazard
• Do away with replacement costs
• Offer a cost-effective solution
• Provide easy cleanup, as dust control systems can be used with any grinder or scarifier
• Won’t require the area to be closed off for a long period

REMOVING CONCRETE TRIP HAZARDS BY GRINDING OR SCARIFYING

For an all-in-one trip hazard removal machine, the Schwamborn DSM250 concrete floor grinder from All Preparation Equipment is ideal. It’s a versatile machine that can operate as both a grinder AND a scarifier depending on your needs.

As a grinder, the Schwamborn 250mm Floor Grinder is extremely powerful and able to grind away a trip hazard. What’s more, it’s small, lightweight and compact, so it doesn’t take a lot of operator effort to keep the job moving. With advice from APE on the right diamond shoes, the Schwamborn concrete grinder gives you great production for removing trip hazards.

And with the addition of optional scarifying plates, the Schwamborn DSM250 can also operate as a highly efficient concrete scarifier depending on the needs of the job.

Reducing or eliminating dust is a crucial consideration when working in a public area. Whether you use it as a scarifier or a grinder, the Schwamborn DSM250 Grinder can operate dust-free when connected to an effective dust control system such as our Starmix vacuum with Supa Separator.

LET’S ALL WORK TO REDUCE FALLS IN PUBLIC PLACES

The team at All Preparation Equipment is continually working with councils to ensure concrete trip hazards are removed effectively. With many years of industry experience, we live and breathe trip hazard and line removal.

We’re always happy to give you the advice you need to recognise, reduce, and remove concrete tripping hazards, in the shortest possible time frame and with the best possible finish. Our solutions help you:

• Provide safe walking areas for pedestrians
• Choose cost- and time-effective equipment for maintenance and repair of footpaths
• Carry out ongoing footpath maintenance cost-effectively
• Prevent tripping by repairing damaged footpath areas

Looking for the best solution for removing concrete trip hazards? Call the expert team at All Preparation Equipment on 1800 422 992 or contact us online today.