Tim Hayes – Specification & Marketing Manager, Quantum Flooring Solutions 

Who are you?

My name is Tim Hayes, and I am the Specification & Marketing Manager at Quantum Flooring Solutions, a brand of Quantum Profile Systems Ltd (QPSL). From our site in Oldham, we manufacture a complete range of contract flooring accessories, which we supply throughout the UK and worldwide. 

What is your experience?

I have been involved with the flooring industry for over 8 years with Quantum Flooring Solutions – the leading independent British manufacturer of flooring accessories. I have developed my expert skill in understanding and reducing the risk of slips, trips and falls on stairs and in entrance areas over this time.

I have developed our RIBA approved CPD content on safe stairs and entrance matting specification – slips, trips and falls are a big part of this. I am also heavily involved with the specification process of our range of stair nosings and entrance matting. Through this, I have developed an understanding of the critical nature of safety and the importance of reducing risks. 

Falls due to slips or trips remain the most significant contributor to the risk of injury, with numerous major injuries to people within the built environment happening every year. My experience is in trying to reduce this risk wherever possible.

What does your company do?

QPSL as a company has been in business for 50 years. We extrude PVC and uPVC profiles for the four companies which come under the QPSL banner: Quantum Flooring Solutions, Dacatie, QWood and Q-Lean Solutions.

The company ethos is based around lean manufacturing and sustainability. Hence our motto: Lean, Green, Safe and Clean.

Quantum Flooring Solutions is ISO 14001 certified, showing that we are committed to environmental protection. We are also ISO 9001 accredited, pledging to continually improve our manufacturing process.

We are proud to use 100% recycled material, the majority of which can be recycled itself. Quantum Flooring Solutions is a company which is constantly striving to improve every facet of the company, along with the products themselves.

Why are you a UKSRG member?

I am a UKSRG member for several reasons. As stated, reducing risk is a big part of my job. Being a member of UKSRG has help me develop my skills and understanding of slips, trips and falls, which in turn have allowed me to improve the advice I give to architects, contractors and end users. 

I am always attempting to mitigating risk – for instance, all of our stair nosings are tested using the pendulum test method, the standard method of testing approved by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). As a company, we are committed to safety for the end user, a major part of which concerns slips on stairs and in entrance areas.

We have ranges such as Plus-Tread, and our Heavy-Duty stair nosings HPN1 and HPN2, which are manufactured to be extra slip-resistant. The work of the UKSRG has helped to inform the design and manufacture of these profiles among others.

I believe it is important to support the UKSRG and help spread the word about the brilliant research and knowledge of the UKSRG to a wider community. With the large number of injuries from slips and trips in the UK, it is vitally important for there to be a body which addresses the issue in such fantastic ways.

What advice and expertise can you offer?

I can give guidance on the specification, installation, and maintenance of:

1. Safe stairs (RIBA + RIAI assessed CPD content) 
2. Entrance matting (RIBA assessed CPD content) 
3. Flooring details (RIBA assessment in progress CPD content) 

With my experience at Quantum Flooring Solutions, I have gained a deep knowledge of Building Regulations, particularly documents K (Protection from falling, collision and impact) and M (Access to and use of buildings).

It is a part of my job to be continually up to date with recent adaptations of existing advice and legislation. This means having an in-depth knowledge of BS8300:2-2018, and The Equality Act. It also involves being aware of issues such as specifying for people living with dementia, and for those who have problems with their sight.

All of this means that I have done a lot of research in areas such as LRV safety for stair nosings and other flooring accessories. I also have a deep understanding of how entrance matting should be utilised in order to minimise the risk of slips in public buildings.

If you are interested in learning more, please give me a call on 07951 941 750 or email me at [email protected].

Tim Hayes 11/2021

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