Anti Slip Floor Sheets for Ramps, Walkways and Industrial Flooring: A Practical Safety Upgrade

Slippery floors, ramps and walkways are a common problem in commercial and industrial environments. Water, oil, dust, algae, mud and general wear can all reduce surface grip, especially in busy areas where staff, visitors or contractors are moving throughout the day.

For site managers, facilities teams and health and safety officers, the challenge is simple: how do you improve slip resistance quickly, without replacing the entire floor?

One of the most effective solutions is to install GRP anti slip floor sheets. These tough fibreglass sheets can be fitted over existing surfaces to provide instant grip, helping to make ramps, walkways, platforms and access routes safer in both wet and dry conditions.

What are anti slip floor sheets?

Anti slip floor sheets are durable panels designed to improve traction on floors and access routes. Rather than removing and replacing the existing surface, the sheets are fixed directly on top of a suitable substrate.

At Safety Products Direct, our Anti Slip Sheet – Floor, Ramp or Walkway is manufactured from tough fibreglass and finished with a heavy-duty gritted surface. These 4mm sheets are designed for use on floors, ramps, platforms, walkways and other areas where safe footing is essential.

Because they are made from GRP, also known as glass reinforced plastic, they are lightweight, strong, corrosion-resistant and suitable for demanding internal and external environments.

You can also view the wider anti slip sheet product range for related products and fixing accessories.

Why are ramps and walkways high-risk areas?

Ramps and walkways often become slippery because they are exposed to changing conditions. External ramps may be affected by rain, frost, moss, leaves or mud, while internal walkways can be exposed to dust, spills, cleaning residue or heavy foot traffic.

Even a slight gradient can make a slippery surface more dangerous. On a flat floor, a person may be able to recover their balance. On a ramp, a loss of grip can quickly become a fall.

Walkways in factories, warehouses, schools, leisure sites, public buildings and industrial units also need to remain safe for regular use. If they are used by staff carrying equipment, pushing trolleys or moving between work areas, reliable grip becomes even more important.

The Health and Safety Executive continues to identify slips, trips and falls on the same level as one of the leading causes of workplace injury in Great Britain. In 2024/25, they accounted for 30% of non-fatal employee injuries reported under RIDDOR.

Where can GRP anti slip sheets be used?

GRP anti slip floor sheets are a versatile option and can be used in many different locations, including:

• Pedestrian ramps
• Factory walkways
• Warehouse access routes
• Loading areas
• External platforms
• Plant room floors
• Public access routes
• School and leisure centre walkways
• Footbridges and gantries
• Temporary or permanent access routes
• Areas where existing floors have become smooth or worn

They are especially useful where the existing structure is sound, but the surface no longer offers enough grip.

For areas where the problem is on steps rather than flat floors, GRP stair tread covers may be more suitable. For raised access over pipework, cables or low-level services, a GRP step over platform can provide a safer dedicated crossing point.

Fine grit or coarse grit: which should you choose?

Choosing the right grit is important. Too little grip may not solve the problem, while an unnecessarily aggressive surface may be harder to clean or less comfortable in some indoor environments.

Fine grit

Fine grit is usually best for internal areas or spaces with lighter foot traffic. It provides improved slip resistance while still being suitable for environments where ease of cleaning and everyday pedestrian use matter.

Typical uses include:

• Internal walkways
• Offices and staff areas
• Schools
• Public buildings
• Light commercial use
• Covered access routes

Coarse grit

Coarse grit is better suited to external areas, ramps and high-traffic environments where maximum grip is required. It is a good option for surfaces exposed to rain, mud, oil, algae or heavy-duty use.

Typical uses include:

• External ramps
• Industrial walkways
• Loading areas
• Factory floors
• Yard access routes
• Wet or exposed environments

If the area is outdoors or regularly exposed to contamination, coarse grit is usually the safer choice.

Why choose GRP instead of paint or tape?

Anti slip paint and tape can be useful in some situations, but they are not always the best long-term solution for busy or exposed areas.

GRP anti slip sheets offer several advantages:

1. A longer-lasting surface

GRP sheets provide a tough, durable anti slip surface that is designed to cope with regular use. This makes them a practical choice for commercial and industrial settings where lighter-duty products may wear quickly.

2. Fast retrofit installation

Because the sheets can be installed over existing surfaces, they can often be fitted with minimal disruption. This is useful for workplaces that need to improve safety without shutting down large areas for long periods.

For bigger or more complex projects, Safety Products Direct also offers a GRP anti slip products installation service.

3. Suitable for internal and external use

GRP is well suited to harsh conditions. It does not rust, is resistant to weathering and can be used in wet or exposed areas.

4. Immediate improvement in grip

Once installed correctly, anti slip sheets provide an instant improvement to surface traction. This makes them useful where a known hazard needs to be dealt with quickly.

5. Multiple sizes and colours

Safety Products Direct supplies anti slip sheets in a choice of sizes and colours, making it easier to match the product to the application. Yellow can be particularly useful where visibility and hazard marking are important, while black, grey or stone may be preferred for more discreet installations.

Common signs that you may need anti slip floor sheets

It may be time to consider GRP anti slip sheets if you notice any of the following:

• People slipping or losing footing on ramps
• Smooth or polished flooring in high-traffic areas
• Moss, algae or water build-up on external walkways
• Complaints from staff or visitors about slippery surfaces
• Previous slip incidents or near misses
• Worn painted surfaces
• Timber, concrete or metal surfaces becoming hazardous
• Ramps that feel unsafe in wet weather
• Areas where temporary matting keeps moving or wearing out

Near misses should be taken seriously. If people are regularly slipping but not yet injuring themselves, the surface still needs attention.

For a broader range of workplace access products, you can browse the full floor and decking safety range.

How are anti slip sheets fitted?

GRP anti slip sheets are typically fixed directly onto the existing surface. The area should be clean, dry and structurally sound before installation. Any loose, damaged or uneven sections should be repaired first so the sheet can sit properly.

The sheets can be cut to size where required and fixed using suitable mechanical fixings and/or adhesive, depending on the substrate and application.

For smaller projects, many businesses choose to install the sheets themselves. The Flat Sheet Fixing Kit can be useful where suitable for the application. For larger sites, awkward layouts or high-traffic areas, professional installation may be the better option.

Are anti slip sheets suitable for public areas?

Yes, anti slip sheets can be suitable for public areas, provided the correct product, colour, grit type and installation method are chosen.

They are often used in places where pedestrian safety is important, such as:

• Schools
• Leisure facilities
• Healthcare sites
• Commercial premises
• Retail access areas
• Public walkways
• Communal access routes

In public-facing areas, the finish needs to balance grip, visibility and appearance. A more discreet colour may suit some locations, while yellow or contrasting colours may be better where the aim is to highlight a change in level, ramp or hazard.

Where steps are involved, GRP stair nosings can also help improve visibility and grip at the leading edge of each step.

Anti slip sheets for concrete, timber and metal surfaces

One of the main benefits of GRP anti slip sheets is that they can be used over a range of existing surfaces, as long as the substrate is suitable and correctly prepared.

Concrete

Concrete can become slippery when wet, dusty or polished by traffic. GRP sheets can provide a gritted surface without the need to break out or replace the concrete.

For smaller voids, drains or exposed holes, GRP anti slip concrete hole covers may be more appropriate.

Timber

Timber ramps and walkways can become hazardous when damp, particularly if algae or moss develops. GRP sheets provide a more reliable anti slip surface than untreated timber.

For timber decking areas, anti slip decking products may also be worth considering.

Metal

Metal floors, plates and ramps can become extremely slippery, especially when wet or oily. GRP sheets can be used to improve traction and visibility.

In areas where raised mesh flooring is more suitable than a solid sheet, GRP grating panels can provide a hard-wearing anti slip access surface.

Choosing the right anti slip sheet

Before ordering, consider:

• Is the area internal or external?
• Is it flat or sloped?
• Is the surface exposed to water, mud, oil or dust?
• How much foot traffic does it receive?
• Will trolleys, cages or equipment pass over it?
• Is visibility important?
• What size area needs covering?
• Does the sheet need cutting to fit?

For external ramps and heavy-use areas, coarse grit is usually the better option. For internal walkways and lighter-use areas, fine grit may be more appropriate.

If the area involves a change in level onto GRP grating, a GRP grating ramp can help reduce trip hazards and create a smoother transition.

Final thoughts

Slippery ramps, walkways and floors should not be ignored. They are everyday hazards, but they can lead to serious accidents, lost working time and avoidable liability.

GRP anti slip floor sheets offer a practical, durable and cost-effective way to improve safety without replacing the whole floor. They can be fitted over existing surfaces, used indoors or outdoors, and specified in different sizes, colours and grit finishes to suit the environment.

If you need to improve grip on a ramp, walkway, platform or high-traffic floor area, Safety Products Direct supplies a range of GRP anti slip floor sheets designed for fast retrofit installation and long-lasting performance.

For help choosing the right option, you can also view the full GRP safety products range or contact Safety Products Direct for advice.

Anti Slip Floor Sheets FAQs

Are GRP anti slip sheets suitable for outdoor ramps?

Yes. GRP anti slip sheets are well suited to outdoor ramps, especially when a coarse grit finish is selected. They provide additional traction in wet or exposed conditions and can be fitted over suitable existing surfaces.

Can anti slip sheets be fitted over concrete?

Yes. Anti slip sheets can usually be fitted over sound concrete, provided the surface is properly prepared. The concrete should be clean, dry and free from loose or damaged material before installation.

What is the difference between fine grit and coarse grit?

Fine grit is generally better for internal areas and lighter foot traffic. Coarse grit is more suitable for external areas, ramps and high-traffic environments where maximum grip is needed.

Are anti slip sheets better than anti slip paint?

For heavy-use or exposed areas, GRP anti slip sheets are often a more durable solution than paint. Paint can wear away over time, whereas GRP sheets provide a tough, gritted surface designed for long-term use.

Can GRP floor sheets be cut to size?

Yes. GRP sheets can be cut to suit specific areas, although cutting and fitting should be carried out carefully using suitable tools and PPE. Safety Products Direct also offers cutting and installation support where required.