HOW IT WORKS

This process is designed for organisations responsible for flooring safety in commercial, healthcare, and public environments.

Submit an Application

Organisations begin the process by submitting an application outlining the premises to be assessed.

This includes:

• Building type and usage
• Areas within scope of assessment
• Operational considerations relevant to floor safety

Application information allows AFSSA™ to confirm suitability, define assessment scope, and arrange an appropriate on-site visit.

Submission of an application expresses interest and allows scope definition. It does not guarantee registration or certification.

On-Site Assessment

Under the intended AFSSA™ framework, on-site assessments would be conducted by authorised assessors operating under the AFSSA™ methodology.

During the assessment, floor areas within scope are reviewed against defined criteria, including:

• Floor condition and integrity
• Slip resistance and surface suitability
• Trip hazards and transitions
• Edges, seams, joints, and finishes
• Hygiene and cleanability of flooring surfaces
• Maintenance condition and wear
• Environmental factors affecting safety

All assessments are conducted independently and documented at the time of inspection.

Evidence & Documentation

AFSSA™ assessments are supported by documented evidence to provide a clear and reliable record of floor safety conditions at the time of inspection.

Each assessment includes:

• Photographic evidence of assessed areas
• Identification of hazards and areas of concern
• Written observations aligned to AFSSA™ assessment criteria
• Records retained as part of the AFSSA™ Register

Documentation supports transparency, accountability, and due diligence, providing an auditable record in the event of inspection, review, or claim.

All records contribute to an auditable trail supporting compliance, review, and risk management processes.

Assessment Determination

Planned Assessment Outcomes (Future Phase)

As the AFSSA™ framework progresses beyond its development and pilot stages, assessments are expected to record outcomes aligned with defined AFSSA™ criteria.

These outcomes may include:

• Meets AFSSA™ framework criteria
• Meets criteria with recommendations for improvement
• Does not currently meet framework criteria

These outcomes are intended to provide organisations with a clear understanding of current flooring safety conditions and support ongoing risk management.

At the current stage, AFSSA™ is focused on industry engagement and development of the framework. Assessment processes will be introduced during future pilot phases.

AFSSA™ Registration Issued (Intended Framework)

Where assessment criteria are met, the premises is added to the AFSSA™ Register and issued with a registration record confirming assessment status.

AFSSA™ registration:

• Is intended to be valid for a period of 12 months
• Applies only to assessed areas within scope
• Reflects conditions at the time of inspection

Significant changes to flooring, layout, or building use may invalidate registration.

Annual Review and Ongoing Compliance

To maintain inclusion on the AFSSA™ Register, an annual re-assessment is required.

Annual review ensures:

• Continued alignment with AFSSA™ assessment criteria
• Changes in condition or usage are identified
• Floor safety standards remain consistent over time

Ongoing monitoring and maintenance remain the responsibility of the duty holder.

Phased Development Notice

AFSSA™ is currently operating a registration-based assessment framework as part of its phased development toward full certification.

This approach ensures the standard is applied consistently, evidence is gathered responsibly, and the framework evolves in line with real-world use.

Important Notice

AFSSA™ assessments and registration records reflect conditions at the time of inspection and do not replace ongoing risk management or maintenance responsibilities.

Organisations may join the AFSSA™ Founding Register to support development of the framework and receive early access to the assessment programme.