LeesonGrip HFST by Sabre Adhesives becomes the latest product to be certified for usage on roads in Queensland.
The product was evaluated under the National Transport Research Organisation’s (NTRO) Transport Infrastructure Product Evaluation Scheme (TIPES) as applied to High Friction Surface Treatments (HFST). TIPES uses a performance-based assessment methodology, developed in consultation with Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) to evaluate the ability of proprietary products to provide satisfactory long-term performance under Australian conditions.
The joint Product Evaluation Panel (PEP) awarded LeesonGrip HFST Level 2 (Interim) certification for the next 3 years, based on the product’s demonstrable satisfactory performance for at least two years on heavily trafficked sites.
TIPES Governance Manager, Nigel Powers noted: “It is pleasing that Sabre Adhesives have recognised the TIPES process as a way of verifying that their product, LeesonGrip HFST, is fit-for-purpose. Such materials are playing an ever increasingly significant role in safety outcomes, network management and transportation choice, so it is important that there is a technical specification focus.
“We congratulate Sabre Adhesives on their achievement and continue to advocate potential suppliers and manufacturers to investigate the TIPES Supplements that NTRO developed hand in hand with TMR under the NACOE agreement, and now administers at the latter’s request.”
Paul Hillier, NTRO’s Principal Professional Leader – Certification, remains convinced that the scheme is a rigorous, but fair test, such that gaining formal approval is really important.
He said: "Those organisations that have successfully progressed through the schemes for CSTs and HFSTs should be very proud – it has been demonstrated that their products can be trusted by applicators, clients and road users alike.
“It is extremely satisfying to know that such products are being used on works programs each and every day across a wide range of applications”
Nigel added: “Submissions are in train from a number of different suppliers, and their evaluations are progressing well. This can only mean greater availability and choice for TMR’s engineers and ultimately support more resilient outcomes for road users in Queensland.”
The assessment protocols for HFSTs and CSTs and how to apply for assessment are detailed in local TIPES Supplements, which can be found from the following website: https://www.arrb.com.au/tipes
For more information regarding the TIPES scheme, please contact Paul Hillier of NTRO on 0416 120478 or paul.hillier@ntro.org.au