Dancing facilities are used to a greater extent during the holiday season. Each Lodge should review their operations; the following are some areas to consider:

• Physical Condition: Few claims involve the physical condition of the floor; however, appropriate repairs and/or changes in the configuration should be made if the floor is in need of repairs or is constructed in a dangerous manner.

• Maintenance: The majority of these claims involve improper maintenance; improper waxing to be more specific. Many feel that waxing should not be done at all. If it is done, others believe that specific non-skid wax (there are flooring products available that are specifically labeled as “non-skid”). Unfortunately, wax is applied during the Lodge maintenance process without removing the original wax, which can cause hazardous conditions. All dancing surfaces should meet O.S.H.A. required Static Coefficient of Friction (S.C.O.F.) of 0.50 non-skid. The fact that a Lodge has a dance floor creates a hazard, so it is absolutely necessary that proper maintenance be done for the benefit of the members and guests.

• Policing Use: When the dance floor is used, it is essential that dance participants or any other unauthorized persons not be allowed to spread additional wax or powder to make the floor more slippery. In addition, it is the management’s responsibility to ensure that dangerous moves or actions are curtailed to protect all parties.