The Cost of Slippery Floors

Slip, trip, and fall incidents represent 21.8% of work-related injuries recorded in Australia, and the hospitality sector is consistently ranked as one of the highest-risk sectors. 

In restaurants, wet service areas, kitchen environments, and high-volume visitor areas create ideal conditions for slip-and-fall accidents.

Under Australian Standards like the AS 4586, slip testing in restaurants is mandatory to verify compliance. Test results will also provide evidence to protect your business against potential liability claims and demonstrate risk management to your insurance provider.

This guide explores the importance of slip testing in restaurants. Understand P-ratings, R-ratings, and compliance requirements for different parts of your restaurant.

Key Takeaways

• Slips, trips, and falls account for 21.8% of all serious workplace injury claims in Australia
• On-site slip testing in restaurants classifies floors into P-ratings
• P5 flooring is recommended for the kitchen areas of high-traffic restaurants
• Dining areas and food courts require a minimum slip rating of P3
• Anti-slip coatings are a practical restaurant slip and fall prevention flooring solution

The Importance of Slip Testing in Restaurants

Slip-and-fall incidents are the second leading cause of workplace injury in Australia. With the median compensation per serious claim at $16,300, the risk is far from theoretical. 

1. Legal Liability and Obligations

Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act, restaurant owners have a duty to identify slip hazards and implement control measures to minimise risks.

Regulators such as SafeWork NSW and WorkSafe Victoria require hospitality businesses to proactively manage slip risks, including maintaining slip-resistant flooring in accordance with WHS regulations and implementing an effective spill management plan.

When a slip incident occurs at your facility, inspectors will assess the site. If the floors are below the slip resistance guidelines outlined in HB 198:2014 and you're in breach of WHS/OHS duties, regulators can issue an improvement notice. 

In serious cases, they may temporarily shut down your operations until the risks are addressed.

2. Insurance Implications

More insurers are requesting that restaurants and other hospitality businesses provide proof of slip-resistance compliance before receiving liability coverage. A history of slip-related incidents or claims can increase premiums or affect policy terms.

3. Staff and Customer Safety

Slip-and-fall injuries can sideline employees, put customers at risk of serious injury, and lead to liability claims. Staff working in the kitchen areas face a higher risk as they navigate a fast-paced environment with a buildup of oil, water, and grease.

Proactive slip testing in restaurants helps prevent injuries to staff and customers and demonstrates your business's duty of care.

Further Reading: The Complete Guide to Slip Resistance in Commercial Facilities

Australian Standards for Restaurant Floor Safety

AS 4586 Requirements for Commercial Kitchens

Published by Standards Australia, the AS 4586:2013 presents a classification system for slip resistance. It defines tests to measure the slipperiness of wet or contaminated pedestrian surfaces.

Under AS 4586, slip resistance classifications are based on two primary test methods:

• The Wet Pendulum Test
• Oil Wet Ramp Test

As their names imply, these tests simulate wet and greasy conditions to measure a surface's traction. Their results are classified as P-ratings and R-ratings, respectively.

The National Construction Code requires non-slip materials in high-risk areas of commercial facilities, such as ramps, stair treads, and landings. It recommends ideal slip ratings in accordance with AS 4586 classifications.

After construction, restaurant owners are also obligated under the WHS to maintain appropriate slip-resistance levels as outlined in HB 198:2014.

Understanding P-Ratings and R-Ratings

Slip ratings are systems that categorise the slip resistance of a floor surface based on the results of standardised tests.

What Are P-Ratings?

P-ratings categorise the slip resistance of floor surfaces from  P0 to P5, based on the results of a Wet Pendulum Test.

 P-rating classes:

• P0: Extremely slippery, not suitable for any commercial use
• P1: Low slip resistance, suitable for dry internal areas only
• P2: Moderate slip resistance for dry indoor surfaces
• P3: Good slip resistance for indoor areas with controlled moisture exposure
• P4: High slip resistance, suitable for wet areas and entryways
• P5: Very high slip resistance; ideal for high-traffic or outdoor wet areas

Because the Wet Pendulum Test can be conducted onsite, P-ratings are popular for slip testing in restaurants. Following on-site testing, the slip ratings will reflect the floor's current condition—not just how the materials performed in manufacturing.

What Are R-Ratings?

R-ratings are also slip resistance classifications for flooring materials (R9-R13), but they are based on results from the oil-wet ramp test.

The oil-wet ramp test for R-ratings is conducted only in laboratory settings. Before installation, you test sample materials to find which is appropriate for different risk environments.

R9 indicates very low slip resistance, while R13 is a very high slip resistance — the equivalent of P5 for environments with lots of contaminants.

R9 to R13 ratings correlate with P0 to P5, with a few practical differences

• Testing conditions for P-ratings and R-ratings are different
• R-ratings guide material selection before installation
• P-ratings verify slip resistance after installation for ongoing assessments.

While both are relevant, P-ratings are the primary reference point for compliance checks and audits in restaurants. They provide the most current measure of slip resistance for existing floors exposed to ongoing wear, contamination, and cleaning practices.

HACCP Compliance and Floor Safety

The main goal of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) is to identify and correct potential chemical, microbiological, and physical hazards in food processing. In restaurants, this includes maintaining hygienic kitchen environments to reduce contamination risks. 

In Australia, restaurants handling high-risk foods are required to implement a HACCP-based food safety program. This program will include the use of food-safe materials, including flooring surfaces and finishes

HACCP Compliant Flooring Standards

To align with HACCP flooring principles, floors must be:

• Easy to clean and sanitize
• Smooth with minimal crevices where dirt and bacteria can hide
• Water and chemical resistant
• Durable and slip-resistant in high-traffic environments 

While HACCP focuses on controlling contamination, non-compliant floors also pose operational risks to restaurants. Wet or greasy surfaces increase the risk of slip-and-fall incidents, which can cause serious injury.

HACCP Compliant Flooring Solutions

Common HACCP-aligned flooring includes industrial tiles and polyurethane concrete flooring. Certified anti-slip coatings also texturise smooth floors to reduce accidents while meeting hygiene standards.

For example, Stellmann's non-slip coating is certified as antimicrobial (ISO 846). It prevents the growth of algae and bacteria, doesn't absorb dirt, and gives a water-repellent finish on smooth tiles. 

AS 4586 Restaurant Compliance Slip Ratings by Area

Commercial Kitchens

Because restaurant kitchens are constantly wet and exposed to oil and food spills, their floor surfaces require high slip resistance ratings. The HB 198:2014 outlines P5 (or R12) to ensure safety in the greasy, high‑risk conditions.

Food Prep Zones

Parts of the restaurant where cold food is handled (i.e., salads and vegetables) are generally classified as medium-risk wet areas. These areas typically require a minimum P3 slip rating. 

Dining Areas

Under HB 198:2014, the minimum slip resistance for fast food dining areas and food courts is P3. 

Bar Areas and Beverage Stations

Liquid spills and high foot traffic are typical of bar areas. A minimum P4 slip rating is required in these areas.

Entryways and Outdoor Areas

Entry areas should achieve a minimum P3 slip rating. Outdoor walkways and dining areas are generally recommended to meet P4, due to increased exposure to weather and moisture.

Further Reading: Solution to Failed Slip Testing in Restaurants

FAQs

Q1. What slip rating is required for commercial kitchens in Australia?

Commercial kitchens require a P5 (or R12) slip rating because they are constantly wet and prone to food spills.

Q2. What is the difference between P-ratings and R-ratings for restaurant floors?

P-ratings (P0-P5) classify slip resistance of existing floors onsite, while R-ratings (R9-R13) are strictly based on laboratory oil-wet ramp tests on new flooring material.

Q3. Does HACCP require slip-resistant flooring in restaurants?

HACCP primarily requires food-safe, durable, and easy-to-clean flooring. However, slip-resistant floors support HACCP compliance by reducing operational risks.

Conclusion

Slip resistance compliance is a critical requirement under WHS regulations, essential for staff safety and business finances. If your restaurant does not meet expected floor safety standards, regulators may take enforcement actions.

Routine professional slip testing in restaurants helps owners proactively manage compliance. Different parts of the restaurant require different minimum slip ratings for optimal use, so anti-slip coatings are the best solution to upgrading existing floor surfaces as needed. 

Learn more about our CSIRO-certified processes and get 24 hours emergency response to achieve AS 4586 restaurant compliance.