Get Failed Slip Test Remediation in 24 Hours

Given that slippery floors contribute significantly to workplace injuries, WorkCover's slip-resistance requirements are not optional. Following serious incidents, regulators such as SafeWork NSW conduct risk assessments at affected facilities. 

Businesses in aged care, hospitality, and other high-risk industries may face penalties, enforcement notices, or even shutdown orders if they fail to comply with Australian slip resistance standards.

A major concern with failed slip test remediation is the cost and duration of re-flooring, which is where I come in. 

You can get AS 4586 compliant flooring in no time. In this article, I'll break down how non-slip coatings work to reduce slip-and-fall liability.

Key Takeaways

• There are quick ways to regain compliance after a failed slip test
• AS 4586 standards define a facility's floor safety in wet conditions
• Full flooring replacements are disruptive and expensive
• A quick, non-slip treatment that doesn't damage tiles is
• Stellmann's anti-slip coatings guarantee AS 4586 compliance within 24 hours 

Failed Slip Tests Explained

What is AS 4586?

The AS 4586:2013 official standard is Australia's guide to classifying the slip resistance of materials for new pedestrian surfaces. It defines specific tests to measure the slipperiness of wet floor surfaces.

The most common testing method for commercial and public buildings is the Wet Pendulum Test, which uses a P-rating system (P0-P5).

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The P-Rating Scale

Here's what each result means on the P-rating scale:

• P0: Extremely slippery
• P1: Very High risk
• P2: High slip risk
• P3: Moderate slip resistance
• P4: Low slip risk
• P5: Very low slip risk

A failed slip test means your floors didn't meet the slip resistance level recommended for your commercial facility, as outlined by Standards Australia in the SA HB 198:2014 handbook.

Why Facilities Fail Slip Tests

Your floors might have been compliant at installation, but external factors can cause friction to fall below the required level. Let's examine the exact reasons a facility fails AS 4586 compliance tests:

1. Contamination 

Water, oil, grease or dust dramatically reduces surface friction, especially on smooth tiles. These contaminants are common in industrial settings, and inadequate cleaning can spread them.

2. Wear

Foot traffic, vehicles, and cleaning equipment change the microtexture of floors over time, wearing them down until they score much lower on the P-rating scale.

3. Flooring Material 

Some materials (i.e., ceramic tiles with glossy finishes) do not perform well in wet or oily conditions. Facilities prone to water or oil spills require flooring with a rougher texture and high slip resistance. 

Finally, slip test results aren't just about the floor. Shoe soles and environmental conditions also matter. AS 4586 tests simulate worst-case conditions, which is why high-risk floors often fail.

Compliance Requirements for Commercial Buildings

AS 4586 Compliance Standards Explained

The National Construction Code (NCC) requires non-slip materials for high-risk areas, including ramps, stair treads, and landings, in commercial buildings. Meanwhile, Standards Australia slip resistance guidelines set minimum slip resistance levels for all pedestrian surfaces in commercial buildings. 

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These requirements are often referenced in legal proceedings after slip incidents. Here's a quick look at the requirements for commercial facilities in different industries:

Is Slip Compliance Mandatory?

Under Work Health and Safety (WHS), Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBUs) have a legal obligation to assess slip risks and other hazards within their facilities regularly and implement control measures.

Regulators step in to investigate and oversee this audit process in specific situations, such as:

• After a slip-and-fall incident or near miss
• Routine inspections for high-risk industries
• A Health and Safety Representative (HSR) request

If there's an audit after a slip incident, and surfaces test below the HB 198:2014 recommendations, your facility is likely to face significant liability risks. It can result in WorkCover floor-safety notices or a forced shutdown until the issue is resolved. 

AS 4586 compliance is both a legal and operational necessity.

Further Reading: The Complete Guide to Slip Resistance Compliance for Commercial Facilities

Why You Shouldn't Rip Out Your Floors

1. High Costs

Full flooring replacements can cost $150-$400+ per m² when you factor in labour, materials, and disposal.

2. Disruption

Floor replacement can take days or weeks, creating dust, noise, and access restrictions that affect productivity.

3. Structural Damage

Removing flooring can damage the underlying structure and incur additional repairs.

There are several alternatives to floor replacement, including mechanical grinding, non-slip mats, and chemical etching. However, none of these methods guarantees exact slip ratings, and more invasive methods can damage your flooring. 

If your flooring is so smooth that it provides little traction when wet, you need a non-slip treatment that won't damage the tiles. 

The Stellmann Solution: CSIRO-Certified Clear Coating

Non-slip coatings create microscopic protrusions on smooth surfaces, increasing traction in wet conditions. They work fast, and certified coatings can guarantee compliance.

Use products certified by accredited testing bodies, such as CSIRO. Independent CSIRO slip testing verification confirms that a non-slip coating will upgrade surfaces to specified slip ratings under AS 4586. 

At Stellmann, we offer premium non-slip coatings in both clear and coloured variants. They are compatible with tile, concrete, timber, metal, natural stone, and vinyl surfaces.

What Makes Stellmann Coatings Different?

• Weatherproof and UV-stable for indoor or outdoor use
• Clear finish that won't yellow with age
• Simple one-coat application
• Durable performance up to 5 years
• Available in P3 - P5 slip ratings for slip resistance compliance

The Science Behind Slip Resistance

Slip resistance improves when a floor has fine surface textures that grip footwear more effectively — microscopic peaks and grooves interlock with rubber soles, increasing friction. This friction is measured using a Pendulum Test Value (PTV), and polished surfaces score lower than rough surfaces in wet conditions.

Case Study: Compliance Success With Stellmann

From aged-care bathrooms to hospital corridors, Stellmann has helped facilities such as Ramsay Health Care, Royal Melbourne Hospital, and VMCH meet AS 4586 slip-test requirements quickly.

Here's a closer look at one of our compliance case studies:

The Problem

In one aged care facility, a WHS auditor flagged slippery vinyl floors in resident bathrooms and staff service corridors. Slippery vinyl is a recognised safety risk in health and care facilities.

The Pressure

Regulators expect hazards identified in audits to be controlled 'as far as reasonably practicable' and may set deadlines to fix unsafe flooring. Failure to meet these requirements may result in corrective action.

This facility was on the clock to find aged care slip resistant solutions.

Stellmann's Solution

Within 24 hours, our certified installer was on-site, applying a clear, P4-rated coating to the vinyl flooring. The next morning, staff and residents resumed their activities safely, with no disruptions. 

Here's what this facility got:

• Fast installation service within 24 hours
• Flooring upgraded to P4 rating in compliance with standards for Aged Care facilities
• Water-based, odour-free treatment with little operational disruption
• Zero WorkCover deadlines, shutdowns, and other corrective actions

Further Reading: Is Vinyl Flooring Safe for Aged Care Facilities?

Your 5-Step Compliance Recovery Plan

If you're dealing with a failed slip test, a WorkCover safety notice, or imminent shutdown, here are practical steps to meet Australian slip-resistance standards — without reflooring.

Step 1

Check your test report to identify problem areas, their surface types, current P-ratings, and any compliance deadlines.

Step 2

Book a free site assessment that covers an on-site surface inspection, test report reviews, custom compliance recommendations, and a fixed quote.

Step 3

Get certified installers to apply your anti-slip coating during low-traffic after-hours, so the coating cures overnight — be fully operational 8-12 hours after installation.

Step 4

Receive a guaranteed audit-ready surface rated to P3, P4 or P5 with complete documentation. Skip the stress of retesting to verify compliance with AS 4586.

Step 5

Enjoy compliance for 2 - 4 years and explore our maintenance plans or scheduled reapplication services to help you stay audit-ready at all times.

FAQs

Q1: How long does Stellmann coating last?

Answer: 

Our coating offers compliance for 2-4 years. It is weatherproof and designed for high-traffic commercial use. With routine maintenance, we've seen installations maintain P4 ratings for 5+ years.

Q2: Will the coating change how my floor looks?

Answer: 

No—it's completely clear. Stellmann's clear coatings do not compromise the aesthetics of your tile or stone floors.

Q3: What if my floor fails the retest after coating?

Answer: 

It won't — we guarantee predictable results, and our CSIRO-certified coatings have never failed. If it happens, we will cover the cost of a retreat, retest and let you keep all the compliance documentation.

Q4: How does the cost of non-slip coating compare to floor replacement?

Answer: 

Coating typically costs 5-10% of full floor replacement. Including installation, our non-slip solutions cost $30-$50/m², while new flooring materials alone range from $150-$400/m², excluding removal and installation costs.

Fast Slip Resistance Compliance With Stellmann

A failed slip test doesn't mean you have to rip up your floors. With the right anti-slip coating, you can beat WorkCover deadlines to achieve AS 4586 compliance within 24 hours.

At Stellmann, we've helped dozens of facilities prepare for WHS audits and meet the requirements of both the NDIS & Aged Care Commission. Our coatings are certified to AS 4586 standards, and we offer a Slip-Test Pass Guarantee upon installation.

Explore our anti-slip coating range to learn more about our offerings.