Slip-Resistance explained.

hospitalizations in workplaces, public environments, and homes. These risks can be minimized by selecting appropriate floor materials or upgrading existing flooring with certified non-slip coatings. The Australian Building Code, along with the Australian Standards for Slip Resistance (AS 4586 and AS 4663), specify the required slip ratings and the applicable tests to ensure safety, especially in commercial spaces, commercial applications, stair nosings, landings, and ramps where resistance classifications are critical.

• Wet pendulum test: P rating, from P0 to P5
• Oil wet inclining ramp test: R-rating, from R9 to R13

The Australian Handbook HB 197, "An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials" discusses both ramp and pendulum slip testing classifications without endorsing one over the other. In practice, however, the pendulum test is often preferred. This method allows for on-site verification of flooring slip resistance after substrates or non-slip coatings are installed, ensuring that the flooring meets its claimed tile slip rating. The pendulum test uses a pendulum arm, which swings across the surface to measure frictional resistance, simulating the action of a standard shoe sole or bare foot. The pendulum arm swings are a standardized part of the test measures, providing a reliable assessment of slip risk by evaluating the frictional resistance between the rubber slider and the surface. Conversely, the R rating test must be conducted in a laboratory, where results can be inconsistent due to the testing methodology and are often used for commercial applications.

The results of the P and R-ratings do not directly correlate with one another. These test measures are used to determine the tile slip rating and resistance classifications according to Australian Standards, ensuring that surfaces are slip resistant and suitable for their intended use in wet areas, indoor areas, and outdoor spaces prone to slippery conditions. Tiles or coatings with a textured surface or textured tiles can provide greater slip resistance, which is especially important in these environments. For extreme or high-risk environments, such as industrial settings or areas with significant water exposure, tiles with very high slip resistance are required. To maintain safety, it is essential to ensure the appropriate level of slip resistance is preserved through proper maintenance and cleaning.

Pendulum Test: AS 4586 and AS 4663

AS 4586:2013 specifies the slip resistance classification for new surfaces (lab-test), while AS 4663:2013 addresses the measurement of slip resistance for existing pedestrian surfaces (on-site test). Both standards involve the same testing methods.

The test involves a pendulum arm with a rubber slider that contacts the surface, measuring the distance the pendulum swings after contact. The pendulum arm swings across the surface to simulate a heel strike and measure frictional resistance between the slider and the floor. The resulting Slip Resistance Value (SRV) indicates the slip resistance of the surface, with higher values representing greater slip resistance.

The pendulum test can use two different sliders on the swinging arm: slider 55 and slider 96. Slider 96 is mainly used for pedestrian surfaces with shoe traffic, and in some pendulum tests, a standard shoe sole is used to assess slip risk for shod foot traffic. In Australia, slider 55 is predominantly used to test the slip resistance of barefoot surfaces, such as bathrooms. To conduct a valid test, five measurements are taken, and the combined average of these tests provides the Slip Resistance Value (SRV), which determines the P-rating.

P-Ratings

P0 represents the lowest rating, indicating a very slippery surface. A P5 slip rating, on the other hand, indicates very high slip resistance, which may be necessary for certain high-risk environments such as commercial kitchens or industrial areas with significant water exposure. However, a P5 slip rating should not always be preferred, as it is typically much coarser than a P3 or P4 rating. The Australian Standard specifies the appropriate level of slip ratings for specific areas to ensure safety and suitability.

Which rating do I need?

The Australian Standard sets specific recommendations for various areas. For instance, wet areas such as residential bathrooms and showers, as well as indoor areas like kitchens, require at least a P3 rating due to frequent exposure to water and slippery conditions. Outdoor spaces, including patios, pool decks, and outdoor walkways, typically require a higher slip rating such as P4 or above to ensure safety in environments prone to wetness and increased risk of slips and falls.

Download our Guideline to Slip Resistance at our Resource Page

R-Ratings

There has been some criticism of the ramp test, as the results can vary depending on the person conducting the test (i.e., the person walking up and down the ramp). The test measures the angle at which a person slips to determine the tile slip rating, which is a standardized measure of a tile's slip resistance. The oil-wet ramp test is commonly used for commercial applications, where maintaining appropriate slip resistance levels is critical for safety and compliance.

Additionally, it is known that lower values in the R9, R10 and even the R11 range can still be slippery in practice. These resistance classifications are important for meeting safety standards in commercial settings, such as stair nosings, landings, and ramps, as outlined in the BCA, NCC, and Australian Standards.

Another reason to exercise caution with the R-rating test is that these ratings cannot be verified once the flooring material has been installed. There have been numerous instances where R-rated tiles or floorings were slippery in wet conditions and failed to achieve the appropriate P-rating when tested on-site.

Oil Wet Ramp Considerations

The Oil Wet Ramp test is a vital method for assessing slip resistance, especially on tile surfaces found in commercial and industrial environments where slip risk is heightened by the presence of oils or other contaminants. In this test, a lubricating oil is applied to the tile surface, and testers walk up and down a wet ramp to determine the precise angle at which the surface becomes too slippery to safely traverse. This angle is then used to assign a slip resistance value (SRV), which directly informs the tile's slip rating.

This testing method is particularly important in areas such as commercial kitchens, swimming pools, and changing rooms—spaces where wet and oily conditions are common and the risk of slips is significantly increased. The Oil Wet Ramp test helps determine whether a tile surface offers high slip resistance or if additional measures, such as anti-slip coatings, are needed to achieve a greater slip resistance rating.

The results of the Oil Wet Ramp test are influenced by several factors, including the texture of the tile surface, the type and amount of contaminant present, and the level of foot traffic. The test simulates real-world conditions by having a person walking on the wet ramp, which provides valuable insight into how the surface will perform under actual use. However, it's important to note that results can vary depending on the individual conducting the test and the specific testing conditions.

To ensure safety and compliance, the National Construction Code and Australian Standards outline clear guidelines for slip resistance ratings, including those determined by the Oil Wet Ramp test. These standards help facility managers, specifiers, and homeowners select surfaces that are suitable for their intended use, minimizing slip risk and enhancing safety in both indoor and outdoor areas.

For environments with extreme conditions or high foot traffic, combining the Oil Wet Ramp test with other testing methods—such as the Pendulum test and the Barefoot Wet Ramp test—provides a comprehensive assessment of a tile's slip resistance. This multi-faceted approach ensures that surfaces meet the required slip resistance rating for their specific application, whether it's a busy commercial kitchen or a poolside walkway.

In addition to selecting tiles with appropriate anti slip ratings, applying a certified non-slip coating can further enhance the slip resistance of existing surfaces. This is especially valuable in areas where maintaining a consistently high slip resistance is critical for safety and compliance.

By understanding the Oil Wet Ramp test and its role in determining slip resistance, consumers and professionals can make informed decisions when choosing tiles and coatings. This not only helps to create safer environments but also ensures adherence to Australian Standards and the National Construction Code, reducing the risk of slips and injuries in high-risk areas.

Accelerated Wear Test

Recently, the accelerated wear test has gained significance. This test aims to assess slip resistance after exposure to wear. It subjects a floor sample to several wear cycles using a Scotch-Brite pad. After 500, 1000, or 2000 cycles, the slip resistance is measured using the wet pendulum testing method. The ratings will show the decrease in slip-resistance with increased wear exposure.

This method is becoming increasingly important as many flooring materials exhibit a significant reduction in slip resistance when exposed to wear and foot traffic. For example, some cheaper floor tiles can degrade from a P3 to a P1 rating within two months of installation. Textured tiles and a textured surface can help maintain slip resistance over time, but they require regular cleaning with warm water or hot water to prevent residue buildup that can reduce their effectiveness. In wet areas, using a bath mat can further reduce the risk of slipping, especially as tiles wear over time.

Stellmann Non-Slip Clear Coatings

Unlike anti-slip treatments, Stellmann Non-Slip Clear is certified by independent institutions such as CSIRO and ATTAR. They are specifically designed to upgrade existing and new surfaces to the desired slip-rating. Unlike other solutions, our coatings come with pre-determined slip-ratings, ensuring your tiles are not only slip resistant but also maintain their visual appeal.

Our solutions allow you to enjoy beautiful tiles and perfect tiles that are both stylish and slip resistant, making them ideal for indoor outdoor living spaces where safety and aesthetics are equally important.

For instance, we provide two P3 slip-ratings: a smooth version, P3 Soft, and a standard P3 with a higher SRV rating. With its smooth finish, Stellmann Non-Slip Clear P3 Soft also serves as an ideal multipurpose premium quality sealer.

Stellmann Coloured Non-Slip Coatings

Our coloured concrete non-slip coatings are certified by ATTAR slip-testing. Unlike other coating systems, we can provide you with the exact slip rating you need, avoiding unnecessary higher ratings like P5 when a P3 rating is sufficient.

Another key advantage of our coloured non-slip coatings is their easy application. Our coatings can be rolled on without the need to broadcast non-slip aggregates, ensuring an evenly distributed slip resistant finish suitable for a variety of environments. This is crucial, as many systems that require broadcasting often yield inconsistent anti-slip results.