Slip Resistance Explained

Slip-Resistance explained.

Slips, trips, and falls lead to numerous 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.

• 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 rating. Conversely, the R rating test must be conducted in a laboratory, where results can be inconsistent due to the testing methodology.

The results of the P and R-ratings do not directly correlate with one another.

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 swinging arm with a rubber slider that contacts the surface, measuring the distance the pendulum swings after contact. 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, while 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. 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 appropriate 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, a residential bathrooms requires a P3 rating, while an outdoor staircase requires a P4 slip-rating..

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). Additionally, it is known that lower values in the R9, R10 and even the R11 range can still be slippery in practice.

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.

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 decease 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.

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 an new surfaces to the desired slip-rating. Unlike other solutions, our coatings come with pre-determined slip-ratings.

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 non-slip finish. This is crucial, as many systems that require broadcasting often yield inconsistent anti-slip results.