Are slip resistance requirements distinct for different industries and workplace types? And are slip testing methods the same for all types of flooring surfaces? This article explores requirements, ratings and methods relevant to slip resistance in the workplace across different industries.
What are the Standards?
In Australia and New Zealand, slip resistance is measured according to two different (but similar) standards, depending on whether the surface is new or existing. New pedestrian surfaces are slip tested in accordance with the current version of AS 4586, while existing pedestrian surface are tested in accordance with AS 4663.
The Standards Australia Handbook 198:2014, Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, provides guidance on the application of slip resistance Standards, AS 4586–2013 and AS 4663–2013, and commentary on relevant parts of the National Construction Code (NCC).
Complying with slip resistance requirements requires informed decision making, appropriate testing regimes and appropriate cleaning and maintenance procedures for the flooring surface. Professional guidance is important because what works for one location may not work for another. A commercial kitchen, for example, will have different requirements to swimming pool surrounds, or a dry office lobby. Test methods and ratings may also differ across these locations.
Slip testing methods
There are a range of slip testing methods available, however, they are not all suited to all types of surfaces and locations. Selecting the correct slip testing method requires assessment of a range of factors, including:
- Is the surface likely to become wet?
- Is the surface fixed in place?
- Does the surface need to be monitored on an ongoing basis after installation?
- Is the surface highly profiled?
- Will the surface mainly be trafficked by bare feet?
- Will the surface mainly be trafficked by dress or hard soled shoes?
Slip testing methods include:
Floor Friction Tester
The floor friction tester (known by acronym FFT or the popular marketing name of Tortus) is a portable self-powered mobile unit which measures the dynamic coefficient of friction between the surface and a standard rubber slider. The unit is about the size of an old-fashioned VCR and basically includes a load cell, a friction foot fitted with a small rubber slider and a means of recording the coefficient of friction as the unit moves across the floor.
Wet Pendulum Test
The Pendulum slip testing method measures the frictional resistance between a rubber slider mounted on the end of a pendulum arm and the test surface. The pendulum consists of an arm which rotates about a spindle attached to a vertical support pillar. At the other end of the arm is a mass (shaped like a foot) fitted with a spring-loaded rubber slider. The pendulum is locked into a horizontal position and then released so that it strikes the sample surface over a set distance with a constant velocity and energy. A pointer is pushed along by the pendulum and records the height of the swing.
Oil-Wet Ramp Test
The Oil-Wet Ramp test method involves laying the test surface panel (approximately 1m × 0.5m, prepared from the pedestrian surface) on the ramp, followed by the application of engine lubricating oil. A test walker is required to walk up and down the ramp wearing standard test boots while the incline is gradually increased, reducing the friction between the surface and the ‘test walker’. The test is stopped once the test person considers the angle of inclination is unsafe for walking. The test is repeated using a different test person and the mean angle is used to assess the degree of slip resistance.
Wet Barefoot
The Wet Barefoot test is similar to the oil-wet ramp, except the bare feet of the test person are soaked in water prior to them moving backwards and forwards over the test surface. During the test, a stream of water is poured over the test pieces at a continuous rate. In the case of absorbent floor coverings, uniform wetting of the top surface shall be ensured by preliminary soaking. The angle of inclination is increased until they reach their safe limit of walking. The maximum angle of inclination is used to assess the friction characteristics of the test surface.
Which slip testing method is most common?
The Wet Pendulum slip testing method is the one most often used by Stone Initiatives because it is an accurate method that allows for testing both on site and within the lab. The surface can first be tested within the lab, and this can be followed up by testing the surface when installed. Testing can then be performed on an ongoing basis for quality assurance.
The Wet Pendulum slip testing method can also be used where surfaces can’t be tested in a lab, for example, poured concrete surfaces.
The equipment is easily transportable and operated by one person, and it is inexpensive compared to ramp test methods.
Wet Pendulum test results offer outcomes from P0 through to P5, with P0 representing a less slip resistant surface, and P5 representing the greatest slip resistance classification. Handbook HB198:2014, published by Standards Australia, is invaluable in interpreting the test results and determining the suitability of the surface for various locations.
Slip testing for different industries
It is important to understand that P-rating requirements (or equivalent for other types of slip resistance testing) are not necessarily specific to industry or workplace type. Rather, the requirements relate to the surface type, and consider the known or expected conditions of that surface – for example, whether it is likely to become wet, whether it is at risk of spills, how steep the slope is, and so on.
Some workplace locations such as upper-level lift lobbies are unlikely to become wet and therefore evaluation of the dry slip resistance using the Floor Friction Tester may be all that is required. However, the location should be surveyed for occasional water hazards such as wet umbrellas and beverage spills and the risk assessed accordingly.
Examples of locations that require a greater pendulum classification (P5) include loading docks, commercial kitchens, external ramps steeper than 1:14, and swimming pool ramps and stairs.
External wet areas not on a significant slope, and continuously wet public areas, require a P4 classification – examples include serving areas behind bars, cold stores, swimming pool surrounds, communal shower rooms, balconies and pedestrian walkways.
Internal areas that are likely to become wet due to water tracking or spills, such as food courts, hospital bathrooms and public toilets, generally require a P3 classification.
Internal areas that have the possibility of water tracking or spills, but which are primarily kept clean and dry, such as hotel bathrooms and hospital wards, generally require a P2 classification. Internal areas that are kept clean and dry at all times, such as dry access areas to public buildings and dry supermarket aisles (except fresh food), generally require a P1 classification.
| Typical Location Type | Location Example for P5 to P0 classifications according to HB198:2014 | Pendulum Classification AS 4586-2013 | BPN Range | |
| Slider 96 | Slider 55 | |||
| Ramps in Wet locations, usually outdoors exposed to the weather or leading into and around pools etc.. | – External ramps steeper than 1:14 – Loading docks – Commercial kitchens – Swimming pool ramps and stairs | P5 | > 54 | > 44 |
| External Wet areas (not on a significant slope). Also applies to continuously wet public areas such as around pools, in communal change rooms and behind bars in public hotels and clubs. | – External colonnade and walkways, pedestrian crossings, driveways, verandas and balconies – Serving areas behind bars, cold stores – Swimming pool surrounds – Communal shower rooms | P4 | 45 – 54 | 40 – 44 |
| Internal Wet areas. Areas that are indoors or undercover but are likely to be wet, either from water tracking or spills etc. | – Shopping centres: food court, fresh food areas – Entries and access areas: public buildings (WET) – Undercover concourse of sports stadiums – Bathrooms in hospitals and aged care facilities – Toilet facilities in public buildings | P3 | 35 – 44 | 35 – 39 |
| Internal areas that have the possibility of water tracking or spills but are primarily kept clean and dry. | – Entries and access areas: public buildings (TRANSITIONAL) – Hotel bathrooms, ensuites and toilets – Hotel kitchens and laundries – Wards and Corridors in hospitals and aged care facilities | P2 | 25 – 34 | 20 – 34 |
| Internal areas that are kept clean and dry at all times. | – Entries and access areas: public buildings (DRY) – Supermarket aisles (except fresh food) | P1 | 12 – 24 | < 20 |
| Note 3 of “Notes to Table 3B” in the Standards Australia Handbook HB198:2014: “The minimum classifications listed in Table 3B are P1 and R9. It is inappropriate for Table 3B to list the lower classification, P0, since there is no lower limit on Classification P0. Notwithstanding, some smooth and polished floor surfaces, which do not achieve Classification P1, may be considered to provide a safe walking environment for normal pedestrians walking at a moderate pace, provided the surfaces are kept clean and dry; however, should these surfaces become contaminated by either wet or dry materials, or be use by pedestrians in any other manner, then they may become unsafe. Therefore, the type of maintenance, the in-service inspection of floors, other environmental conditions and use should be taken into account when selecting such products.” | P0 | <12 | ||
For further information on slip testing methods see:
Expert Q&A – Slip testing: who, why and when
FAQs – Slip resistance testing
Article – Slip resistance: Accidents never happen!
Article – Slip resistance testing: the benefits
Services – Slip resistance testing