Are you wondering what achieving a ‘good’ slip rating means for your project? This quick guide explains the basics of slip resistance Standards in Australia, what constitutes a ‘good’ slip rating, and why appropriate and timely testing is so important for the safety and longevity of the flooring surface.
Slip testing context and Australian 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 Standard for new pedestrian surfaces (AS 4586) provides a method for determining dry slip resistance – using a Floor Friction tester – plus a range of different methods for evaluating slip resistance in a wet condition – including the Wet Pendulum test, the wet barefoot inclining platform test, and the oil wet ramp test. Each of these various slip resistance testing methods determines a slip rating, which is given as a number.
What is a ‘good’ slip rating number?
Slip resistance ratings give an indication of the surface’s slipperiness and its capability to reduce the risk of slip accidents. Wet Pendulum testing, which is the method most often used by Stone Initiatives, gives a P-rating, while the oil wet ramp test provides an R-rating. We provide more information about R-ratings in our Slip Resistance Testing FAQs section here.
For the purpose of explaining ‘what is a good slip rating,’ this article will focus on the Wet Pendulum test method. This test method gives a P-rating from P0 to P5.
What constitutes a ‘good’ slip rating is not the same for all stone flooring surfaces; the classification requirements take into account factors such as the location and conditions of the flooring surface. The slip rating classification required for a steep ramp in a wet, external location will be different to the required rating for an office lobby, for example. It’s also worth noting that P-rating requirements are not necessarily industry-specific; it is more about the known or expected conditions of the surface (such as whether it is likely to become wet or how steep the slope is) than the industry.
The Standards Australia handbook HB198:2014 provides slip rating guidelines and recommendations for location types, outlined in the table below. The handbook provides guidance to designers, specifiers, manufacturers and suppliers on the application of AS 4586 and AS 4663.
A guide to slip resistance recommendations for location types*
| 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, verandahs 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 | ||
What are best practice approaches to slip testing?
The Australian Building Codes Board and Standards Australia outline requirements and best practice approaches surrounding slip resistance and floor safety standards, designed to minimise the risk of slips.
To ensure the flooring surface meets the relevant standards and codes, a comprehensive testing regime should be carried out by a professional laboratory. Stone Initiatives also recommends periodic testing, beyond the initial testing that’s completed at the selection and installation stages. This is because slip resistance can change dramatically with wear. Stone Initiatives recommends six-monthly to yearly slip resistance testing for public areas, particularly for high-traffic spaces such as a public bathrooms and malls. Regular testing can also pick up things like accelerated wear, or whether the cleaning regime might be impacting the slip resistance.
Why slip resistance testing matters
Appropriate and timely slip resistance testing helps to ensure the surface is compliant and has achieved the appropriate ratings, which reduces the likelihood of slip and fall incidents on the surface (which could expose you to legal action). Performing testing at key intervals throughout the design and construction phase of a project can ensure the surface meets the relevant floor safety standards early on, avoiding the need for money to be spent after installation to fix slip resistance problems.
Stone Initiatives carries out slip resistance testing in Adelaide and around Australia. Our NATA-accredited laboratory is run by skilled technicians who help solve problems and minimise the risk of trips and falls in your project. Get in touch to discuss your testing requirements.
For further guides on slip resistance testing, see:
Services – Slip resistance testing
Article: Slip testing for different industries
Article – Slip resistance: Accidents never happen!
Article – Slip resistance testing: the benefits
Expert Q&A – Slip testing: who, why and when
FAQs – Slip resistance testing