From a rubber slider on a pendulum arm to, a pair of bare feet on a platform, there are various standardised methods of slip testing in Australia. Each is designed to measure the slip resistance of flooring surfaces under different conditions.
The choice of method usually depends on the specific requirements of the flooring being tested and the applicable standards. The Australian Standard for new pedestrian surfaces, AS 4586, provides a method for determining dry slip resistance plus a range of different methods for evaluating slip resistance in a wet condition.
So what are these methods, and how is slip testing conducted? One of these methods is the Wet Pendulum slip test, which is the method primarily used by Stone Initiatives. This test method can be used in the Stone Initiatives laboratory in Adelaide, or on site at projects Australia wide.
“The Wet Pendulum is our primary slip resistance testing method as it provides results that are analogous to pedestrian traffic and is sensitive to minor changes in the surface finish,” explains Kate Tonkin, head of the Finishes Evaluation department.
“We recommend manufacturers, suppliers, architects and building managers chat with us about which slip testing method is most suitable for their product or flooring surface.
“We work with clients right around Australia every day and have experience across all types of flooring surfaces, from malls and lobbies to swimming pools surrounds and even sports stadiums.”
How is slip testing conducted? The basics:
Test: Wet Pendulum slip test
Used for: Determining wet slip resistance
Relevant Standard: AS 4586 Appendix A
The Pendulum method is the only wet slip resistance test that can be performed on site. It 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 that 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. The pendulum continues its arc past the strike path and the height of the forward swing is determined by the energy lost due to friction when in contact with the sample surface. A pointer is pushed along by the pendulum and records the height of the swing. A reading is recorded from the scale and logged as a British Pendulum Number (BPN).
A minimum of five BPN are logged in a single test, and the mean result is recorded as the Slip Resistance Value (SRV). Wet Pendulum test results are then given as a P Classification that corresponds to the SRV, with P0 representing a less slip resistant surface, through to P5 representing the greatest slip resistance.
Test: Floor Friction – dry slip test
Used for: Determining dry slip resistance
Relevant Standard: AS 4586 Appendix B
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 slowly moves across the floor.
The equipment is portable, and the test can be carried out on a variety of flooring surfaces. The test is conducted in dry conditions. The results for a dry floor friction test give either a D0 or D1 classification, with D1 indicating the higher level of slip resistance of dry floor surfaces.
Test: Oil-wet inclining platform slip test
Used for: Determining the slip resistance of floor surfaces when they are contaminated with oil
Relevant Standard: AS 4586 Appendix D
This test is particularly relevant in environments where oil spills or residues are common, such as in commercial kitchens, mechanical workshops and manufacturing facilities.
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.
The oil wet ramp slip test provides an R rating – R9 representing the least slip resistance, through to R13 representing the greatest slip resistance.
Test: Wet barefoot inclining platform slip test
Used for: Determining wet slip resistance, specifically in barefoot conditions
Relevant Standard: AS 4586 Appendix C
This test is crucial for environments where people are expected to walk barefoot and where the floor is frequently wet, such as swimming pools, public change rooms and spas.
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.
This test provides an A, B or C slip rating, which correspond to specific ranges of inclination angles at which slipping occurs.
For guidance on which slip resistance testing method is most suitable for your flooring product or project, speak with our experienced team. Our NATA-accredited laboratory is located in Adelaide. We perform slip resistance testing in our lab or on project site Australia-wide. Contact us.
More quick guides to slip resistance testing:
How often should slip testing be conducted?
What are the slip resistance standards in Australia?
What is a good slip rating?