Understanding Australian Slip Ratings.

In residential buildings, the Australian Building Code and Australian Standards only require slip-rated flooring for stair nosings, stair landings, and ramps. However, slip resistance is a major concern in commercial settings, such as shopping centers, warehouses, and industrial buildings. In these environments, factors like pedestrian stride, pace, and surface contamination from water, oil, or other substances can contribute to slip and falls.

To evaluate the slip resistance of new pedestrian surfaces, the Australian Standard 4586 and its accompanying handbook, HB 198, are commonly used. These documents outline four testing methods for assessing slip resistance, summarized as follows:

The Wet Pendulum Slip Resistance Test.

This test involves a swinging pendulum arm with a spring-loaded rubber slider that moves across the test surface. The resistance measured during this interaction is recorded, resulting in a slip resistance value (SRV) classified into six levels from ‘P0’ (lowest slip resistance) to ‘P5’ (highest slip resistance).

The Dry Floor Friction Slip Resistance Test.

This method uses a specialized machine equipped with a Slider 96 rubber slider to measure the Coefficient of Friction (CoF). The results are classified as ‘D1’ (CoF ≥ 0.4) or ‘D0’ (CoF ≤ 0.4). While effective for quick assessments of dry surfaces, this test is not suitable for wet conditions. For surfaces that will remain wet, the wet pendulum test is preferred.

The Wet Barefoot Inclining Platform Slip Resistance Test.

In this laboratory-based test, technicians walk barefoot on an inclined platform. The angle of the platform is gradually increased until a slip occurs. Results are categorized into four groups: ‘No Classification’, ‘A’, ‘B’, and ‘C’.

The Oil Wet Inclining Platform Slip Resistance Test.

This test is similar to the previous one but involves standard-approved boots and oil. Technicians walk on an oiled surface while the incline increases until a slip happens. Results are classified from ‘No Classification’ to ‘R9’ to ‘R13’.

It’s important to note that these testing methods are independent and have different strengths and limitations. The Wet Pendulum test is often favored for its practicality, as it can be conducted both on-site and in the lab, making it more accessible than other laboratory tests.