SLIP RESISTANCE TESTING
MINIMISING SLIP AND FALL RISKS FOR A SAFER ENVIRONMENT
Ensuring floor safety is a critical aspect of occupational health and safety, necessitating thorough evaluation through surface slip testing. ​
WHAT IS SLIP TESTING?
Slip testing is the process of measuring the coefficient of friction (CoF) of a floor surface to determine its slip resistance. This critical assessment helps identify potential slip and fall hazards, ensuring that flooring meets safety standards and provides a safe walking surface for occupants.
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In Australia, adhering to slip resistance standards isn't just a best practice, but often a regulatory requirement to minimise workplace incidents and public liability claims.
WHY IS SLIP TESTING IMPORTANT?
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Injury Prevention: Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries and public accidents. Regular slip testing helps identify and rectify hazardous surfaces before an incident occurs.
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Regulatory Compliance: Many industries and public spaces are subject to stringent safety regulations and Australian Standards regarding floor slip resistance (e.g., AS/NZS 4586:2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials). Compliance helps you avoid legal penalties and ensures a duty of care.
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Risk Management: Proactive slip testing forms a crucial part of a comprehensive risk management strategy, reducing the likelihood of costly legal battles and insurance claims.
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Peace of Mind: Knowing your floors are safe provides peace of mind for property owners, managers, and the people who use the space.
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Optimising Material Selection: Slip testing helps in selecting appropriate flooring materials for different environments, ensuring they meet the required slip resistance for their intended use.​
WHEN IS SLIP TESTING NEEDED?
Slip testing is beneficial in various scenarios, including:
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New Installations: Before opening a new facility or after laying new flooring, to ensure it meets safety standards from day one.
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Refurbishments: After any changes to flooring, such as polishing, sealing, or the application of new coatings, which can alter slip resistance.
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Post-Incident Investigations: Following a slip and fall incident, to determine if the floor's slip resistance was a contributing factor.
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Routine Maintenance: Regular testing for high-traffic areas or environments prone to spills (e.g., commercial kitchens, hospitals, swimming pool surrounds).
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Legal Requirements: When mandated by local regulations or insurance providers.​​
SURFACE SLIP RESISTANCE TEST METHODS
To accurately assess the slip resistance of a surface, various standardised test methods are employed, each designed for specific conditions and applications.
In Australia, these tests are primarily guided by Australian Standards AS 4586 (for new pedestrian surface materials) and AS 4663 (for existing pedestrian surfaces).
The most commonly used method is:
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Wet Pendulum Slip Resistance Test (P-rating)
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This is the most widely used and versatile test method, suitable for both laboratory and on-site testing of wet surfaces.
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A pendulum device with a spring-loaded rubber slider (typically a "Slider 96" for general pedestrian areas or "Slider 55" for barefoot wet areas like pools) swings down and slides across a wetted surface.
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The energy lost due to friction is measured and expressed as a British Pendulum Number (BPN), which is then classified into a P-rating (P0 being the lowest slip resistance, P5 being the highest).
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It is particularly effective for assessing surfaces that may become wet from rain, spills, or cleaning.
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