Australian Standard 4586-2013 ‘Slip-resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials’ applies to all classes of buildings under the Building Code of Australia Slip-resistance classifications are required for
• Floor surfaces of a ramp
• The surface of a tread or the nosing strip on the tread
• The surface of a landing or the strip at the edge of the landing.
The application of finishes to these areas must have documentary evidence to prove the classification. This applies to all finishes and surface types, including carpet, tiles, timber, vinyl, concrete and metal. SA HB 198 An Introductory Guide to the Specification and Testing of slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surfaces is a Handbook published by Standards Australia to provide guidance and help in understanding the Standard. It points up the need of risk assessment and management, and takes into account the pedestrian contribution to risk of slipping and also the likelihood of contamination and other factors. It also notes that aging and wear of the surface will alter its slip resistive quality.
However, there are also individual council requirements and requirements under common laws that loss or damage to others has not been caused by negligence. A& I Coatings recommends that the facility owner and applicator get signoff by a registered certifier on a sample area before project commencement.
Documentary evidence must be from an organisation registered by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), or a product certification body accredited by the Joint Accreditation Scheme of Australia and New Zealand (JAS–ANZ)
Falls are the most frequent cause of accidental injury, and slipping on pedestrian surfaces is a significant factor on this. The consequences can be very serious, especially when elderly or disabled are involved. Too much attention is often given to appearance and style rather than safety when selecting flooring. Our mission is to recommend a flooring system that combines appearance with safety.
No, because several factors contribute other than the floor surface, especially footwear, contamination, lighting conditions, health and agility, speed and gait of walking.
They make the surface harder to clean by definition, and it requires a different type of cleaning method. It is therefore a compromise between slip resistance and ease of cleaning, but within the confines of the law.
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a. Wet Pendulum Test.
This is a portable machine meaning that it can be used on site. Classifications of the Contribution of the floor surface to the risk of slipping when wet ranges for Slider 96 rubber from…
| P5 | >54 to… |
| P4 | 45-54 |
| P3 | 35-44 |
| P2 | 25-34 |
| P1 | 12-24 |
| P0 | <12 |
b. Tortus Dry Floor Friction Test.
This is a portable machine.
D1 Mean Value ≥ approx.0.4 Moderate to low risk of slipping when dry
D0 Mean Value < approx.0.4 High to very high risk of slipping when dry
c. Wet Barefoot Ramp Test.
This is an offsite test comprising a person on a ramp subjected to a stream of water whose angle is adjusted up until it is no longer safe to walk.
| Mean angle of inclination | Quality Group |
| <12° | No Classification |
| ≥12° | A |
| ≥18° | B |
| ≥24° | C |
d. Oil Wet Ramp Test.
This is an offsite test comprising a person on a ramp which has been coated with engine lubricating oil whose angle is adjusted up until it is no longer safe to walk.
| Corrected mean overall Slip resistance assessment group | acceptance angle |
| <6° | No Classification |
| >6°-10° | R9 |
| Over 10°-19° | R10 |
| Over 19°-27° | R11 |
| Over 27°-35° | R12 |
| Over 35° | R13 |
Normally the Specifier will have access to the Australian Standard or Building Code.
Some typical examples are…
| Location | Pendulum Ramp | ||
| External ramps | P5 | R11 | |
| Shopping Centre Food Court | P3 | R10 | |
| Supermarket aisles | P2 | R9 | |
| Swimming pool ramps and stairs leading into water | P5 | C | |
| Communal changing rooms | P3 | A | |
No, on darker surfaces coated in a clear system, a black non-slip media is likely to be less visible.
This method ensures that the product is properly encapsulated, but can result in an uneven spread of non-slip media (from roller pick up, overlap, etc). It depends on the floor being coated and how critical appearance is over against safety and durability.
Yes. Tredgrip is rated at R10, or P3 with the Wet Pendulum test. It is very good in a pedestrian situation, but is suitable for pedestrian traffic only, not vehicle traffic.
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MOSS VALE NSW 2577
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