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Australian Standards for Slip Resistance

Learn about the different slip testing methods for flooring, their requirements and regulations, and the best practices to help you select the best options.

Australian standards for slip resistance for flooring, Forbo flooring comprehensive guide

Different areas require different slip rating requirements as outlined by the National Construction Code (NCC) and the HB 197:1999 & HB 198:2014 – Table 3B guides to slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, which, are guides only.

Slip ratings explained

The SA HB 198:2014 Handbook - Table 3B provides valuable insights into the specification and testing of slip resistance for pedestrian surfaces. It details slip rating requirements using methods such as the 'wet pendulum', 'oil-wet inclined ramp', and 'wet barefoot' tests, catering to various environments.

AS 4586:2013 Slip resistance classifications

The Australian standards AS 4586:2013, Slip resistance classifications of new pedestrian surface materials consists of the following:


Wet pendulum slip resistance test (P rating) – The preferred test method for on-site testing utilises a pendulum friction tester to determine the slip resistance of the floor.


Oil/wet inclined ramp slip resistance test (R rating) – Oil simulates contamination other than water often found in for example commercial kitchens.


Wet barefoot inclined ramp slip resistance test – Used for wet area product testing, for products such as Safestep Aqua, Surestep Star barefoot and Surestep Laguna.

Australian Slip standard rating infographic

Click on the image below to enlarge the slip resistance guidelines to learn more.

TRUE SAFETY FLOOR
For a floor covering to be deemed a true safety or slip resistant floor, by definition; it must contain slip resistant particles according to EN 13845 – sustainable slip resistance.

Forbo Step safety flooring range

Forbo has over 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing safety vinyl floor coverings.

Our Step safety flooring collection is a complete range of products that meet safety requirements across a wide variety of different applications.

They are ideal not only in general spaces but also in more extreme areas, such as wetroom (barefoot) areas, commercial kitchens and industrial applications.

Learn more

Surestep flooring in a healthcare setting

Step slip rating classifications

Step rangesWet pendulumOil/wet ramp, barefoot
Safestep R11 P4*R11
Safestep R12 P5*R12
Safestep Aqua P3*R10, C
Surestep Laguna P3*R10, B
Surestep Original, Stone, Wood, BalanceP3*R10


* Pendulum values of Forbo safety vinyl have been achieved in an accredited 3rd party laboratory. Forbo will not be liable or responsible for highly variable and varying in situ results.