Slip Resistance

Wet Testing Results Interpretation Guide

Interpreting Wet Test Results

How to interpret your wet test report

Wet test results offer five possible outcomes- classification 'V', 'W', 'X', 'Y' or 'Z'. The classification 'Z' reflects a lesser slip resistant surface, while 'V' classification reflects the greatest slip resistance classification.

Step 1: If the test result classification reported meets (or exceeds) the related classification from TABLE 1 below, the test surface is meeting the relevant requirement.

*Table 1 Pedestrian Flooring Selection Guide — Minimum Pendulum or Ramp Recommendations for Specific Locations (Hb197:1999)
Location	Pendulum
1. External colonnade, walkways & pedestrian crossings	W
2. External ramps	V
3. Entry foyers hotel, office & public buildings -wet areas	X
4. Entry foyers hotel, office & public buildings -dry areas	Z
5. Shopping centre (excluding food court)	Z
6. Shopping centre food court	X
7. Internal ramps, slopes (greater than 2 degrees) -dry areas	X
8. Lift lobbies above external entry level	Z
9. Other separate shops inside shopping centres	Z
10. Other shops with external entrances- entry area	X
11. Fast food outlets, buffet food servery areas	X
12. Hospitals and aged care facilities- dry areas	Z
13. Hospitals and aged care facilities- ensuites	X
14. Supermarket aisles except fresh food areas	Z
15. Shop and supermarket fresh fruit & vegetable areas	X
16. Communal changing rooms	X
17. Swimming pool surrounds and communal shower rooms	W
18. Swimming pool ramps and stairs leading to water	V
19. Toilet facilities in offices, hotels, shopping centres	X
20. Undercover concourse areas of sports stadium	X
21. Accessible internal stair nosings (dry areas)- handrails present	X
22. Accessible internal stair nosings (wet areas)- handrails present	W
23. External stair nosings	W

*Table 2 Classification of Pedestrian Surface Materials (AS/NZS.4586:2004)
Interpretation of the Wet Pendulum Results (AS/NZS.4663:2004)
Pendulum* mean BPN		Classification	Notional contribution of the floor surface to the risk of slipping when water wet
Four S rubber	TRL rubber	Classification
>54	>44	V	Very Low
45-54	40-44	W	Low
35-44	-	X	Moderate
25-34	-	Y	High
<25	-	Z	Very High

Treatment Options

For surfaces that achieve a BPN result below the recommendations the following are options are available to increase slip resistance and Reduce Your Risk!

While ISTS is solely an audit service, following is a short list of common types of treatments we see our clients using to improve the slip resistance of various pedestrian surface materials.

Cleaning procedures: Detergent residues can build up over time with heavy detergent use.
Acid etching: For tiled surfaces. Can vary in performance with different tile types.
Wet sand/ Soda blasting: To obtain a textured finish to tiles and other hard surfaces (may require sealing).
Shot blasting: More extreme treatment to wet sand blasting (may require sealing).
Textured coatings: Ensure a consistent texture is achieved.
Surface replacement: Replacement surface may be the most cost effective option in some locations.

An internet search for 'flooring treatments' will identify surface treatment professionals in your local area. ISTS recommends sourcing a number of detailed proposals when considering treatments, outlining expected slip resistance improvements, visual changes, clean ability and life expectancy.

Additional Notes & Reference

R' Ratings

The Ramp 'R' ratings are obtained using the ramp test. An 'R' rating can not be achieved for in-situ testing. There is no correlation between 'R' ratings and wet pendulum test results.

References

*Table 1 - HB197:1999 "An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials" CSIRO 1999 and Standards Australia 1999

*Table 2- AS/NZS.4586:2004 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surfaces and AS/NZS.4663:2004 Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces

*The information provided is intended as a guide only, consult the referenced publications for further information in regards to measurement results and recommendations.