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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
>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.