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.
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 |
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.