This Handbook is the only published document in Australia that provides substantial, independent advice of how much slip resistance is required for a wide range of applications. When considering a product that does not comply with the handbook recommendations, ask yourself the following simple question:

Do I want my design to be:

• A: Supported (in writing) by the CSIRO & Standards Australia; or
• B: Questioned (in writing) by the CSIRO & Standards Australia?

HB 197's recommendations are primarily in the form of tables. The infamous “Table 3” provides recommendations for suitable results for both the pendulum and ramp tests in a range of general applications. Many specifiers make the mistake of selecting a floor material they like and then trying to see if it can be endorsed somewhere in Table 3, rather than establishing a minimum performance standard and endorsing a product. An understanding of the slip resistance test methods will assist in using these table. Click here for a summary of test types.

The handbook table 3 recommends minimum levels of slip resistance for general applications. Note that two test types are used, and a product specified due to its Ramp test result, may later be proved lacking by this table on the basis of a wet pendulum test. Other parties may have a vested interest in questioning the suitability of a specification.

The handbook table 4 makes recommendations about minimum slip resistance for public wet barefoot areas using the wet barefoot ramp. Many such areas in Australia are also accessed by users in shoes and specifiers should consider the use of other test results such as the wet pendulum in conjunction with the wet barefoot ramp.

The handbook table 5 recommends minimum requirements for many specific commercial and industrial applications using the oil ramp (R ratings) test. This table also requires a degree of surface profile (V ratings) for some applications such as commercial kitchens.