Measuring slip resistance is a tricky process. Internationally a number of different tests have been devised some of which have been adopted in the ASNZS 4586 standard. Unfortunately the standard does not advise how much slip resistance is required for various flooring application areas. Standards Australia and the CSIRO have published a handbook that provides recommendations on how much slip resistance is required for different locations. Many specifiers have adopted a policy that all their designs must comply with the Handbook recommendations, simply because whenever someone slips over the design process is almost always questioned.

Slip related accidents are estimated to cost Over $3 billion p.a

• Insurance costs to operators
• Professional Indemnity premiums to specifiers
• Personal injury

Handbook 197:1999—An introductory guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials.

HB 197 is the only independent published guide that provides advice on what slip resistance ratings are suitable for different areas and locations. It includes a number of tables with recommended minimum slip resistance results

Which Slip Resistance Test should I use to nominate a minimum performance for my flooring application?

Each slip resistance test method approved by AS4586 provides results that are more relevant for different applications. For example the wet barefoot test result would be of little relevance in an industrial factory...

In regards to practical difficulties with slip resistance specification and selection the two most overlooked factors are:

Test results are in categories or groups that include a range of results. Surfaces with test results at the bottom end of a lower category may not provide sufficient performance and may under certain circumstance be quite slippery.

Other influences—footwear, contamination, lighting & slope play a part in appropriate test method selection. The commonly used ramp test results conducted in industrial boots (R ratings) may have little use in assessing performance in a public office building where everyone is wearing hard flat soled fashion shoes.