Everyone who specifies flooring products has to ensure that flooring surfaces do not pose a safety risk. In our case, we talk about slippery resistance that shows how slippery the floor is. Natural stone have to be tested due to the fact that the product is natural and has the significant variation of hardness and surface finishes which give different slip results.
Slip Resistance – Table 3B of Standards Australia handbook HB198:2014
The slip resistance recommendations for a range of ‘wet floor locations’ is presented within. An example of these locations and the classification recommendations is given below.
| Pendulum Classification | BPN Range | Location Example for P5 to P0 classifications according to HB198:2014 | ||
| AS 4586-2013 | AS/NZS 4586-2004 | Slider 96 | TRL | |
| P5 | V | > 54 | >44 | External ramps steeper than 1:14 Loading docks Commercial kitchens Swimming pool ramps and stairs |
| P4 | W | 45 – 54 | 40 – 44 | External colonnade and walkway Pedestrian crossings, driveways Verandahs, Balconies Serving areas behind bars, cold stores Swimming pool surrounds Communal shower rooms |
| P3 | X | 35 – 44 | 35 – 39* | Shopping centre – food court, fresh food areas Entries & access areas – public buildings – WET Undercover concourse of sports stadiums Bathrooms in hospitals and aged care facilities Toilet facilities in public buildings |
| P2 | Y | 25 – 34 | 20-34* | Entries & access areas – public buildings – TRANSITIONAL Hotel bathrooms, ensuites and toilets Hotel kitchens and laundries Wards and Corridors in hospitals & aged care facilities |
| P1 | Z | < 25 | <20* | Entries & access areas – public buildings – DRY Supermarket aisles (except fresh food) |
| P0 | – | <12 | – | see Note 1* |
Note 1: Note 3 of Notes to Table 3B states:
The minimum classification listed in Table 3B is P1. It is inappropriate for Table 3B to list the lower classification, P0, since there is no lower limit on Classification P0.
Notwithstanding, some smooth and polished floor surfaces, which do not achieve a Classification P1, may be considered to provide a safe walking environment for normal pedestrians walking at a moderate pace, provided the surfaces are kept clean and dry; however, should these surfaces become contaminated by either wet or dry materials, or be used by pedestrians in any other manner, then they may become unsafe. Therefore, the type of maintenance, the in-service inspection of floors, other environmental conditions and use should be taken in to account when selecting such products.
