One of the essential characteristics of specifying flooring is its slip resistance.

Traditionally the R-Rating (DIN51130) and ABC-Ratings (DIN51097) have been widely used (and still utilised) when specifying floors in shod-foot and barefoot areas respectively.

The UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Ireland’s Health & Safety Authority (HSA) now both recommend The Pendulum Test (BS 7976-2 / EN13036-4) for measuring slip resistance as their preferred method of testing.

The Pendulum Test mimics the way a heel makes contact with a floor and measures the dynamic coefficient of friction.

It can test slip potential on clean, dry or contaminated flooring in both Shod-Foot and Barefoot conditions. A Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 36 and above is required on Wet, Dry and floors contaminated with substances relevant to the immediate environment.

Armatile’s Slip Test Service

Armatile can provide a PTV on all of our floor tile products.With our in-house test equipment and trained test operators we can confidently offer our customers a test and certificate on any of our floor tile products if required for a commercial/work place project.

How Does The Test Work?

This pendulum test measures dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF). It can be used to accurately test the slip potential on clean and dry or contaminated floors.

Factors impacting the slip-resistance of flooring (HSE).

The test is designed to replicate a pedestrian heel strike, the point at which most slips occur. When a pedestrian heel strikes a wet floor a fluid film is created between them. This can cause a slip. The pendulum test works in wet conditions because it generates a similar film between the slider and the floor. The test also works with dry contaminants.

Role of the Different SlidersThe slider referred to in the test information is very important.There are two sliders commonly used;

• Slider 96 (also known as Four-S rubber): The harder of the two sliders is used to represent shod pedestrians. Use in areas where pedestrians are likely to be wearing footwear.

• Slider 55 (also known as TRRL or TRL rubber): The softer of the two sliders is used to represent barefoot pedestrians. Use in areas such as swimming pools, bathrooms, changing areas.

You need to make sure the right slider has been used during testing prior to specifying tiles for specific areas in commercial buildings.

We can advise you and use the appropriate slider during the slip test procedure to provide you with the most appropriate statement for your project.

 

Presentation on Slip Resistance

Armatile offer a Presentation on Slip Resistance Testing Methods and their applications when specifying flooring in commercial and public workspaces.