Slip Resistance
Wet Testing Results Interpretation Guide – National Construction Code Requirements (AUS)
Interpreting Wet Test Results
How to interpret your wet test report
Wet test results offer six possible outcomes- classification 'P0', 'P1', 'P2', 'P3', 'P4' or 'P5'.
The classification 'P0' reflects a lesser slip resistant surface, while 'P5' classification reflects the greatest slip resistance classification.
There are two parts to this interpretation guide – Firstly the 'National Construction Code requirements', and secondly 'Other Particular Applications' recommendations.
For the 'Global Product Classification' test results refer additional #Note below.
- Step 1
- Note the test location described in the left side column of your report, and the corresponding test result 'P' classification achieved (listed in the far right side column)
- Step 2
- From this interpretation guide, identify the most appropriately related location description described in either 'TABLE 3A' (Part 1) or 'TABLE 3B' (Part 2) . Note the 'P' classification listed to the right of this description.
- Step 3
- If the test result classification listed meets (or exceeds) the related 'P' classification from 'TABLE 3A' or 'TABLE 3B', the test surface is meeting the relevant requirement.
- #Note
- For 'Global Product Classification' test reports the 'TABLE 3A' or 'TABLE 3B' descriptions assist in identifying the product's suitability for various applications.
National Construction Code Compliance Classifications
| Location | Wet pendulum test |
|---|---|
| Stair Treads and Stairway Landings in Buildings - Covered by NCC Volumes 1-2 | |
| Stair treads and a stairway landing (when dry) | P3 |
| Stair treads and a stairway landing (when wet) | P4 |
| Nosings for Stair Treads and Landings in Buildings – Covered by NCC Volumes 1-2 | |
| Dry stair tread, a stair non-skid nosing strip and a stairway landing | P3 |
| Wet stair tread, a stair non-skid nosing strip and a stairway landing | P4 |
| Ramps in Buildings – Covered by NCC Volumes 1-2 | |
| Ramps not steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) gradient (when dry) | P3 |
| Ramps not steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) gradient (when wet) | P4 |
| Ramps steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) up but not steeper than 1:8 (7.1 degrees) (when dry) | P4 |
| Ramps steeper than 1:14 (4.1 degrees) up but not steeper than 1:8 (7.1 degrees) (when wet) | P5 |
| Classification | Pendulum* mean BPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Four S rubber | TRL rubber | |
| P5 | >54 | >44 |
| P4 | 45-54 | 40-44 |
| P3 | 35-44 | 35-39 |
| P2 | 25-34 | 20-34 |
| P1 | 12-24 | <20 |
| P0 | <12 | - |
Treatment Options
For test results that achieve a result below recommendations, the following treatment 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
- Minimising detergent residue build up or other contaminants.
- Acid etching
- Increasing surface texture.
- Coatings and sealers
- Surface coatings and penetrative types.
- Surface texture
- Coatings, etchants, sandblasting, shot blasting, etc.
- Surface replacement
- May be the most cost effective option in some instances.
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
- References
-
*Table 3A – HB198:2014 "Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces" Standards Australia Limited 2014.
*Table 2 – AS 4586-2013 "Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials".
nb. The information provided is intended as a guide only, consult the referenced publications for further information in regards to measurement results and recommendations.
Find out more about our New Zealand and UAE services.