The Australian standards AS 4586:2013, Slip resistance classifications of new pedestrian surface materials consists of the following:
Wet pendulum slip resistance test (P rating) – The preferred test method for on-site testing utilises a pendulum friction tester to determine the slip resistance of the floor. 
Oil/wet inclined ramp slip resistance test (R rating) – Oil simulates contamination other than water often found in for example commercial kitchens.
Wet barefoot inclined ramp slip resistance test – Used for wet area product testing, for products such as Safestep Aqua, Surestep Star barefoot and Surestep Laguna.
Australian Standards for Slip Resistance
Learn about the different slip testing methods for flooring, their requirements and regulations, and the best practices to help you select the best options.
Different areas require different slip rating requirements as outlined by the National Construction Code (NCC) and the HB 197:1999 & HB 198:2014 – Table 3B guides to slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, which, are guides only.
Slip ratings explained
The SA HB 198:2014 Handbook - Table 3B provides valuable insights into the specification and testing of slip resistance for pedestrian surfaces. It details slip rating requirements using methods such as the 'wet pendulum', 'oil-wet inclined ramp', and 'wet barefoot' tests, catering to various environments.
AS 4586:2013 Slip resistance classifications
The ultimate guide to Australian standards for Slip resistance
Navigating the complexities of building standards can be challenging. That's why we've simplified the Australian slip resistance requirements into the ultimate guide you need.
Our comprehensive guide breaks down the requirements for different areas in a clear, visual format, making it easy to choose the right flooring solution.
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TRUE SAFETY FLOOR
For a floor covering to be deemed a true safety or slip resistant floor, by definition; it must contain slip resistant particles according to EN 13845 – sustainable slip resistance.
Forbo Step safety flooring range
Forbo has over 50 years of experience in designing and manufacturing safety vinyl floor coverings.
Our Step safety flooring collection is a complete range of products that meet safety requirements across a wide variety of different applications.
They are ideal not only in general spaces but also in more extreme areas, such as wetroom (barefoot) areas, commercial kitchens and industrial applications.
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Step slip rating classifications
| Step ranges | Wet pendulum | Oil/wet ramp, barefoot |
| Safestep R11 | P4* | R11 |
| Safestep R12 | P5* | R12 |
| Safestep Aqua | P3* | R10, C |
| Surestep Laguna | P3* | R10, B |
| Surestep Original, Stone, Wood, Balance | P3* | R10 |
* Pendulum values of Forbo safety vinyl have been achieved in an accredited 3rd party laboratory. Forbo will not be liable or responsible for highly variable and varying in situ results.