Frequently asked questions

Slip resistance testing measures how much grip a floor surface provides to a pedestrian. In Australia, existing floors are tested using the methods in AS 4663:2013: the wet pendulum test, expressed as P classifications from P0 to P5, and the dry floor friction test, expressed as D0 or D1. Slip Audit conducts both. Higher classifications indicate better slip resistance.

AS 4663:2013 covers slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces and is the standard for testing floors already in service. AS 4586:2013 covers the classification of new surface materials before installation. Results for existing floors are typically interpreted against the recommendations of HB 198:2014, the Standards Australia handbook on specifying and testing slip resistance. Read our plain-English guide to the standards.

A P rating is a wet pendulum slip resistance classification from P0 to P5. The wet pendulum test produces a British Pendulum Number, which maps to a P classification. P5 indicates the highest wet slip resistance and P0 the lowest. Dry floor friction test results use a separate D classification: D1 where the mean coefficient of friction is 0.40 or more, otherwise D0. What counts as acceptable depends on the location: HB 198:2014 recommends minimum classifications for different location types, such as entry foyers or external ramps.

With Slip Audit, a failed result comes with an explanation, a risk-based priority and a referral pathway to rectify the surface. Common rectification options include changing the cleaning regime, applying anti-slip treatments or coatings, improving matting and drainage, or resurfacing. After rectification we can retest to document the improvement. More on rectification referrals.

Slip resistance changes over time as floors wear, are polished, or have their cleaning regime changed. Many facilities test periodically as part of their risk management program, and testing is also common after an incident, a refurbishment, a change of floor finish, or a change of cleaning contractor.

No. Both the wet pendulum and dry floor friction instruments are portable, and each test location only needs a small area to be temporarily cordoned while it is tested. We schedule visits around your operations, including after hours for trading retail sites, aged care facilities and other sensitive environments.

Both. We conduct wet pendulum testing and dry floor friction testing to AS 4663:2013. Most slips happen on wet or contaminated floors, so wet pendulum testing is usually the priority. Dry floor friction testing is the right benchmark for surfaces that are reliably dry in service, such as internal corridors and office floors, and pairing the two gives a complete picture of how a surface performs.

For existing buildings there is generally no single mandated classification. However, WHS legislation requires those in control of workplaces to manage the risk of slips, trips and falls so far as is reasonably practicable, and duty of care applies to premises open to the public. Objective testing against HB 198:2014 guidance is the accepted way to assess and demonstrate management of slip risk. The National Construction Code does mandate classifications for certain elements of new building work, such as stairs and ramps.

Cost depends on the number of test locations and when the visit is scheduled. You can see a fixed quote instantly with our online quote and booking flow: enter your details, add the areas you would like tested and choose a preferred time, and your price is shown straight away. Multi-site and multi-city programs can be scheduled and priced as a single engagement.

Yes. Our online quote and booking flow shows you a fixed quote in about a minute and lets you send a booking request with your preferred date and arrival window, including after-hours and weekend visits. There is no payment needed to book, the quote is valid for 30 days, and we confirm every booking within one business day.

We service the Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane metropolitan areas. Slip Audit is based in Thomastown in Melbourne's north and is operated by Premier Restorations Group Pty Ltd, trading as Premrest. Sites outside these metro areas can be quoted on request.