FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers about slip testing, standards, results and what to do when a floor falls short.

What is slip resistance testing?

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. What you receive is a report with ratings and plain-English findings — see certificate of slip resistance.

Which Australian Standard applies to my existing floors?

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, including laboratory ramp-test R ratings. 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.

What is a P rating?

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.

What happens if my floor fails a slip test?

With Slip Audit, a failed result comes with an explanation, a risk-based priority and a scope of works and quote from Premrest to rectify the surface, delivered in the client app. You can accept it, or take the scope to another contractor for comparison quotes. Common rectification options include changing the cleaning regime, applying anti-slip treatments or coatings, improving matting and drainage, or resurfacing. After rectification we retest to document the improvement. More on rectification by Premrest.

How often should floors be slip tested?

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.

Do you offer ongoing testing programs?

Yes. Our Floor Safety Compliance Program puts your sites on scheduled testing rounds, annual or six-monthly by risk level, with a maintained register of results per site and zone, prioritised recommendations after each round, rectification by Premrest and retesting. Programs run across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane under one methodology, and everything is accessible to you in our client app.

Is slip testing disruptive to my site?

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.

Do you test floors wet or dry?

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.

How is your testing conducted?

Testing is conducted in accordance with AS 4663:2013 using calibrated wet pendulum and dry floor friction instruments, with verification checks before testing begins. Our technicians follow documented procedures covering slider preparation, the number of swings and readings per location, and test conditions, and every report is reviewed before release. The full detail is on our testing methodology page.

Is there a legal requirement to slip test existing floors?

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.

How much does slip testing cost?

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.

Can I get a quote and book a slip test online?

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.

Which areas does Slip Audit service?

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.

What is a slip rating?

A slip rating is the P classification from a wet pendulum slip test, from P0 to P5. Higher means more grip when the floor is wet. What counts as acceptable depends on the location under HB 198:2014. A product datasheet R rating is not the slip rating of an installed floor. See what is a slip rating? or use the slip rating checker.

Do you apply Swiss Grip, Stellmann coatings or Dr Schutz slip treatment?

Premrest specifies and applies the slip treatment or non-slip coating that matches the floor and the target P rating. That commonly includes Swiss Grip, Stellmann coatings (often searched as Stellman) and Dr Schutz slip treatment (sometimes written Dr Shutz). We start with a slip test, then choose the system, then retest. More on slip treatment and non-slip coating.

What is the difference between a slip treatment and a non-slip coating?

A slip treatment often means a chemical etch on mineral surfaces, or a PU system with anti-slip additive on vinyl. A non-slip coating is a film applied over the existing floor, such as Swiss Grip or Stellmann. The right pathway depends on the substrate and the target slip rating.

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