Slip Ratings

Slip Ratings

How to select the correct slip ratings for your floor tiles?


There are two accepted methods of testing, the more and more commonly requested slip rating in the UK market is Pendulum testing PTV36+ for commercial applications, This test Method is Certified by HSE (Health & Safety) so is naturally the best option to look for, however the European Test method of R ratings is also accepted and offers more flexibility on types of materials you can use as the ptv rating can be harder to achieve, However more and more factories are starting to produce new ranges to these standards. When designing your project its important to liaise early on in the design stage with HSE for the project as to which ratings they are working to, Whilst it isn't a requirement for residential projects we still recommend these guidelines based on your application as more and more kitchens have bi fold doors transitioning from outdoor to indoor spaces, as well as bathrooms featuring wet room flooring. Below we have given you advise on which ratings to use where based on which rating  you are working to, an explanation what each test method is and the pros and cons to each system. If your still unsure please contact us and we would be happy to talk you through materials.


Top tip; R ratings and PTV's don't always correlate i.e an R9 may Achieve PTV36+ and and R10 may not so its always best to check for the specific rating you require and not try to correlate based on the two different test methods.


Top Tip; There are two pendulum tests depending on application Ptv Shodfoot for trainer traffic areas, Ptv Barefoot for barefoot areas so again clarify what type of footwear is being used in the area and select the relevant rating to suit.


We always recommend PTV36+ on projects but with careful consideration and assessment of the risks this may not always be necessary and the chart below gives you advise on what can contribute to those decisions to allow you more flexibility during the design process.

Trainer Traffic and Barefoot Commercial Areas

Pendulum Test Shodfoot (PTV Rating)

High Risk Slip Areas

Recommended Slip Rating: PTV 36+ (Shodfoot)


Potential wet traffic areas such as;


  • Entrances, 
  • Commercial toilets
  •  Shopping Centre Communal Flooring
  •  Universities & Schools
  •  Retail Stores, 
  • Hotel Lobbys
  • Hotel Bathrooms (PTV36+ Barefoot)
  • Showers (PTV36+ Barefoot)
  • Bars and Restuarants. 
  • changing rooms
  • Swimmingpool surrounds (PTV36+ Barefoot and subject to Suitable ABC Rating)

Suitability:

Ptv36+ is Suitable for all areas and should be your first aim when selecting materials in commercial applications for any areas that come into close contact with external entrances or areas subject to spilling of liquids on a regular basis therfore decreasing the chance of slipping.


Top Tip:

Increase the PTV Rating by 1 for each degree of slope on ramped areas i.e a 7 degree ramp would require PTV42+ rating.


Did you know? 

Designers and clients are liable for slippages in communal spaces so using this slip rating will protect not only the public but also designer and client.


Wet Slip Potential of PTV36+ Rating:

1 in a million


Medium Risk Slip Areas

Recommended Slip Rating: PTV 25-35(Shodfoot)


Potential Limited wet traffic Areas:


Essentially anything away from external Entraces or Liquid areas, some examples; 

  • Higher Floor Lobbies
  • Shopping Centre internal Stores
  • Commerical Buildings not located by entrances

Top Tip:  Using materials from this category will increase the amount of design options, but be sure to assess the risks and justify why the area isnt an immediate wet area to ensure you keep the slip risk low.


Did you know?

Every colour in a range can test a different rating so always check on the colour you want.


Wet Slip Potential of PTV24-35:

PTV 24 1 in 20 

PTV 27 1 IN 200

PTV 29 1 IN 10,000

PTV34 1 IN 100,000

 



Low Risk Slip Areas

Recommended Slip Rating: PTV 10-23


Potential Non wet traffic Areas:

  • Upper Floor Offices, Statement areas
  • Residential (private clients choice)
  • Anywhere you would consider using polished marble
  • in conjuction with necessary matting to ensure completly dry foot traffic. 

Suited for commerical dry areas in which it is assumed a dry area or non commerical areas in which it is clients preference such as residential properties due to private use, however we would still recommend a discussion with your client around slip ratings and considerations due to the nature of which the area is being used, i.e bifold doors into a kithcen will likely be subject to wet traffic and precaution should be taken but essentially as its for private use it is essentially their choice.


Did you know?

There are treatments that can be applied to the tiles to achieve ptv36+ after installation so if your really struggling to meet safety and design talk to us about costs and solutions.


Wet Slip Potential:

Certain when wet

Ramp Test (R Rating)

High Risk Slip Areas

Recommended Slip Rating: R11


Potential wet traffic areas such as;


  • Entrances 
  • Commercial toilets 
  •  Shopping Centre Communal Flooring 
  •  Universities & Schools 
  •  Retail Stores 
  • Hotel Lobbys 
  • Hotel Bathrooms 
  • Showers 
  • Bars and Restuarants 
  • changing rooms 
  • Swimmingpool surrounds  and subject to Suitable C Rating on ABC)

Suitability:

R11 is Suitable for all areas and should be your first aim when selecting materials in commercial applications for any areas that come into close contact with external entrances or areas subject to spilling of liquids on a regular basis therfore decreasing the chance of slipping.


Top Tip:

You may be able to use an R10 rating in these areas but only if they meet PTV36+, always check the texture of R11 rated products to ensure they are suitable for the traffic and easy to clean, some are more textured than others.


Did you know? 

R ratings are the main test method excepted in Europe, The Uk implemented the Ptv test as a more accurate test method.



Wet Slip Potential of R11 :

Low slip potential, usually scoring 34-50 on the pendulum test method.


Medium Risk Slip Areas

Recommended Slip Rating: R10


Potential Limited wet traffic Areas:


Essentially anything away from external Entraces or Liquid areas, some examples; 

  • Higher Floor Lobbies
  • Shopping Centre internal Stores
  • Commerical Buildings not located by entrances

Top Tip:  Using materials from this category will increase the amount of design options, but be sure to assess the risks and justify why the area isnt an immediate wet area to ensure you keep the slip risk low.


Did you know?

some r10 rated products get a better pendulum test than R11S so if your considering using this an R10 product in a wet area check the Pendulum to see if its suitable.


Wet Slip Potential of PTV24-35:

Medium risk of slipping in wet areas

usually scores 25-35 on pendulum tests.

 



Low Risk Slip Areas

Recommended Slip Rating: R9 


Potential Non wet traffic Areas:

  • Upper Floor Offices, Statement areas
  • Residential (private clients choice)
  • Anywhere you would consider using polished marble
  • in conjuction with necessary matting to ensure completly dry foot traffic. 

Suited for commerical dry areas in which it is assumed a dry area or non commerical areas in which it is clients preference such as residential properties due to private use, however we would still recommend a discussion with your client around slip ratings and considerations due to the nature of which the area is being used, i.e bifold doors into a kithcen will likely be subject to wet traffic and precaution should be taken but essentially as its for private use it is essentially their choice.


Did you know?

R rating stands for ramp, and all tests are carried out wearing boots, there are many factors that are variables which is why we prefer the pendulum test method.


Wet Slip Potential:

Certain when wet

Pendulum test machine

Ramp test machine

PTV test machine (pendulum machine)
Tile slip rating testing
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