Our interpretation of standards for anti-slip resistance

Introduktion

In the European countries, various test methods have been used to evaluate the slip resistance of flooring products and the most common standard has been DIN 51130: 2004-6 (a German national standard).

 

The variations in the different test methods and classifications in the European countries made it complicated to assess products in different countries but also lead to confusion and incorrect interpretations of ratings.

The European harmonized standard EN 13036–4: 2011 which describes the properties of slip resistance is and has for some time been implemented and recognized as a standard in many countries. Many health and safety authorities today refer to this standard because it is more user friendly and the results are better and easier to understand than the other standards.

 

EN 13036–4: European Standard

 

The European standard EN 13036–4: 2011 provides the slip resistance classification for all flooring products. This standard is defined by the Pendulum method (Pendulum test) to assess the surface properties of the floor´s surface in wet and dry conditions that determine how slippery the surface is and the level of potential risk of injury. The pendulum test is an established and reliable method. It is measured by means of a slider mounted at the end of a pendulum arm which imitates the slipping of ex. one foot on a surface and determines the dynamic friction of the surface. The results are measured on a scale in the value PTV (Pendulum Test Value).

 

Pendulum testvärde (PTV)

 

The table below is for guidance only. Many factors, such as type of walking activity and type of user (such as age and physical ability) should also be considered.

The minimum slip resistance value that is deemed to be safe for pedestrians in public areas is 36 PTV in the worst possible conditions (wet).

 

Level of slip potential	Rating	Probability to slip
High slip potential	0–24 PTV	Up to 1 in 20
Moderate slip potential	25–35 PTV	1 in 100 000
Low slip potential	36+ PTV	1 in 1 000 000
Extremely low slip potential	75+ PTV	Less than 1 in 1 000 000

 

Testing

 

The pendulum test method is a simple device that replicates, in a reliable and correct way, Coefficient of Friction (COF) for a heel on floor surfaces. A person's heel is the part of the foot that starts to slip first in most situations where someone slips on a floor.

 

The unit is operated by a swinging arm that sweeps over a flat surface. The swinging arm is mounted with a rubber sliding unit that strikes and slides over the surface at a specified contact distance. The arm is placed horizontally together with a measuring pointer and when it is released, it swings and when it hits the surface, the friction slows down the arm that moves a certain distance and places the measuring pointer on a scale.
The more slippery the surface, the longer the swingarm will move. This process is repeated five times to achieve an average rating.

 

 

German standards

 

The German standards DIN 51130 and DIN 51097 provides the slip resistance classification  for all flooring products according to the Ramp Test method to assess the surface resistance properties of the floor.

 

The values ​​are classified in two theoretical ways:

DIN 51130 - “R” rating for shod feet: R9 to R13, R9 is the lowest value defined as poor resistance.

DIN 51097 - "ABC" rating for bare feet: A to C, A beeing the lowest value.

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DIN 51130: Ramp test “R” rating (shod feet)

DIN 51130 is often required for internal and external walkways in dry and wet conditions.

Classification	Slip Angel	Coefficient of friction (COF)
R9	6 ° - 10 °	0,11-0,18
R10	> 10 ° - 19 °>	>0,18-0,34
R11	> 19 ° - 27 °>	>0,34-0,51
R12	> 27 ° - 35 °>	>0,51-0,70
R13	> 35 °	>0,70

 

DIN 51097: Ramp Test "ABC" rating (bare feet)

DIN 51097 is often required for wet room floors such as bathrooms and swimming pools.

 

Classification	Slip angel	Coefficient of friction (COF)
A	12 - 17 °	0,21-0,31
B	18 ° - 23 °	0,32-0,42
C	> 24 °	>0,45

 

You can read more about anti-slip ratings for floor laminate products here

 

Now when we have gone through the different test methods separately, can we compare them?

 

Pendulum Test method vs. Ramp Test Method

 

Pendeltestet	Ramptestet
Provide results in both wet and dry conditions	Test method is not objective
Widely used and recognised in the european countries and abroad	Is a reference in the European countries and abroad, well known
Reproducible test method	Can be used for exact sole/flooring combinations
Results more comprehensive and user friendly	Difficult to interpret R-ratings

 

The table below is intended as a guide only and does not represent a direct correlation between the ratings from the German standard DIN 51130 to the European standard EN 13036-4.

The test methods are different depending on their specific norms and the values ​​are not comparable. This is only an interpretation and an attempt at comparison.

 

 

DIN 51130 R9 till R13 (shod method)	EN 13036-4 Pendulum Test Value (PTV)	Likelihood of slip injury (if surface is wet)
R9	11-18 PTV	Very Poor- Slip injury almost certain to occur
R10	18-34 PTV	Poor - Slip injury likely to occur
R11	34-51 PTV	Moderate - Slip injury may occur
R12	51-70PTV	Low - Slip injury unlikely to occur
R13	70+ PTV	Extremely low - Slip injury rare to occur

 

 

Source:
Mactac Technical Bulletin 4.7 and
http://www.floorslip.co.uk/floor-slip-ratings.html