Currently in the process of choosing the right flooring for your property? It’s more than just picking a colour that matches your walls. Safety should be on top of your list, making slip resistance a non-negotiable. This is especially true in Australia, where standards are governed by the AS/NZS 4586:2013.
It all comes down to understanding the science of grip, and the AS/NZS 4586:2013 provides the blueprint for how it’s measured. A proper rating prevents accidents and ensures safety, whether you’re building a home or running a commercial facility. Keep all these in mind when you’re looking for professional flooring services.
Flooring systems in Australia undergo rigorous testing methods to get a clear score that represents their actual safety level. These are the wet pendulum test, which uses a swinging “foot” to measure friction on wet surfaces, and the oil wet ramp test, which involves a person walking on an incline coated in oil or water.
The wet pendulum test can be done on-site after a floor is installed to make sure everything is up to scratch. It gives a “P” rating, which is the primary metric for areas that might get wet from rain, mopping, or general spills.
Food-grade flooring setups typically require higher specs to handle the constant washing and organic liquids present in food production. For bathrooms and commercial kitchens, a P3 rating or higher is generally advised. This level offers a sensible balance between safety and cleanability, without creating a surface that feels harsh underfoot.
A high P-rating means more friction, which is exactly what you want when the weather turns sour or the cleaning crew is out. The floors are rated from P0 to P5. Check out this summary:
P-Rating |
What It Indicates |
| P0 | Very low slip resistance, generally unsuitable for wet areas |
| P1 | Low slip resistance, limited wet use |
| P2 | Moderate slip resistance for lightly wet areas |
| P3 | Good slip resistance for regularly wet environments |
| P4 | High slip resistance for demanding wet conditions |
| P5 | Very high slip resistance for heavy water exposure |
While the pendulum test is great for water, industrial settings often deal with thicker, more slippery substances. The oil wet ramp test measures slip resistance levels (indicated by R-ratings) on a ramp coated with oil.
R-ratings range from R9 to R13, with higher numbers offering stronger resistance in greasy environments. For a business owner, this is a quick shorthand to know if a floor can handle the gritty reality of a workshop or a busy commercial kitchen where grease is part of the daily grind.
In high-priority safety zones, skimping on the R-rating is rarely worth the risk. Opting for an R11 or higher ensures that even in the middle of a busy shift, the floor remains a stable foundation. You can see how these apply to real-world scenarios in various commercial flooring projects across Melbourne, where the right texture makes all the difference.
Every building has its own personality and set of hazards. A high-end retail boutique in the CBD has different needs than a chemical lab or a hospital corridor. For a warehouse, you want something that can handle heavy forklift traffic while keeping the crew safe. In a hospital, the floor needs to be slip-resistant but also smooth enough to be easily sanitised.
By looking at the specific P and R ratings, you can tailor your choice to the activity in the room. Aim for a balance of aesthetics, ease of cleaning, and, most importantly, compliance, which highlights the physical safety of your team and customers.
Finding that perfect balance of safety and durability is much easier when you have the right team in your corner. Safecoat Flooring provides a range of systems designed to meet and exceed Australian standards, ensuring your space looks great and stays safe for years to come.
If you’re ready to upgrade your facility with a floor that stands up to the test, get a quote from the experts. We guarantee that customised solutions are just a friendly conversation away.
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