Under Australian law, property owners, managers, and employers are obligated to provide safe environments for employees, visitors, and the general public, as outlined in the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and associated state regulations. These regulations require: Regular risk assessments to identify and mitigate slip hazards. Compliance with slip resistance standards outlined in AS 4586:2013 (new surfaces) and AS 4663:2013 (existing surfaces). Implementation of appropriate safety measures based on these assessments, such as regular slip testing, particularly in high-risk areas. Building Code of Australia (BCA): Sets mandatory slip resistance standards for pedestrian surfaces in buildings, especially concerning access paths, ramps, stairways, and wet areas. Work Health and Safety Act 2011: Requires businesses and property managers to provide safe premises and mitigate risks associated with slipping. State-specific legislation and codes of practice, such as WorkSafe guidelines and local council regulations, further specify responsibilities and requirements. Failure to adhere to these legal requirements can result in significant penalties, litigation, and liability for injuries resulting from slips and falls. Regular documentation and record-keeping of slip tests are essential to demonstrate compliance and due diligence in maintaining safe premises.

Slip testing should ideally be performed annually to ensure ongoing compliance with safety standards. Additional testing is recommended whenever significant changes occur, such as after installation or resurfacing, following renovations or modifications, after slip-related incidents, or when noticeable changes in surface conditions are detected.

Using a NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited company for slip testing ensures testing accuracy, reliability, and compliance with Australian standards. NATA accreditation guarantees that the testing company operates to stringent quality assurance protocols, uses calibrated equipment, and provides valid, legally defensible results. This is crucial for demonstrating due diligence, meeting regulatory requirements, and mitigating potential liability issues.

The primary Australian standards for slip testing are: AS 4586:2013: Specifies the methods for classifying the slip resistance of new pedestrian surfaces. AS 4663:2013: Provides guidance on the methods for assessing slip resistance of existing pedestrian surfaces. HB 198:2014: Offers detailed guidelines on selecting suitable surfaces and maintaining slip resistance throughout the surface's lifecycle.

R Rating: Refers to ramp testing conducted under oil-contaminated conditions. This rating is commonly used to assess slip resistance in industrial or commercial kitchen environments. Ratings range from R9 (lowest slip resistance) to R13 (highest slip resistance). P Rating: Derived from wet pendulum slip resistance testing, this rating is used predominantly for assessing pedestrian safety on wet surfaces. P ratings range from P0 (lowest) to P5 (highest).

Slip testing costs in Australia vary depending on factors such as location, number of test locations, testing methods used, and the testing company's accreditation. For precise pricing, contacting a NATA-accredited testing provider is recommended.

A typical slip test usually takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour per location, depending on the method used and the conditions of the site. Additional time may be required for testing multiple areas, detailed documentation, or specific testing requirements.

EIC Laboratory & Testing provides expert guidance on identifying the appropriate slip resistance testing methods for your products and materials, ensuring full compliance with the National Construction Code (NCC) and relevant Australian Standards. Our professionals help clarify testing requirements and deliver precise, reliable results tailored to your specific compliance needs.

Slip testing in Australia is typically carried out using the following method: Pendulum Friction Tester: This device measures slip resistance under wet and dry conditions by simulating a pedestrian heel strike. The test provides a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) that helps classify the slip resistance rating.

Slip testing is the process of evaluating the slip resistance or frictional characteristics of a flooring surface. It measures how effectively a surface prevents slips by determining its level of friction, particularly under wet or potentially slippery conditions. Slip testing ensures that surfaces adhere to specific safety requirements set by Australian standards, significantly reducing the risk of accidents and injuries caused by slipping.

In Australia, slip testing is vital for businesses and property managers to ensure compliance with stringent workplace health and safety regulations. Regular slip testing reduces the risk of slips, trips, and falls, minimising liability concerns and enhancing public safety. It helps organisations meet legal obligations, prevent potential litigation, and maintain safe environments in commercial, residential, and public spaces.

Surfaces that typically require slip testing in Australia include commercial building entrances, shopping centres, public footpaths, ramps, stairways, industrial and manufacturing floors, swimming pool surrounds, bathroom and kitchen areas, hotel lobbies, and aged-care facilities. Essentially, any pedestrian surface likely to become wet or slippery during normal use should be regularly tested.

Slip resistance ratings in Australia use a "P" classification system ranging from P0 (least slip-resistant) to P5 (most slip-resistant). Typically, ratings of P3 or higher are recommended for most public and commercial pedestrian areas, while specific higher ratings (such as P4 or P5) are advised for areas exposed to frequent water or contaminants, like commercial kitchens, pool surrounds, and industrial settings.

Slip testing should be conducted by qualified and accredited professionals who specialise in surface safety and adhere strictly to Australian standards and guidelines. Such professionals typically hold accreditation or certification through recognised industry associations or authoritative bodies (NATA), ensuring accurate and reliable results.

If a surface fails slip testing, immediate corrective actions are required to enhance its slip resistance and achieve compliance with Australian standards. Common solutions include surface modifications, application of specialised anti-slip coatings, treatments, or installation of additional slip-resistant flooring materials. Prompt response reduces liability and maintains compliance with Australian safety regulations.