Australian Standards for Slip Testing
Understanding AS 4586:2013, AS 4663:2013, and HB 198:2014 — the standards that govern floor slip resistance testing in Australia.
Understanding the Australian Standards Framework
Floor slip resistance in Australia is governed by a framework of standards that define how surfaces should be tested, classified, and assessed for safety. These standards provide the scientific basis for determining whether a floor is safe for pedestrian use and are referenced in building regulations, workplace health and safety legislation, and industry codes of practice.
The three key documents in this framework are:
AS 4586:2013
Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials
AS 4663:2013
Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces
HB 198:2014
Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces
Together, these documents provide a complete system for testing, classifying, and selecting appropriate floor surfaces. Surface Test Australia tests floors in accordance with these standards, providing you with documented results and P-rating classifications that demonstrate compliance.
AS 4586:2013 — Classification of New Surface Materials
AS 4586:2013 is the Australian Standard for slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials. It specifies the test methods and classification systems used to assess the slip resistance of flooring products before they are installed.
This standard is primarily used by flooring manufacturers, architects, builders, and specifiers to classify and select appropriate flooring products. When a tile manufacturer provides a P-rating for their product, that classification has been determined using the methods specified in AS 4586.
What AS 4586 Covers
- Wet pendulum test method — The primary test using a calibrated pendulum device to measure friction on a wet surface, producing a British Pendulum Number (BPN) classified into P-ratings (P0 to P5)
- Oil-wet ramp test method — A secondary test measuring slip resistance on an inclined surface with oil contamination, producing R-ratings (R9 to R13)
- Wet/barefoot ramp test method — Tests for areas where people walk barefoot, such as pool surrounds and bathrooms, producing A, B, or C classifications
- Equipment specifications — Detailed requirements for testing equipment, rubber sliders, calibration standards, and surface preparation procedures
Who Uses AS 4586?
Flooring manufacturers use AS 4586 to classify their products. Architects and specifiers use the P-rating data to select appropriate flooring for different environments. Builders and developers reference these classifications to ensure new installations meet the required slip resistance levels specified in the Building Code of Australia and HB 198.
AS 4663:2013 — Measurement of Existing Surfaces
AS 4663:2013 is the Australian Standard for slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces. While AS 4586 deals with new products in laboratory conditions, AS 4663 addresses the real-world challenge of testing floors that are already installed and in use.
This is the standard that applies to the vast majority of slip testing performed by Surface Test Australia. When Greg tests your floors on-site, he is working in accordance with AS 4663.
What AS 4663 Covers
- On-site wet pendulum testing — Methodology for using the wet pendulum tester on installed floor surfaces, accounting for real-world conditions
- Surface preparation procedures — How existing surfaces should be prepared for testing, including cleaning protocols
- Recording environmental conditions — Requirements for documenting temperature, humidity, and surface conditions at the time of testing
- Reporting requirements — What information must be included in a slip test report for the results to be valid and defensible
Why AS 4663 Matters for Property Owners
A floor that was adequately slip-resistant when installed may not stay that way. Foot traffic, cleaning chemicals, wear, environmental exposure, and surface treatments all change a floor's slip resistance over time. AS 4663 provides the methodology for assessing the current state of your floors — not what they were when new, but what they are right now.
Testing to AS 4663 gives you documented, defensible evidence of your floor's slip resistance at a specific point in time. This documentation is essential for demonstrating due diligence under workplace health and safety legislation and is commonly required by insurers, WorkSafe investigators, and legal proceedings.
P-Rating Classification System
The P-rating scale classifies wet slip resistance from P0 (very slippery) to P5 (excellent). It is the primary classification used in Australia for general pedestrian areas.
| P-Rating | BPN Range | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| P0 | 0 – 11 | Very slippery when wet |
| P1 | 12 – 19 | Slippery when wet |
| P2 | 20 – 27 | Moderate slip resistance |
| P3 | 28 – 34 | Acceptable slip resistance |
| P4 | 35 – 44 | Good slip resistance |
| P5 | 45+ | Excellent slip resistance |
R-Rating Classification System
R-ratings are determined using the oil-wet ramp test and are primarily used for industrial and commercial environments where oil or grease contamination is expected. While less commonly referenced than P-ratings for general pedestrian areas, they remain relevant for specific applications.
| R-Rating | Inclination Angle | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| R9 | 6° – 10° | General indoor areas with low contamination risk |
| R10 | 10° – 19° | Kitchens, cafeterias, workshops with moderate contamination |
| R11 | 19° – 27° | Food processing areas, commercial laundries |
| R12 | 27° – 35° | Industrial kitchens, meat processing, dairy |
| R13 | 35°+ | Heavy industrial with significant oil/fat contamination |
HB 198:2014 — The Practical Guidance Handbook
HB 198:2014, Guide to the specification and testing of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces, is the essential companion document to AS 4586 and AS 4663. While the standards define how to test, HB 198 provides practical guidance on what slip resistance levels are appropriate for different environments.
HB 198 includes detailed tables showing recommended minimum P-ratings for a wide range of building types and specific areas within those buildings. It is the primary reference used by architects, builders, and facility managers when selecting or assessing floor surfaces.
Recommended Minimum P-Ratings by Environment
The following table provides general guidance based on HB 198 recommendations. Actual requirements may vary depending on specific circumstances, slope, expected contamination, and the vulnerability of users.
| Environment | Min. P-Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General indoor — dry areas | P3 | Offices, corridors, retail, lobbies |
| Building entrances | P4 | Where water is tracked in from outside |
| Bathrooms & amenities | P4 | Public, commercial, and aged care wet areas |
| Commercial kitchens | P4/P5 | Higher ratings for areas with grease/oil contamination |
| Aged care facilities | P4 | All common areas; higher for wet areas |
| Swimming pool surrounds | P5 | Barefoot areas constantly exposed to water |
| Ramps (accessible) | P4 | Higher P-rating required for steeper gradients |
| Outdoor walkways | P4 | Exposed to rain and environmental contamination |
| Hospital corridors | P3 | Higher in wet areas, bathrooms, and entrances |
| Car parks (pedestrian areas) | P4 | Ramps and pedestrian walkways within car parks |
Important Disclaimer
This table provides general guidance only. The specific P-rating required for your premises depends on multiple factors including the type of environment, expected contamination, floor slope, and the vulnerability of people using the space. Contact Greg for a professional assessment of your specific requirements.
Who Needs to Comply?
In Victoria, multiple stakeholders share responsibility for ensuring floor surfaces are safe for pedestrians.
Property Owners & Managers
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic), persons who manage or control a workplace have a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the workplace and its facilities are safe. This includes maintaining floor surfaces at adequate slip resistance levels. Regular slip testing demonstrates due diligence.
Facility Managers
Facility managers are often the people responsible for implementing floor safety programs on a day-to-day basis. This includes scheduling regular slip testing, maintaining records, acting on test results, and ensuring appropriate cleaning and maintenance regimes are in place.
Builders & Developers
The Building Code of Australia (BCA) requires that floor surfaces in new buildings meet appropriate slip resistance classifications. Builders and developers must ensure that specified flooring products are installed correctly and meet the required P-ratings before handover. Post-installation testing verifies compliance.
Body Corporates & Strata Managers
Body corporates and strata managers are responsible for common areas within multi-unit developments. This includes lobbies, corridors, stairwells, car park walkways, and outdoor common areas. Regular slip testing of these shared spaces is an important part of meeting collective obligations.
Aged Care Operators
Aged care facilities face heightened requirements due to the vulnerability of their residents. The Aged Care Quality Standards and state regulations require operators to manage environmental risks, including floor safety. Documented slip testing is essential for demonstrating compliance.
Hospitality & Retail Operators
Restaurants, cafes, bars, hotels, and retail stores all have high pedestrian traffic and unique slip risks from food, drinks, and cleaning operations. Operators have a duty of care to both staff and customers. Regular testing helps manage risk and provides evidence of compliance efforts.
Related Resources
Slip Testing Explained
Complete guide to slip testing — what it is, how it works, P-ratings, and how to prepare for testing.
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Contact Greg
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Australian Standards — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about AS 4586, AS 4663, P-ratings, and compliance requirements.
What is the difference between AS 4586 and AS 4663?
What is HB 198:2014?
Are P-ratings legally required in Victoria?
What is an R-rating and how does it differ from a P-rating?
What Australian Standards apply to slip testing?
What is AS 4586?
What is AS 4663?
Need Compliance Testing to Australian Standards?
Greg tests your floors in accordance with AS 4586 and AS 4663. Call or SMS for a free, no-obligation quote.
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