The main legislative requirements with slip resistance extend to: The Building Code of Australia (BCA) or also known as the National Construction Code (NCC) Access to Premises Standards 2010 State based Occupation Health and Safety legislations

In short there is no legal obligation under the Australian Standards to complete slip testing to any frequency. However, where it gets interesting is under Civil Law, Occupiers (including owners of private property and public authorities), have a duty of care toward people coming onto their land. They must take reasonable care to make sure people coming onto their property are not exposed to risks that are likely to cause injury, such as a slip and fall. Where an occupier can prove that they adhered to an adequate system of inspection and Hazard reduction, this is usually sufficient to discharge their duty of care. On the other hand, if there is evidence that they did not respond quickly enough to reported hazards or failed to carry out sufficient inspections to identify and control risks, they may be liable for any injuries that result. ​ Generally, the frequency of the slip testing will vary from property to property, and be subject to a risk analysis and your risk management practices of the asset, and advice from your insurance provider. EIC service shopping centres and public spaces across South Australia some occupiers have us on a three monthly rotation while others are comfortable with a six monthly or even annual visit.

NATA stands for National Association of Testing Authorities, Australia and outlines how companies within the body should be operating at national accreditation standards. This is assessed by the service regularly. Although research has highlighted the reliability of anti-slip methods such as pendulum tests, this will also depend on who is conducting the test. Using services from a company that is NATA accredited not only ensures the test is carried accurately but also that you are supplied with in depth reporting. ​ Some types of flooring require very specific and varied testing. For peace of mind that you are operating adequate tests consider hiring an accredited professional. ​ If you are unsure of what is required of your business or are in need of some advice, contact us today. We operate Australia wide guaranteeing a quality NATA accredited service.

There are a number of national, state-based and even council-based slip resistance requirements in place to manage floor safety in residential, commercial and public spaces. These include requirements within the National Construction Codes, Disability Access Requirements, Workplace Health and Safety legislation, plus certain product standards such as ceramic tiling. There are a number of Australian Standards and Handbooks which provide best practice in specifying and maintaining the slip resistance of floor surfaces and performance requirements for a number of situations. For specific information you can contact our team to talk with an experienced slip resistance testing consultant.

The different slip ratings refer to surface characteristics in distinct conditions, and do not directly correlate with one another. The R rating is provided when classifying a surface using the oil wet inclining platform test to AS 4586 Appendix D, and the P rating is provided when classifying a surface using the wet pendulum test method to AS 4586 Appendix A. The classifications are used in conjunction with Handbooks from Standards Australia to specify adequate slip resistance for a floor surface.

Pricing varies depending on you and your sites requirements. To arrange a quote for your individual needs, please contact our team.

The time required for slip resistance testing and assessment varies depending on the specifics of each project size, type and location. Please feel free to contact us for an estimate.

EIC Laboratory & Testing can advise on what testing is required for your products and materials to ensure they meet the National Construction Codes and relevant Australian Standards.

The pendulum test is performed by swinging a prepared rubber slider across a surface using a mechanical foot. The slider imitates the heel of a real shoe or a barefoot. The foot slows down depending on the level of slip resistance as it makes controlled contact with the surface over a set distance. On the appropriate scale, the pendulum test value is measured.

Organisations and businesses have an obligation to ensure that floor surfaces meet minimum anti-slip requirements to provide a duty of care with regard to minimising the risk of slips, trips and falls to the general public. Independent and accredited slip resistance testing is required to ensure these standards are met and maintained. The test itself requires a NATA accredited company to use a pendulum slip testing device to test the slip resistance of any hard flooring surface and enables a report to be issued detailing if the floor is compliant with the minimum flooring standards. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance is also required as the slip resistance of a floor will deteriorate over time.

Ensuring all of your surfaces are safe and have the correct level of traction in normal use is the primary reason for slip testing floors in Australia. The primary method for establishing if your floor is compliant with the minimum requirements is to have regular slip resistance testing performed. Failure to do this in the event of a slip or fall could result in legal action against you, costing thousands.