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ReviewsUnderstanding Slip Resistance Ratings
DIN 51130 R-Ratings (Ramp Test)
The German DIN 51130 ramp test is the most widely used industrial slip resistance classification in the UK. A technician wearing standardised footwear walks on an inclined test surface coated in the relevant contaminating substance (oil, grease, or water). The angle at which slipping occurs defines the R-rating:
| R-Rating | Slip Angle | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| R9 | 6–10° | Dry indoor areas, offices, retail |
| R10 | 10–19° | Wet areas, hospital corridors, kitchens |
| R11 | 19–27° | Commercial kitchens, food production, wet processing |
| R12 | 27–35° | Breweries, industrial wet areas, vehicle workshops |
| R13 | 35°+ | Chemical plants, meat processing, extreme contamination |
BS 7976-2 Pendulum Test Value (PTV)
The HSE's preferred measurement for UK pedestrian surfaces. PTV 36 is the minimum for low slip risk when wet. PTV 45+ is the target for safety-critical environments. The pendulum test is performed wet using a standardised rubber slider — it measures the actual slip resistance a person will experience walking on the wet surface.
Where Safety Flooring is Required by Law
The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, Regulation 12(1) requires that "every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be of a construction such that persons are not exposed to a risk to their health or safety." In contaminated environments, the only way to satisfy this obligation is to specify flooring with an appropriate safety rating for the contamination type present. HSE inspectors specifically look for evidence of flooring specification when investigating slip accidents — product data sheets showing R-rating or PTV value constitute evidence of appropriate specification.
Frequently Asked Questions — Safety Flooring
What safety flooring rating is required for a commercial kitchen?
The HSE and the British Standards Institution both recommend R11 as the minimum for commercial kitchen floors subject to grease contamination. The Food Standards Agency's food hygiene regulations require floors to be easy to clean and maintained in a sound condition, but do not specify an R-rating directly. In practice, R11 is the accepted industry minimum and R12 is recommended for areas subject to heavy grease loading such as fryers and cooking lines.
What is the difference between R-rating and PTV for safety flooring?
R-rating (DIN 51130) is measured on a ramp with a person walking on the contaminated surface — it simulates dynamic slip conditions in industrial environments. PTV (BS 7976-2) uses a pendulum device to measure the dynamic friction coefficient of the wet surface — it reflects pedestrian slip risk more precisely for commercial and public building contexts. Both measures are valid. R-rating is commonly specified for industrial and food environments; PTV is preferred by HSE and specified in most public building and healthcare contracts.
Can safety flooring be installed over existing tiles?
Yes, in many cases. Rubber safety flooring tiles and rolls can be loose-laid or bonded over existing ceramic, quarry tile, or vinyl flooring provided the existing surface is firmly bonded, level, and free from contamination. Loose or lifting existing tiles must be removed and the substrate made good first — a moving subfloor prevents adhesive bonding and creates stress fractures in the safety flooring over time.
How do I know which R-rating I need for my environment?
Use the HSE's Slips Assessment Tool (SAT) — a free online tool at hse.gov.uk that guides you through contamination type, cleaning frequency, footwear, and environment to produce a recommended slip resistance level. For commercial kitchens, R11 minimum. For areas with oil, grease, or chemical contamination, R12. For outdoor areas, R11 minimum with PTV 45+ wet. If in doubt, our specification team can advise on the correct rating for your specific environment — contact us with your floor use description.
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