Slip Resistance Ratings Explained: R9 to R13 & PTV Guide

Slip Resistance Ratings Explained

Understanding R-ratings, PTV values, and how to choose safe flooring

Why Slip Resistance Matters

Slips, trips, and falls are the most common cause of workplace injuries in the UK. According to the HSE:

  • Over 30% of all workplace injuries are from slips and falls
  • Average cost per incident: £10,000-£50,000
  • Many result in 7+ days absence

Choosing flooring with the correct slip resistance rating for your environment is both a legal requirement and essential for safety.

The Two Rating Systems

Slip resistance is measured using two main systems in the UK:

R-Rating System (DIN 51130)

German standard measuring angle of inclination before slipping. Used for:

  • Specifying commercial flooring
  • European standards compliance
  • Industrial environments

Scale: R9 (lowest) to R13 (highest)

PTV System (BS 7976-2)

Pendulum Test Value measuring friction coefficient. Used for:

  • UK HSE compliance
  • Existing floor assessments
  • Legal/insurance purposes

Scale: 0-100+ (higher = safer)

R-Rating Scale Explained

R-Rating Inclination Angle Slip Resistance Suitable Environments
R9 6°-10° Minimal Dry indoor areas only (offices, bedrooms)
R10 10°-19° Normal Most indoor public spaces, retail, restaurants
R11 19°-27° Good Kitchens, workshops, light industrial, gyms
R12 27°-35° High Food processing, wet areas, slopes
R13 >35° Very High Oil/grease exposure, abattoirs, heavy industry

PTV (Pendulum Test Value) Guide

The HSE uses PTV to assess floor safety. Here is what the values mean:

PTV Slip Potential HSE Classification
<25 High Unacceptable - action required
25-35 Moderate Marginal - consider improvements
36-64 Low Acceptable - most environments
>65 Very Low Excellent - wet/oily areas
⚠️ Legal Note: Employers have a legal duty under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 to ensure floors are "not slippery." A floor with PTV <36 may not meet this requirement and could result in HSE enforcement action.

Which Rating Do You Need?

Dry Areas

R9-R10 / PTV 36+

  • Offices
  • Retail shops
  • Corridors
  • Living spaces

Potentially Wet Areas

R10-R11 / PTV 45+

  • Gym floors
  • Entrance lobbies
  • Restroom access
  • Light industrial

Wet Areas

R11-R12 / PTV 50+

  • Commercial kitchens
  • Swimming pool surrounds
  • Food prep areas
  • Shower rooms

Oily/Greasy Areas

R12-R13 / PTV 65+

  • Fast food kitchens
  • Engineering workshops
  • Food processing plants
  • Abattoirs

Factors Affecting Slip Resistance

A flooring material is rated under controlled conditions. Real-world performance depends on:

  • Contamination: Water, oil, grease, food debris all reduce grip
  • Cleaning: Some cleaners leave residue that increases slip risk
  • Wear: Textured surfaces become smoother over time
  • Footwear: Slip resistance is a system (floor + shoe + contaminant)
  • Gradient: Slopes require higher ratings
💡 Pro Tip: For safety-critical areas, specify one R-rating higher than minimum. A floor rated R11 will still provide good grip even as it wears.

Rubber Flooring Slip Ratings

Rubber flooring typically offers excellent slip resistance due to its natural texture and grip properties:

Rubber Type Typical R-Rating Typical PTV
Smooth rubber sheet R9-R10 35-45
Standard rubber tiles R10-R11 45-55
Studded/coin pattern R11 50-60
Checker plate pattern R11-R12 55-65
Drainage mats R11-R12 55-70

Frequently Asked Questions

What slip rating do I need for a gym?
R10 minimum, R11 recommended. Gyms involve sweating and potential water from bottles. BS EN 14904 specifies slip resistance for sports surfaces. PTV 45+ is the minimum for most gym applications.
Can flooring be too grippy?
Yes. Excessively high slip resistance (R13) in dry areas can cause trips as feet do not slide naturally. It can also make cleaning difficult. Match the rating to your actual conditions.
How do I test my existing floor?
Hire a certified slip testing company to conduct a Pendulum Test (BS 7976-2). This provides a PTV value and legal documentation. Surface Micro Roughness (Rz) testing can also be conducted.
Does rubber flooring stay slip-resistant when wet?
Generally yes. Rubber maintains good grip when wet—far better than smooth tiles or concrete. However, contamination with oil or soap can still reduce grip. Choose textured patterns for wet environments.

Need Slip-Safe Flooring?

All our rubber flooring is tested and rated for slip resistance. Contact us for specification assistance.

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