Slip Resistance

Testing Slip Resistance Creating a Slip Resistant Surface Maintaining a Slip Resistant Surface

The slip resistance of a floor tile should be considered if it is to be used in wet areas or used on slopes and ramps etc. Consider the location in which you are tiling and its applications, for example shower bases, commercial kitchens and access ramps for the disabled, will require a high level of slip resistance

Before selecting a tile based on its slip resistance characteristics however, the following points should be noted:

No tile is completely slip proof
Floors should be kept as clean and dry as possible, as any floor (even the highest slip resistant flooring), which is allowed to become dirty becomes a slip hazard
Contamination or dirt on the soles of shoes or feet can be a slip hazard
Where necessary install hand rails (for example on ramps)

Slip Resistance Testing

There are three different European Standards for assessing the slip resistance of a tile, the Inclined Ramp Test, the Tortus Test and the Pendulum Test. Below are listed all the European Standard Tests, their methods and the level of slip resistance grades, established to help you choose the appropriate slip resistance tile for your project. But remember, the more slip resistant, generally the harder they are to clean and maintain, so don't over specify. It is important to choose a tile that has the appropriate slip resistant characteristics for the intended use only.

Note. Mosaics generally have enhanced levels of slip resistance for barefoot traffic due to the grout joint tread pattern, however they are rarely tested!

For commercial projects please call us on 0845 051 5145 and we will work with the manufacturer to provide a complete specification

Inclined Ramp Test

(The London Tile Co. uses the Inclined Ramp Test to assess the slip resistance of ALL its product ranges)

In this test, a subject either wearing standardised rubber soled shoes or bare foot, stands on the tiled ramp, which is then steadily inclined until the subject begins to slip. The angle of slip is averaged out and recorded:

Grade	Ramp Test For Shoe Trafficked Areas
R9	Low Friction > 6° < 10°
R10	Normal Friction > 10° < 19°
R11	Increased Friction > 19° < 27°
R12	High Friction > 27° < 35°
R13	Very High Friction > 35°
Grade	Wet Ramp Test For Barefoot Areas
A	Dry Barefoot Areas
B	Pool Surrounds and Showers
C	Wet Ramps, Walked Pool Bases and Jacuzzi Floors

The Inclined Ramp Test is The London Tile Co.'s preferred test result. The London Tile Co. considers the following classifications of slip resistance as appropriate for level domestic installations:

Bathroom

Shower & Wet Room

R9A - R10B

R9B - R11B

For commercial projects please call us on 0845 051 5145 and we will work with the manufacturer to provide a complete specification

Pendulum Test

This test consists of a pendulum-shaped swinging arm apparatus with rubber foot. The arm is allowed to fall in a perpendicular arc, and depending on height reached after rubbing against the tested surface, a value is obtained that will be used to classify it. The test is conducted in wet and dry environments and the results recorded:

Value	Category
Under 24	Unsatisfactory
25 to 34	Marginal
35 to 64	Satisfactory
65 & Over	Excellent

The higher the value the better the slip resistance, a value greater than 40 is regarded as having a satisfactory slip resistance

Where manufactures provide test data The London Tile Co. includes the information either in store or on the product section of the website

Tortus Test

The Tortus is a self-propelling device, which measures the dynamic co-efficient of friction as it moves across flat or relief test surface. The test is performed in both wet and dry conditions, using a leather element in dry conditions and a rubber element in wet conditions, and the results are recorded:

Class	Co-efficient of Friction Value, Wet and Dry
1	Value Less Than 0.4
2	Value Greater Than 0.4

The greater the value, the better the slip resistance, a value greater than 0.4 is generally recommended where enhanced slip resistance is required i.e. (Class 2)

Testing Slip Resistance Creating a Slip Resistant Surface Maintaining a Slip Resistant Surface

Creating a Slip Resistant Surface

There are several slip resistant treatments available. One method, called acid etching, chemically removes the smooth finish of the tile, creating a rough, more slip resistant surface. This however, can create unsightly pits and troughs in the tiles surface and is therefore not recommended by tile manufacturers and may invalidate the tiles warranty

The London Tile Co. recommended method

HG Permanent Anti-Slip offers a secure method of creating safe slip resistant surfaces, without the use of corrosive chemicals. It is therefore suitable for use on the majority of surfaces including new and existing, natural stonework, ceramics and shower/bath enamel etc. HG Permanent Anti-Slip is a diverse product suitable for a wide range of applications;

Can be diluted or left undiluted to offer a variety of different slip resistant intensity levels
Suitable for localised applications as well as large surface areas
Suitable for use internally and externally

Instructions for use

Thoroughly clean the surface area using HG Polish, Wax and Dirt Remover or HG Super Remover for Tiled and Natural Stone Floors in the case of calciferous surfaces
Rinse the surface with water
Using a sponge or water vacuum cleaner remove all remaining water
Allow the surface to dry fully
Apply 2 layers of masking tape around the perimeter of the proposed application area
Apply HG Permanent Anti-Slip with a sponge
(Note. when applying HG Permanent Anti-Slip to floors, dilute 1:1. When applying HG Permanent Anti-Slip to shower cubicles and bathtubs, use the product undiluted)
Keep the surface moistened by the product during the action period (between 4 and 15 minutes depending on the surface type; see product casing for details)
Rinse (neutralise) the surface using diluted HG Polish, Wax and Dirt Remover, HG Super Remover for Tiled and Natural Stone Floors or (dependant on surface type i.e. natural stone, marble, ceramic, porcelain etc.)

Rinse with water to remove any residue
If the product did not create sufficient anti-slip effect, repeat the process with undiluted HG Permanent Anti-Slip

Testing Slip Resistance Creating a Slip Resistant Surface Maintaining a Slip Resistant Surface

Maintaining a Slip Resistant Surface

Maintenance of tile surfaces is key to sustaining the level of slip resistance, as dirt and grease etc. will severely impair the slip resistance of a tile. But fear not because The London Tile Co. has all the answers. Choose from a huge range of task specific, value for money, cleaning, sealing and maintenance products, from top brand leaders Lithofin and HG Hagesan