Why is it important to specify floor finishes with the correct slip-rating in commercial interiors?

It is of high-importance to specify flooring of a correct slip-rating to all finishes within a commercial interior. Slip ratings can be defined in two ways, one by a surface’s ‘R’ rating and the other by the ‘Pendulum Slip Test’. An R rating is a European standard for how slip resistant a tile is, a domestic tile rating is usually between R9 and R11. – R9 slip rating – these tiles provide a minor resistance to slips, suitable for dry internal spaces such as a dining room or lounge. – R10 slip rating – these tiles provide a minor to moderate resistance to slipping, ideal for hallways and kitchens. – R11 slip rating – these tiles provide a moderate resistance and can be used in kitchen and bathrooms and potentially wet rooms. Within commercial interiors, very rarely is it suitable to specify anything under an R10 slip rating. Another way slip ratings can be categorised is using the Pendulum Slip Test. The pendulum test assesses the friction offered by a floor surface when a foot encounters it. It can measure slip potential of both dry, wet, and contaminated flooring. The higher the slip resistance the harder it is to slip, using the test a PTV rating is created. The slip resistance scale runs from 0 – 36+ where; 0-18 = very low slip-resistance. 18-25 = moderate slip-resistance. 25-36 = good slip-resistance. It should be noted that even correctly specified floor finishes can be compromised over time if the O&M manuals provided by the manufacturer aren’t adhered to. Poor maintenance and the wrong cleaning regime can reduce or negate the rating of the floor surface.