In warehouse environments, floor slip resistance isn’t just about safety — it’s a legal and operational requirement. From pedestrian walkways to forklift lanes and cold storage zones, different areas demand different levels of traction. Understanding how slip resistance is measured can help prevent accidents, ensure compliance, and choose the right floor treatment or coating.
Several systems exist for measuring slip resistance: Pendulum Test Values (PTV), R ratings (common in resin systems), and ramp tests. Each uses different methods and has different thresholds for what's considered safe. This guide breaks them down clearly so you know what rating your warehouse needs and how to meet it.
The Pendulum Test is the UK’s HSE-preferred method for assessing slip risk. It measures the friction between a swinging rubber foot and the floor surface. A PTV of 36 or higher is considered low slip risk for dry and wet conditions. Anything below 25 is high risk. This test applies to both smooth concrete and resin finishes and can be used in situ or in lab conditions. If you’re coating warehouse walkways, aim for at least PTV 40 when wet. This is especially critical near entrances or in spill-prone areas.
The R rating system ranges from R9 (lowest slip resistance) to R13 (very high resistance). This is tested on a ramp covered in oil and walked on with standardised footwear. It’s commonly used in industrial resin flooring and coatings. R10 is suitable for general pedestrian zones; R11 or R12 is better for wet process areas or warehouses with frequent spills. While not UK standard, many imported flooring systems use R values in specs. Note that R ratings are not measured wet versus dry, but under a single controlled condition.
Polished concrete often uses SRV or DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction) as a slip measure. While these vary by region, most polished floors target a minimum DCOF of 0.42. Surface smoothness, burnishing level, and densifier treatment all affect the result. Polished concrete can be very safe when clean but slippery when dusty or wet. Additives like grit seeding, micro-texture, or non-slip sealers can raise SRV without ruining the look. For warehouse entrances or high-traffic aisles, consider balancing polish level with anti-slip additives.
For maximum slip resistance, many industrial coatings include broadcast aggregate like quartz, silica, or aluminium oxide. These are embedded into the first coat and sealed over. The result is a visibly textured, grippy surface ideal for wet zones, ramps, or washdown areas. These systems often achieve R12 to R13 or PTV 45–55 depending on material. However, they can be harder to clean and may wear faster under forklifts. Use them selectively in critical zones rather than across the entire warehouse.
Slip ratings are not permanent. Over time, coatings wear, sealers degrade, and dust or oil changes the friction profile. Retest high-risk zones at least annually using PTV or in-house slip meters. If your floor coating is older than three years or has seen heavy vehicle use, consider recoating or adding anti-slip tape in walkways. Safety officers should include slip monitoring in the site risk assessment, especially in food storage, chillers, or entry zones where moisture is common.
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