Anti-slip Media For Epoxy and Polyurethane Floor Coating Products

Anti Slip Media For Floor Coating Products

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) has introduced Deemed to Satisfy (DtS) provisions for determining the slip-resistance to treads and nosing to stairways of all Classes of buildings and pedestrian ramps and landings of Class 2 – 9 buildings.

As of 1st of May 2014, treads or nosing to treads of a stairway must comply with a slip resistance classification as tested to Australian Standard AS 4586 – 2013 Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials.  This is a new test method for slip resistance, the old ‘X’ ratings have been replaced with ‘P’ ratings.

Most floor coating paints, sealers, and epoxy products are available in the smooth format, to achieve a slip-resistant floor covering using an epoxy or polyurethane product, you will be required to mix the product into the coating product or broadcast anti-slip media over the wet film and lock it in with another coat

Some retail spaces, most commercial and industrial sites may require an anti-slip floor covering and slip rating is measured by P or R ratings and here is a quick guide on what these numbers mean

Examples of P2 and R9 Slip resistant floors

Indoor tiles
Shop floors
Timber flooring

P2 and R9 floors can be cleaned and vacuumed easily and are generally recommended for the following areas

Shops in the enclosed shopping centers
Off-street shops where there is a possibility of customers walking in with wet shoes
Supermarkets or where there is a possibility of liquid spillage
Mechanical workshops
Warehouses
Walkways

Examples of P3 and R10 Slip resistant floors

Bathroom tiles
External tiles and pavers

P3 and R10 Slip Resistance floors are a bit harder to mop and commonly used in the following areas

Cafe/dining area floors
Supermarkets or where there is a possibility of liquid spillage
Mechanical workshops
Warehouses
Walkways
Flat Driveways
Patios

Examples of P4 and R11 Slip resistant floors

– Hospital bathroom floor coverings

– Unsealed brick pavers

– Stenciled driveways

P4 and R11 Slip Resistance floors are much harder to mop and commonly used in the following areas

– Cafe or restaurant back of the house areas

– Loading docks

– External ramps

– Steep driveways

Examples of P5 and R12 Slip resistant floors

– External shopping center ramps

– Very rough paving tiles

P5 and R12 Slip Resistance floors are almost impossible to mop and the cleaning method will be to use a water hose or pressure cleaning equipment and are commonly used in the following areas

Industrial kitchens
Food processing areas
Fuel refineries
Butcher shops
Pool surrounds

The information listed above is to be used as a guide only and the required slip rating for your project should be discussed with the local council or private certifiers.

Click on the link  below to be directed to an external website and read about “Understanding slip ratings”