Skid resistance scales for tile flooring

The skid resistance scales are used in order to determine the degree of slippage on tiled surfaces. Wet and dry conditions along with the speed of the subject are checked. Other processed taken into account are the required force to move that subject and the angle of the tiled surface. The Ceramic Tile Institute splits tile in three categories:

1. Slip Resistant: Coefficient of friction is 0.60 or greater when wet. Meets or exceeds general safety and health regulations, ADA and OSHA requirements.
2. Conditionally Slip Resistant: Coefficient of friction is 0.50 to 0.59 (wet). Meets or exceed general safety and health regulations and OSHA requirements.
3. Questionable: Coefficient of friction less than 0.50

An aspect to consider is that the more textured a tile is, the less slippery it is. Polished or highly polished tiles are not recommended for high traffic areas. Another rule is that the greater the anti-slip finish on the tile, the harder it is for the tile to be kept clean.

The DIN (German Institute for Standardization) is another set of information used to determine the resistance. This classification splits tile slippage within the DIN 51130 set. In this set, various working areas are classified in five groups, (according to the degree of slippage). In order to determine which of these groups a material should be classified in, it is applied on a surface that is gradually sloped. For example, s person wearing shoes walks up and down the slope until they start slipping. Here are the ratings:

• Rating R9 – Suitable for a less than 10% slope – minimal friction.
• Rating R10 – Suitable for a 10 to 19% slope – normal friction.
• Rating R11 – Suitable for a 19 to 27% slope – normal friction.
• Rating R12 – Suitable for a 27 to 35% slope – high friction.
• Rating R13 – Suitable for slopes more than 35% – very high friction.

DIN 51097 classifies tiles from A to C for non-slip suitability for foot traffic in wet areas:

• Rating A – Suitable for a slope up to 12%
• Rating B – Suitable for a slope up to 18%
• Rating C – Suitable for a slope up to 24%

The Pendulum Skid Resistance Test gives the following ratings:

• Rating <25 – Very slippery
• Rating 26-35 – Average
• Rating 35-65 – Good skid resistance
• Rating 66+ – Excellent skid resistance

If you are interested in a new tile floor, remember to look at the technical specifications provided and whether or not the surface is polished. This way, you will be able to determine on your own the surface’s slip resistance. If you wish, you can talk to a knowledgeable BuildDirect product expert or a professional installer.

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