Understanding Fire and Slip Ratings for Flooring
There are a multitude of safety requirements required for multi-residential and commercial development. It’s important to understand how both slip and fire ratings apply to flooring alternatives, as different applications may require a minimum rating.
Slip Ratings
There are commonly 3 types of slip resistance tests done in Australia. The pendulum test which gives a result between P0-P5. The Oil-Wet Ramp test which gives a result between R9-R13 and the barefoot Wet Ramp test which gives an A, B or C result.
Pendulum Test – Rating P0-P5
A pendulum tests imitates a standard shoe striking a wet surface, in this test the higher the number the lower the risk of slipping. A rating between P0-P3 is generally considered suitable for indoor flooring while a P4 or P5 has a lower slip risk and can be used outside or around a pool.
Most high traffic applications require a minimum slip rating of P3. Flooring applications in hospitals, retirement homes and other sensitive areas may also require a higher slip rating.
Oil-Wet Ramp Test – Rating R9-R13
An Oil-Wet Ramp Test involves laying the flooring on a ramp and applying lubricating oil to the surface of them. Testers walk on the inclined surface to determine the angle at which they become unsafe. This test is used to understand the effect oils will have on the floors slip resistance. In this test the higher the number the lower the risk of slipping.
Wet Ramp Test – Rating A, B or C
Typically used for wet area floor coverings, the wet ramp test measures the resistance of bare feet on wet tiles or floor coverings. In this test a rating of A provides the highest level of slip resistance with a rating of C indicating poor slip resistance.
Fire Ratings
Australia uses Critical Heat Flux (CHF), also called Critical Radiant Flux (CRF), and Smoke Value to determine the fire safety ratings for flooring.
In a CHF test the sample is heated along its length. The sample receives about 11kW/m2 of heat energy from the panel at one end and about 1kW/m2 at the other end. It is ignited at the hot end and is allowed to burn until the flame goes out.
The heat energy measured at the point of extinction is referred to as the Critical Heat Flux. This represents the minimum energy required for a fire to sustain itself; therefore, a higher value indicates better performance.
Smoke is also monitored throughout the test. The total light obstruction caused by the smoke (measured as a percentage) is multiplied by the test duration to yield the result, expressed in percent-minutes. Consequently, a lower percentage is desirable.
This additional smoke test is mandatory for floor coverings in Class 2-9 buildings that lack a compliant fire sprinkler system.
For additional information on safety ratings or to discuss a flooring solution for your project, contact our experienced team here.
