Not sure if your floors are dangerously slippery? There are several ways to test your floor’s slip resistance — from simple home tests to professional pendulum testing. This guide explains how to assess your floor’s safety and when anti-slip treatment is needed.
The Simple Wet Shoe Test
The simplest test: wet the floor surface and walk across it in smooth-soled shoes. If you feel even a slight tendency to slide, the floor has inadequate slip resistance for wet conditions. This is a subjective test but useful for initial assessment.
The Soap Test
Apply a small amount of soapy water (simulating bathroom conditions) to the floor and carefully walk on it. If the floor is very slippery even in this controlled test, anti-slip treatment is urgently needed.
Professional Pendulum Test
The gold standard for slip resistance measurement is the pendulum test (BS EN 13036-4 / UKSRG guidelines). A weighted rubber slider is swung across the wet floor surface. The resulting Pendulum Test Value (PTV) indicates the slip risk: PTV below 25 = high risk, 25-35 = moderate risk, 36+ = low risk.
R-Rating Classification
Floors can also be classified by their R-rating (DIN 51130 standard): R9 (least slip resistant) to R13 (most slip resistant). Standard polished tiles in homes are typically R9 — adequate for dry conditions but inadequate when wet. Anti-slip treatment typically improves floors from R9/R10 to R11/R12.
When to Call a Professional
If your floor fails the simple wet test, or if your space has regular wet conditions (bathroom, kitchen, pool area, entrance), professional assessment is recommended. Oxon Technology provides free site assessments with professional slip resistance testing.
Get a Free Anti-Slip Assessment
Contact Oxon Technology — India’s leading anti-slip and anti-skid treatment specialists. Oxon Anti-Slip Treatment | Call +91 80590 40007