The Ultimate Guide to Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring: Ratings, Measures & Applications

Wiki Article

When it comes to safety in commercial and domestic environments, choosing the right non slip vinyl flooring is critical. Whether you are outfitting a high-traffic hospital corridor or a busy commercial kitchen, understanding how slip resistance is measured ensures you comply with health and safety regulations while protecting employees and visitors.

In this guide, we break down the technical certifications, the measurement tests used in the UK, and how to choose the best safety floor for your specific application.

How is Slip Resistance Measured?

Slip resistance isn't just a label is a scientific measurement. In the UK and Europe, there are two primary methods used to determine the "slipperiness" of a floor surface.

1. The Pendulum Test (PTV)

The Pendulum Test is the "gold standard" used by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK. It involves a swinging imitation heel that sweeps over the floor surface to measure friction.

• 36+ PTV: Low Slip Potential (The minimum requirement for safety flooring).
• 25-35 PTV: Moderate Slip Potential.
• 0-24 PTV: High Slip Potential.

2. The Ramp Test (R Ratings)

Commonly used by manufacturers, the Ramp Test (DIN 51130) involves a person walking on an oil-covered inclined ramp. The angle at which they slip determines the R Rating.

Safety Ratings and Certifications Explained

When browsing for non slip vinyl flooring, you will encounter various ratings. Here is what they actually mean for your project:

• R9: Low slip resistance. Suitable for dry areas like offices or living rooms. Not classified as "safety flooring."
• R10: Suitable for areas that are occasionally damp, such as washrooms, corridors, and classrooms.
• R11: High slip resistance. Ideal for kitchens, laundry rooms, and nursing home bathrooms.
• R12 & R13: The highest level of protection. Designed for industrial areas and commercial kitchens where grease and oil spillages are frequent.

Barefoot Ratings (Class A, B, and C)

For wet rooms and swimming pools, flooring is tested using the DIN 51097 standard (barefoot on soapy water). Class C represents the highest level of grip for barefoot users.

Application Areas: Which Floor Goes Where?

Choosing the right non slip vinyl flooring depends entirely on the environment.

1. Commercial Kitchens

Kitchens are high-risk environments due to constant exposure to water, vegetable oils, and fats.

• Requirement: R11 or R12 rating with a PTV of 36+.
• Recommended Product: Altro Stronghold 30 - An R12-rated floor specifically designed to reduce the risk of slips in greasy conditions.

2. Hospitals & Healthcare

In hospitals, hygiene is as important as safety. Flooring must be slip-resistant, easy to clean, and capable of withstanding heavy trolley traffic.

• Requirement: R10 or R11 rating.
• Recommended Product: Polysafe Vogue Ultra PUR - A heavy-duty safety floor with an R10 rating, featuring a reinforced surface for easier maintenance in sterile environments.

3. Bathrooms & Wet Rooms

Safety flooring in bathrooms must account for both shod (shoes) and barefoot traffic.

• Requirement: PTV 36+ and Class B or C barefoot rating.
• Recommended Product: Altro Aquarius - This range is revolutionary, providing R11 slip resistance for both shoes and bare feet, making it perfect for hospital ensuites and social housing wet rooms.

Featured Non-Slip Vinyl Flooring Products

Based on our current stock, here are our top recommendations for your next safety-critical project:

Conclusion

Investing in high-quality non slip vinyl flooring is the most effective way to prevent accidents and ensure your business stays compliant with UK safety standards. Always look for a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of 36 or higher for guaranteed safety in wet conditions.

Explore our full range of Safety Flooring today or contact our team for expert advice on your specific requirements.