What Do R Ratings and ABC Ratings Mean?
In the UK the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises and recommends that workplaces should use floor surfaces that meet anti slip regulations depending upon the type of activity that occurs on the flooring. Alongside this, the HSE has identified that there are a selection of factors to take into consideration which affect slip accidents such as; cleaning, contamination, behaviour and footwear. In order to determine how safe your flooring is under the above factors, employers must seek a slip resistance test to ensure their flooring is rated as safe.
The minimum pendulum value that the HSE recommends for slip resistance can vary depending on the conditions you are likely to encounter in that environment. Alongside this there are a range of ratings that you may come across when researching slip resistance guidelines meaning it can become extremely confusing. Below we have outlined some of the common ratings used when carrying out slip resistance tests to help give you a better understanding of what these may mean.
One rating that companies may commonly come across when seeking slip resistance guidance is the ‘R’ ratings. This type of measurement can be used for ‘shod feet’ environments in order to test the safety of the current flooring. The R rating splits pendulum test results into various scales. ‘R9’ describes a pendulum value of 11-18 and therefore assumes the floor in question is very poor and slip injuries will therefore be highly likely to occur. At the other end of the scale is a rating of ‘R13’ which describes a pendulum result of 70+ and means that the floor is at its best, especially for sloped areas.
TIP: UK law states that the very minimum value required for dry, wet and contaminated flooring is 36, we recommend gaining a value as high as possible to ensure a robust health and safety strategy.
Another rating that may commonly be used to rate the performance of your flooring is the ABC Rating Value. This rating is usually used for flooring where persons are likely to be barefoot such as swimming pools, gyms and shower areas. If the classification rating is “A” then the surface has been rated as highly slippery and will have achieved a pendulum test value between 21-31. At the other end of the scale is the rating classed as “C” this indicates a high slip resistance and would equal to 45+ on the pendulum test.
TIP: The most ideal ABC Rating in order to ensure safety would be classification ‘C’.
It is vital that any flooring installed in the workplace is fit to these regulations and that the correct materials of the flooring match to the type of footwear that will be used on it. At National Testing we follow HSE guidelines to bring you accurate pendulum slip testing results along with in depth reporting. We are UKAS accredited meaning we only operate to the highest standards giving you complete peace of mind. If you need help, advice or a FREE QUOTE get in contact with our team. We’ll be happy to help in ensuring your work environment is a safe