Exploring the test methods involved in assessing flooring’s properties
Slips, trips and falls account for almost a third of non-fatal workplace injuries in the UK, resulting in around 200,000 incidents each year. Inappropriate flooring choices and poor maintenance can significantly increase the risk, particularly in environments exposed to water, grease, spills or dirt. Reducing slip-related injuries requires a full assessment of all factors influencing floor safety. This includes ongoing evaluation of the slip resistance of the flooring material, the type of footwear used, environmental conditions, likely contaminants and the effectiveness of cleaning and maintenance procedures.
SATRA carries out a range of slip resistance tests on flooring products using three main testing methods: The Pendulum method: EN 16165:2021Annex C (previously BS 7976-2) is the preferred slip resistance test in the UK. A swinging imitation heel is fitted with standardised rubber material to simulate either barefoot or shod conditions. The heel passes over a controlled section of flooring, and testing is usually conducted in both dry and wet condition.
Results are commonly interpreted using the UK Slip Resistance Group guidelines, Issue 6 (published in January2024). These classify flooring according to slip potential and are the source of the widely referenced recommendation of a Pendulum Test Value of 36 or higher. Other factors affecting the slip potential may mean a higher result is required.
A key advantage of the pendulum test is the portability of the equipment, allowing onsite assessment. This helps to determine whether flooring remains suitable over time or if contamination and wear are affecting safety. Variations of the pendulum method can be used for specific surfaces, including wooden floors, roads and runways.
Ramp methods: across continental Europe, the ramp test methods EN 16165:2021 Annex A and Annex B (formerly DIN 51097 and DIN 51130) are more widely used. These tests involve participants walking forwards and backwards across contaminated flooring samples while the surface angle is gradually increased until slipping occurs. The average slip angle achieved is then classified according to the German National Annex to DIN EN 16165:2023.
Annex A uses a soap-solution contaminant with barefoot operators, whereas Annex B uses motor oil and operators wear heavily cleated safety boots. Commonly used in Europe, these methods are viewed with caution in the UK because the test conditions may not accurately reflect typical flooring use, and the classification system can sometimes be misunderstood.
Tribometer method: the EN 13893:2002 tribometer method uses a powered trolley that moves across the floor surface to measure friction. Because it does not replicate normal walking movement, it is considered less representative of real slip risks, especially in contaminated conditions, but remains important for resilient, laminate and modular multi-layer flooring products that are CE or UKCA marked in line with construction product regulations. Under EN 14041:2004/AC:2006, this test method must be used when manufacturers make slip resistance claims.
