Introduction
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries in Australia. In industrial and commercial environments, flooring plays a direct role in either reducing or increasing this risk. Wet surfaces, spills, cleaning processes, oils, and dust all contribute to hazardous conditions if floors are not designed correctly.
Slip resistant flooring is not just a safety feature. It is a core compliance requirement under Workplace Health and Safety legislation and an essential part of responsible facility management. Choosing the correct slip rating ensures that floors provide adequate traction without compromising hygiene, cleanability, or durability.
This guide explains what industrial slip ratings mean, how R10 to R13 flooring is classified, and how epoxy and polyurethane floor coatings are used to deliver safe, WHS compliant flooring solutions.
What Are Industrial Slip Ratings
Slip ratings in Australia are measured under AS 4586, the Australian Standard for slip resistance classification. Floors are tested under controlled conditions to determine how much traction they provide when walked on at an incline.
The result is an R rating ranging from R9 to R13. In industrial and commercial environments, the most commonly specified ratings are R10, R11, R12, and R13.
Slip ratings provide a practical way to match flooring performance to real-world conditions such as moisture, contamination, and foot traffic.
Why Slip Resistant Flooring Is Critical
Slip resistant flooring directly affects:
• Worker and visitor safety
• WHS compliance
• Liability and insurance exposure
• Operational efficiency
• Maintenance practices
Installing flooring with insufficient slip resistance increases the risk of injury and exposes businesses to legal and financial consequences. At the same time, overly aggressive textures can create hygiene issues and increase cleaning costs. The key is selecting the correct slip rating for each environment.
Understanding R10 to R13 Slip Ratings
Each slip rating is suited to specific conditions.
R10 Flooring
R10 flooring provides moderate slip resistance and is suitable for dry or lightly damp environments.
Typical applications include:
• General industrial walkways
• Offices within industrial facilities
• Warehouses with minimal moisture
• Showrooms and commercial spaces
R10 systems offer a balance between safety and ease of cleaning.
R11 Flooring
R11 flooring offers increased slip resistance and is suitable for areas with occasional moisture or spills.
Common applications include:
• Light industrial areas
• Bathrooms and amenities
• Production areas with intermittent liquids
• Entry points and transition zones
R11 non slip flooring systems are widely used where additional traction is required without heavy texturing.
R12 Flooring
R12 flooring is designed for environments with frequent moisture, spills, or contamination.
Typical applications include:
• Commercial kitchens
• Food processing areas
• Workshops
• Washdown zones
R12 slip resistant flooring significantly reduces slip risk while remaining suitable for regular cleaning.
R13 Flooring
R13 flooring provides very high slip resistance and is used in the most demanding conditions.
Common applications include:
• Constantly wet areas
• Heavy oil or grease exposure
• Industrial ramps
• High-risk washdown environments
R13 systems prioritise maximum traction and are essential where safety risks are highest.
Matching Slip Ratings to the Environment
Selecting the correct slip rating requires understanding how the floor will be used.
Key considerations include:
• Type of contaminants present
• Frequency of spills
• Cleaning methods
• Footwear worn on site
• Volume of foot and vehicle traffic
Installing the correct R rating reduces injury risk while maintaining cleanability and hygiene.
How Epoxy and Polyurethane Flooring Achieve Slip Resistance
Slip resistance in industrial floor coatings is achieved by engineering the surface texture during installation.
Epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems use:
• Graded aggregates
• Controlled broadcast techniques
• Sealed textured finishes
Unlike surface treatments or mats, slip resistance is built into the coating itself. This ensures consistent performance over time and prevents deterioration from cleaning or wear.
Slip Resistance Without Compromising Hygiene
One of the biggest concerns in industrial and food environments is balancing slip resistance with hygiene.
Epoxy and polyurethane systems provide:
• Seamless, joint-free surfaces
• Non porous finishes
• No grout lines or seams
This prevents bacteria, moisture, and contaminants from becoming trapped while still delivering the required traction.
Chemical and Cleaning Resistance
Slip resistant flooring must also withstand aggressive cleaning regimes.
Industrial environments often use:
• Degreasers
• Disinfectants
• Solvent based cleaners
• High pressure washdowns
Epoxy and polyurethane floor coatings maintain their slip resistance and surface integrity under repeated chemical exposure, making them ideal for WHS compliant flooring systems.
WHS Compliance and Risk Management
Selecting appropriate slip resistant flooring demonstrates proactive risk management.
Benefits include:
• Reduced workplace incidents
• Improved worker confidence
• Compliance with WHS guidelines
• Lower long-term liability
Slip rated industrial floor coatings are commonly specified as part of safety audits and compliance programs.
Industries That Benefit from Slip Resistant Flooring
Slip resistant flooring systems are essential in:
• Manufacturing facilities
• Warehouses
• Food processing plants
• Commercial kitchens
• Aged care and healthcare environments
• Workshops and service areas
Each environment requires a tailored approach to slip resistance based on risk and use.
Why Wolffes for Slip Rated Flooring
Wolffes specialises in industrial floor coatings designed for safety, durability, and compliance.
Wolffes provides:
• Expert slip risk assessment
• Correct specification of R10 to R13 flooring
• Epoxy and polyurethane systems
• Long term performance planning
Every system is designed to meet the practical demands of the environment.
Conclusion
Slip resistant flooring is a critical component of workplace safety and compliance. Understanding industrial slip ratings and selecting the correct R10 to R13 flooring system ensures safer environments, reduced risk, and reliable long-term performance.
Epoxy and polyurethane flooring systems offer a durable, hygienic, and effective solution for managing slip risks across industrial and commercial facilities.