ATTAR Wet Pendulum Slip Resistance Test (The "R11" Rating)

🧪 ATTAR Wet Pendulum Slip Resistance Test 

✅ What Is the ATTAR Wet Pendulum Test?

The ATTAR Wet Pendulum Test measures how slippery a floor surface is when wet, simulating a real-world heel strike. It uses a British Pendulum Tester and assigns a Slip Resistance Value (SRV) to indicate safety levels.

📌 Higher SRV number = more grip = lower slip risk

This test is commonly used for:

  • 🧼 Bathroom & shower floors
  • 🧱 Tiles & stone
  • 🌧️ Decking, pool surrounds & outdoor walkways
  • 🦶 Barefoot or shod foot traffic (depending on rubber used)

ATTAR (Advanced Technology Testing & Research) performs this testing in accordance with Australian Standard AS 4586, often alongside accelerated wear testing.

🦶 How the British Pendulum Tester Works

         Pendulum Arm
             |
            ▼
        [ Rubber Slider ]
              ↘
        ────────────────  ← Wet Floor Surface


🔧 Step-by-Step Breakdown

1️⃣ Device

  • A swinging pendulum arm fitted with a rubber slider
  • Slider mimics the sole of a shoe (or bare foot)

2️⃣ Test Action

  • The pendulum swings down and slides across the wet surface
  • This motion simulates a heel strike during walking

3️⃣ Measurement

  • The height the pendulum swings back up is recorded
  • 🔼 Higher rebound = less friction = more slippery
  • 🔽 Lower rebound = more friction = safer surface

4️⃣ Rubber Sliders Used

  • 4S Rubber → simulates footwear
  • TRRL Rubber → softer rubber for barefoot or tire contact
  • Rubber is conditioned with abrasive paper for consistency

5️⃣ Testing Conditions

  • Surface is wetted with water
  • Multiple readings are taken
  • Results are averaged for accuracy

📊 Slip Resistance Classifications (ATTAR / AS 4586)

Classification SRV Value Slip Risk Level
P5 > 54 🟢 Very Low Slip Potential
P4 45 – 54 🟢 Low Slip Potential
P3 35 – 44 🟡 Moderate to Low
P2 25 – 34 🟠 Moderate Slip Risk
P1 12 – 24 🔴 High Slip Risk
P0 < 12 🔴 Very High Slip Risk

📌 General Rule:

  • SRV > 36 = Low slip risk
  • SRV < 25 = Increased likelihood of slips and falls

🧠 Why ATTAR Uses This Test

🏗️ Product Suitability

  • Confirms whether flooring, tiles, or decking are safe for wet environments
  • Helps manufacturers and installers meet safety compliance

🔄 Durability & Wear Performance

  • Often paired with accelerated wear testing
  • Ensures slip resistance doesn’t degrade significantly over time

🧽 Maintenance Guidance

  • Identifies how cleaning methods or contaminants affect grip
  • Helps property owners maintain safe surfaces long-term

The ATTAR Wet Pendulum Test provides a trusted, real-world measurement of slip resistance, helping ensure floors remain safe—even when wet, worn, or contaminated.

The "R11" Rating

The "R" ratings (R9, R10, R11, R12, R13) are part of a classification system (specifically, the Oil/Wet Ramp Test - Appendix D of the AS/NZS 4586 standard) used to assess the slip resistance of new pedestrian surface materials. 

Classification: R11 indicates a high level of slip resistance in oil and wet conditions, with a mean overall acceptance angle in the range of >19° to 27° during testing.
Significance: Products that achieve an R11 rating are considered suitable for use in areas where a superior level of slip resistance is required, such as on ramps or in wet, potentially hazardous environments.

Products: Various products, such as non-slip safety treads (e.g., Kahuna Grip) and flooring materials, are tested and certified with an R11 rating to ensure safety and compliance with Australian Standards

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