Slip resistance properties of flooring materials and footwear are covered by various standards with Europe. Below is a brief guide to the most common ones.
BS7976
Describes the specification, operation and calibration of the Pendulum test, used for assessment of floor surface slipperiness under both dry and contaminated conditions. The results are reported as Pendulum Test Value or Slip Resistance Value and are approximately 100 times the coefficient of friction. The Pendulum test is used routinely by the Health & Safety Laboratory on behalf of HSE.
DIN51130
Laboratory based ramp test, using cleated safety boots and motor oil contamination. Results are reported as an R value, on a scale from R9 to R13, with R9 being the least slip resistant. Floors which perform well in the test do not necessarily perform well with water contamination.
DIN51097
Laboratory based ramp test, using barefoot operators with soapy water as the contaminant. Results are reported as Class A, B or C, with A being the least slip resistant. Floors which perform well in the test do not necessarily perform well with clean water contamination.
EN13845
Laboratory based ramp test specifically for resilient floor coverings with enhanced slip resistance. The test uses standardised footwear and soapy water contamination. Floors which perform well in the test do not necessarily perform well with clean water contamination.
EN13287
Laboratory based mechanical slip resistance test for safety / occupational footwear. Uses several surfaces and contaminants to assess footwear. The test is not thought to differentiate between footwear with differing levels of slip resistance under some test conditions, and so is of limited use in selecting slip resistant shoes for a particular environment.