Many flooring applications have a requirement for higher slip resistant finishes. This is generally due to a range of factors, but most commonly—water or other contamination, sloping areas (eg. Ramps), the sheer volume of pedestrian traffic and the purpose or nature of the area.

External Terraces present issues from rainwater and soiling from surrounding vegetation. Metz suggests a minimum R11 rating be utilised for any external area, which provides a greater margin for safety than R10 tiles.

Consider R11 & R12 tiles.

Public Area Floors present enormous challenges to specification, being dependent on degrees of traffic volume and soiling/contamination from light moisture right through to heavy “industrial level” contamination. Design should consider anticipated worst cases

Consider R11 and R12 tiles.

Entry, Foyers and Lobbies often present greatest risk in the “transition areas” where moisture has been brought inside and catching users unaware when exiting a building.  Such problems are frequently exacerbated by people in a rush in city buildings.

Consider R11 and R12 tiles

Wet areas and bathrooms may present the dual requirement for both shod and barefoot pedestrian traffic. Specifiers may need to select on the basis of both test results to ensure the best performing floor.

Consider R11, R12 and "B" rated tiles

The selection of a more slip resistant material for stairs and ramps is essential. The simplest way to provide improved performance is to select one level higher than the surrounding floor. Handbook 197 offers some guidance on this area however Metz would generally suggest that an R12 finish is the minimum desirable.

Consider R12 and R13 tiles