Anti Slip Values and Composite Decking

Did you know that every three minutes in the UK a person is seriously injured due to slipping!

How Safe Is Your Composite Decking?

There is a lot to consider when you are looking to choose composite decking for your home. 

If you are considering using composite decking it may be because you realise the many pitfalls that come with purchasing timber decking. We have to agree with you on this one. 

Not only do you need to choose between colours, format and the fall you also have to consider the decking’s anti slip rating, this is probably the most important decision you will have to make.  

There is no such thing as a 100% guaranteed non slip composite decking board but we are sure that Teckwood’s range of composite decking might be the closest you can get to it.

We have carried out extensive research into anti slip values and would like to share our thoughts in this quick guide with you…….

Here is what you should look out for when choosing an anti slip composite decking solution for your patio, balcony, garden or pool area to get the best results.

Testing

There are two main anti slip tests carried out in the UK. The R-Rating which is a shod-foot test which uses oil as a contaminant and the ABC-Rating which is a wet barefoot test which uses a soap solution as a contaminant. 

R Rating – Shod Feet

These R ratings relate to a typically non portable DIN Standard floor ramp test. The R relates to the R in Ramp Test and works when the composite decking to be tested has been fixed to a ramp and oil is applied to the ramp. 

The ramp is then raised and the human test subject walks in small steps backwards and forwards wearing boots until they slip on the composite decking.

The computerised readout then determines the R ratings based on the angle of slip. Note – the values start at R9 which is the LOWEST slip resistance the R Ratings then progress through increasing values to the HIGHEST floor slip resistance at R13.

If you generally wear shoes or trainers etc on your composite decking look for the best R rating available of R13.

ABC Rating – Bare Feet

The alternative to Ramp Testing and much more affordable is the portable on Site Floor Pendulum Test or via off site Floor Sample Testing. This can be carried using a pendulum and must conform to DIN 51097. ABC Ratings are used for wet floor conditions where bare feet are the norm such as saunas, Jacuzzis, public showers, swimming pools etc.

PTV stands for pendulum test value. This is a measurement of how slippery a surface is regardless of whether it is composite decking a floor or a pavement. The pendulum test value (PTV) also calculates slip-resistance. PTV is measured with a piece of equipment called a pendulum, and this equipment is used to simulate either a shoe or a bare foot on a surface.

• 0-18 = very low slip-resistance
• 18-25 = moderate slip-resistance
• 25-36 = good slip-resistance
• 36+ = excellent slip-resistance

For instance of you are specifying a composite decking area that might be covered by ice, water etc the optimum PTV rating would be 36+. By choosing 36+ you would be able to certify the floor as anti slip.

Teckwood’s research team have designed and created anti slip composite decking board’s that you can use in confidence with a 1 in 1 million chance of slipping whichever side you decide to use. Our anti-slip wood plastic composite decking is durable and long lasting, providing high levels of slip resistance.

Do not get caught out fit the best anti slip composite decking first time. Call our sales team on 0800 799 9082 for further information.

The Health and Safety Executive publication on assessing the slip resistance of floors can be found here – https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis2.pdf