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

🔧 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)

📌 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.