If you’ve been tasked with organising Covid19 floor signage for the office or workplace, then an understanding of the ‘R’ rating will help you choose products that are suitable and safe for a particular area.
The R rating is used to grade all floor surfaces (including floor graphics) by slip resistance with shod feet. The gradings are R9, R10, R11, R12, R13, with R9 having the least resistance and R13 the highest resistance. There is also an ABC rating for barefoot slip resistance, but we’ll just be looking at the R rating for shoes and boots etc in the article.
The following chart summarises the German National Standard test method (DIN51130), which is used to test the slip properties of any floor surface. The test involves a sample being applied to a ramp which is then covered in oil and raised to different angles. An individual then walks on a wet surface wearing cleated safety boots whilst being held by a harness. The angle that slippage first occurs is then recorded and used to determine the R rating for that product.
Although the lower R9 and R10 can be used in dry areas, it’s important to think about their likelihood of getting wet. For kitchens and areas where liquid or oil could be spilt, you should consider a higher rating to reduce the risk. In areas where there is a risk of the floor getting wet, or where there is high footfall, we would recommend an R12 rating. For slopped surfaces, an R13 would be more appropriate.
If there is anything relating to Covid19 signage we can help you with, then please contact us on 01494 435060 or info@spotonprint.net, we will be more than happy to answer any of your questions.