DIN 51097 ramp testing is a German method for obtaining pedestrian slip resistance properties. Flooring samples are mounted on the ramp tester and a barefoot subject performs a standardised walk up and down the sample. The sample is slowly inclined and the process repeated while a soap solution is fed onto the surface. The angle at which the subject slips is recorded.

The DIN 51097 method can provide a good indication of the performance of surfaces intended for swimming pool surrounds or other wet areas likely to be accessed in bare feet.

Results from DIN 51097 testing are classified as follows:

Classification

Angle of Slip

Suitable Application
A
12° - 17°
Barefoot walkways, mainly dry
B
18° - 23°
Showers, pool surrounds
C
>23°
Steps into water, walk through pools

This method suffers from similar shortcomings in the classification boundarys to the DIN 51130 method. The accepted CoDF categories for high, medium and slow risk of slip are effectively spanned by the DIN 51097 categories.

Classification

Angle of Slip

CoDF

Slip Risk

A
12° - 17°
0.21 - 0.32
High & Moderate
B
18° - 23°
0.32 - 0.42
Moderate & Low
C
>23°
>0.42
Low

Another drawback of the method, and indeed all 'in-house' test methods is that tests are conducted on ex-factory samples. It is often the case that flooring installed and in use for a short period of time will have a different slip resistance to flooring leaving the factory. This is due to factory sealants wearing off, new sealants/polishes being applied, cleaning regimes and contamination. It is for this reason that the pendulum is such a widely used tool as it is the only accurate measure of slip resistance in situ as experienced by pedestrians using the surface.

To conduct DIN 51097 testing we require a sample of 1m x 1.5m and generally turn samples around in under 10 working days. To commission a test, please contact us.

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DIN 51097 testing is suited to swimming pools and wet rooms, areas generally only accessible when barefoot. The test provides a good indication of wet slip resistance however the resolution of classifications can be somewhat misleading. The precise angle of slip and associated CoDF / slip risk category should be considered when purchasing materials tested to DIN 51097.

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