DIN 51097

DIN 51097 ramp testing is a German developed pedestrian slip test method utilising soapy water and bare feet.

DIN 51097 ramp test methodology

A video of the similar "HSL ramp test" being conducted can be found as part of the HSE's STEP tool.

Flooring samples are mounted horizontally on the ramp tester and a barefoot operator 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.

Interpreting DIN 51097 slip test results

The DIN 51097 standard classifies results as follows:

Limitations of the DIN 51097 slip test

This method suffers from similar shortcomings in the classification boundaries 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.

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.

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.

Tests conducted using this method provide slip resistance values for barefoot users only. Surfaces like changing rooms which are to be accessed by shod pedestrians should be subject to additional testing with the Pendulum and a #96/4S slider.

It should be noted that a significant number of the tests that we conduct in wet leisure environments using the pendulum show an unsafe level of grip, despite surfaces being installed as a DIN 51097 Class C. This is due in almost all cases to the significant contamination of the surface in end use, through body fats, chemical residues and less that perfect cleaning regimes. For all surfaces installed in wet leisure environments an on going risk assessment programme coupled with an effective cleaning regime is essential in order to prevent slips and associated litigation.

Commissioning a DIN 51097 slip test

As far as we are aware there are only a few laboratories in the country with the facilities required to conduct the above ramp tests, they are;
SATRA
Lucideon (formerly CERAM)
RAPRA
The HSL

Further information

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