DIN 51130

DIN 51130 ramp testing is a German developed pedestrian slip test method utilising motor oil and cleated safety boots.

DIN 51130 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 an operator clad in safety boots performs a standardised walk up and down the sample. The sample is slowly inclined and the process repeated while motor oil is fed onto the surface. The angle at which the subject slips is recorded.

Interpreting DIN 51130 slip test results

The DIN 51130 standard classifies results as follows:

Limitations of the DIN 51130 slip test

The HSE "has reservations" about this form of slip testing as the lubricant is not representative of common contaminants and the R scale is often misinterpreted as running from R1.
​
The 'R rating' covers wide bands of CoDF spanning the accepted high, medium and low slip risk categories as shown below.

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.

Commissioning a DIN 5110 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

DIN 51130 testing is suited to industrial applications where oil contamination is prevalent. Due to the mechanics of a contaminated slip it is impossible to use the R rating to deduce the performance of a surface with a different contaminant. Despite this, many imported ceramic tiles are misleadingly sold as 'slip resistant' with a R rating of 10 or even 9.

Further information

Slip Test Services
FAQs
Slip Prevention Tips

Still can't find what you're looking for?
Contact us for expert impartial advice.