AS 4586-2013 PDF

Full title and description

AS 4586-2013 — Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials. This Standard specifies means of classifying new pedestrian surface materials according to their frictional (slip-resistance) characteristics and provides test methods and classification criteria to inform safe selection and compliance.

Abstract

Provides procedures and classification schemes for assessing the slip resistance of new pedestrian surface materials. Key test methods referenced include the wet pendulum (for P ratings) and inclining-platform/ramp tests (for barefoot and oil-wet/R ratings), plus specimen preparation, conditioning and reporting requirements to demonstrate compliance for building design and specification.

General information

• Status: Current publication (AS 4586:2013); listed with amendment history (AS 4586—2013 Amd 1:2017) and noted as part of Standards Australia product set (records show it in commercial distribution and referenced by regulators).
• Publication date: 28 June 2013 (2013 edition).
• Publisher: Standards Australia.
• ICS / categories: Construction and building materials / installations — typically classified under ICS construction groupings (ICS 91 — construction; building materials and floor coverings are relevant subcategories).
• Edition / version: 1st edition (AS 4586:2013) with recorded amendment Amd 1:2017.
• Number of pages: 53 pages (standard publication).

Scope

AS 4586-2013 applies to new pedestrian surface materials and defines classification methods based on measured frictional performance. It sets out accepted laboratory and field test methods (including the wet pendulum and inclining-platform/ramp tests), specimen preparation and conditioning, methods for accelerated wear assessment, and reporting formats to support designers, manufacturers and regulators in specifying slip-resistant surfaces for safety and code compliance. The Standard is used to demonstrate compliance with design and building code guidance in Australia.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification system for slip resistance of new pedestrian surfaces (P‑classes from wet pendulum testing and R‑/A/B/C classes from inclining-platform/ramp tests where applicable).
• Wet pendulum test method (use of specified sliders, repeated measurements and reporting of SRV values to determine P‑classification).
• Inclining-platform (ramp) tests for wet barefoot and oil-wet (R) conditions and associated angle‑based class boundaries.
• Specimen preparation, conditioning, apparatus calibration and test procedure requirements (appendices detail equipment, sliders and conditioning).
• Consideration of accelerated wear/aging or cleaning effects and guidance on test reporting to reflect expected in-service performance.
• Means for demonstrating compliance for building projects and referencing within the National Construction Code (NCC) and related guidance.

Typical use and users

Common users include architects and specifiers, tile and flooring manufacturers, product test laboratories, building certifiers and regulators, facility and asset managers, and occupational health & safety professionals. The Standard is used when selecting or certifying new surface materials to meet slip-resistance requirements for particular areas (e.g., ramps, wet areas, walkways) and to provide evidence for building code compliance.

Related standards

Closely related documents include AS 4663-2013 (Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces), accessibility and building standards such as AS 1428.1 (Design for access and mobility), and national handbooks/guidance on slip resistance (e.g., HB 197/HB 198 guidance material). AS 4586 is often cross-referenced in code and product certification guidance.

Keywords

Slip resistance; pedestrian surfaces; wet pendulum; SRV; P-rating; R-rating; inclining platform; ramp test; floor safety; flooring specification; Standards Australia; AS 4586:2013.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 4586-2013 is the Australian Standard that sets out methods and classification criteria for the slip resistance of new pedestrian surface materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test methods (wet pendulum, inclining-platform/ramp and related procedures), specimen preparation, classification schemes (P and R/A/B/C classes), accelerated wear considerations and reporting requirements to demonstrate slip-resistance performance for new surfaces.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Architects/specifiers, flooring and tile manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, building certifiers, facility managers and safety officers use AS 4586 when selecting, testing or certifying new floor surfaces for pedestrian safety and code compliance.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2013 edition (AS 4586:2013) remains the published edition; amendment Amd 1:2017 is recorded in the standard’s history and commercial distributors list the document as the active 2013 edition. Users should confirm the current status with Standards Australia or the official Standards Store at the time of purchase or specification.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of the family of Australian slip-resistance documents: AS 4586 (new surfaces) is linked with AS 4663 (existing surfaces) and referenced by accessibility/building design standards and handbooks that provide application guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Slip resistance, wet pendulum, SRV, P-rating, ramp/inclining-platform, R-rating, flooring, pedestrian safety, Standards Australia, AS 4586:2013.