For floor coverings, there are different requirements for slip resistance depending on the intended use of the room. Specifications for floors in work rooms and work areas with a risk of slipping are contained in the GUV rule ►GUV-R 181, the test methods to be used are regulated in DIN 51130.
Appropriately tested anti-slip floor coverings are divided into the evaluation groups R9 (lowest requirement) – R13 (highest requirement). In Annex 1 of GUV-R 181, the respective assessment groups of the slip hazard are assigned to various work spaces and traffic areas inside and outside the building as examples. For example, there is a requirement of R9 for indoor entrance areas, R12 for inclined ramps outdoors.
In addition, there is the concept of displacement space. This refers to a cavity open to the walking plane below the walking level. It is required, for example, in work areas with an increased risk of slipping due to lubricants such as grease, oil, water, food and plant waste. The displacement space is indicated by a "V" in connection with the indication of the minimum volume of 4, 6, 8 or 10 cm³/dm², accordingly there are displacement spaces V4, V6, V8 and V10.
A floor covering with classified displacement space can also reduce the required slip resistance in certain cases. For example, in external entrance areas, the required slip resistance R11 can be replaced by R10 V4
on an equivalent basis.
The assessment groups defined in GUV-R 181 are also transferred to other areas beyond the scope of the Technical Rule (workspaces and work areas), e.g. in DIN 18040 to floor coverings in barrier-free areas, regardless of whether it is a workplace.
For wet-loaded barefoot areas, further requirements according to GUV-I 8527 apply independently of this.
Source: bauwion
