By Nick Horell, SlipFix Australia · 24 May 2026 · 6 min read
Two Standards, One Goal
Australia has two primary slip resistance standards for pedestrian surfaces — AS 4586 and AS 4663. They are related but distinct. Understanding the difference matters for building owners, certifiers, strata managers and anyone dealing with a slip resistance assessment or compliance requirement.
AS 4586 — Classification of New Materials
AS 4586 is formally titled Slip resistance classification of new pedestrian surface materials. It sets out the test methods and classification system used to rate the slip resistance of new floor surface materials — tiles, concrete, stone, pavers and similar products — before they are installed in a building.
AS 4586 uses the Wet Pendulum Test as its primary test method, supplemented by the Oil Wet Inclining Platform Test for specific surface types. The results are expressed as a P rating on a scale from P0 to P5, where higher numbers indicate greater slip resistance.
The P Rating Scale
- P0 — very low slip resistance. Not suitable for pedestrian use in wet conditions
- P1 — low slip resistance. Suitable for dry internal areas only
- P2 — moderate slip resistance. Suitable for internal areas with occasional wet conditions
- P3 — good slip resistance. Suitable for external areas and internal wet areas including bathrooms
- P4 — high slip resistance. Required for ramps, pool surrounds and high-risk external areas
- P5 — very high slip resistance. Required for steep ramps and specific high-risk applications
The NCC (National Construction Code) specifies minimum P ratings for different surface types and locations in new buildings. For example, bathroom floors in residential buildings generally require a minimum of P3, while pool surrounds and ramps typically require P4 or above.
AS 4663 — Measurement of Existing Surfaces
AS 4663 is formally titled Slip resistance measurement of existing pedestrian surfaces. It sets out the test methods used to assess the slip resistance of floors that are already installed and in service — the standard applied to buildings that are already occupied or approaching handover.
AS 4663 uses a different measurement approach to AS 4586, designed to accommodate the conditions of an in-situ test rather than a laboratory measurement of new material. The results are comparable with AS 4586 P ratings, allowing direct comparison between new material classification and in-service measurement.
Which Standard Applies to You?
The answer depends on your situation:
- Building under construction, new materials being specified — AS 4586 applies. Specify floor materials by their P rating under AS 4586.
- New building approaching handover and certification — AS 4663 typically applies to the in-situ test of the installed floors.
- Existing building, routine assessment or post-incident — AS 4663 applies. In-service floors are assessed under the in-service standard.
- Existing building, renovation with new materials — both may apply. New materials are classified under AS 4586; the installed result is assessed under AS 4663.
What About HB 197 and HB 198?
HB 197 (An Introductory Guide to the Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surface Materials) and HB 198 (Guide to the Specification and Testing of Slip Resistance of Pedestrian Surfaces) are informational handbooks that accompany the standards. They are not mandatory requirements in themselves, but they provide the interpretive guidance that certifiers, designers and assessors use to apply AS 4586 and AS 4663 in practice.
What Happens If Your Floor Fails?
If a NATA-accredited slip resistance test returns a P rating below the requirement for your surface type and location, you have several options — but anti-slip chemical treatment is typically the fastest and most cost-effective. See our detailed guide: What happens if my floor fails a slip resistance test?
Does Anti-Slip Treatment Improve P Ratings?
Yes. Anti-slip chemical treatment is specifically designed to improve P ratings under both AS 4586 and AS 4663. By modifying the surface topography at the microscopic level, the treatment increases the effective friction of the surface in wet conditions — which is what the Wet Pendulum Test measures.
The improvement in P rating following treatment varies by surface type and initial condition, but it is common to see a one to two P rating improvement following a professional anti-slip treatment. For surfaces that have failed at P2 and are required to meet P3, this is often sufficient to achieve compliance in a single treatment.
Related: What Is Anti-Slip Treatment? | What Happens If My Floor Fails a Slip Test?