Don’t Wait for Handover Week to Book Your Lab Test
AS 4586:2013 Testing Must Reflect the Installed System
AS 4586:2013 certifies slip resistance performance of new pedestrian surfaces under controlled conditions. Testing must reflect the final installed system, including coatings and sealers. Booking testing late can delay certification and increase project risk.
AS 4586:2013 Measures Product Performance Under Controlled Conditions
AS 4586:2013 applies to new surfaces prior to installation or occupancy approval.
Unlike AS 4663 (existing surfaces), AS 4586:2013 measures product performance under laboratory-controlled conditions.
It does not assess wear.
It assesses capability.
This distinction is critical for builders, certifiers and suppliers.
The Most Common Mistake: Testing the Raw Tile
Slip performance can materially change after:
- Sealing
- Contamination
- Anti-slip coatings
- Polishing
- Surface treatments
Testing the raw sample does not certify the finished installation.
Certifiers frequently request evidence that the tested sample reflects the final installed configuration.
If coatings are applied after testing, the classification may no longer be valid.
Understanding Classifications Properly
Wet Pendulum classifications:
- P0 to P5 (P5 highest resistance)
Dry Floor Friction classifications:
- D0 – fail
- D1 – pass (≥ 0.40 coefficient of friction)
Laboratory testing includes:
- Conditioned sliders
- Controlled water application
- Multiple test runs
- Mean BPN calculation
- Calibration verification
Certification is traceable and documented.
Assumptions are not.
Why Late Booking Creates Risk
Testing frequently occurs during the final construction phase.
If results are lower than expected:
- Re-coating may be required
- Alternative surface treatment may be needed
- Certification may be delayed
- Floor replacement or Floor remediation considered
Booking testing 2–3 weeks before handover provides contingency.
In high-value projects, that buffer is commercially significant.
Phase testing on projects during building cycle.
Zerofal’s Laboratory Approach
Zerofal conducts laboratory testing in accordance with:
- AS 4586:2013
- Wet Pendulum method
- Dry Floor Friction method
We provide:
- Calibrated testing equipment
- Traceable reporting
- Photographic documentation
- National freight support
Testing early protects timelines.
Testing correctly protects compliance.
Book AS 4586:2013 Laboratory Testing
If your project is nearing completion — or coatings are being finalised — schedule laboratory testing now.
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