Most slip resistance issues don’t start on site – they start in the specification.

By the time a surface is installed and tested, the opportunity to influence material selection, finishes, and layout has already passed. At that stage, outcomes are constrained by cost, time, and contractual obligations.

A pre-build slip risk review addresses this earlier. It evaluates design intent against real-world performance requirements before decisions are locked in.

What Is a Pre-Build Slip Risk Review?

A pre-build review is a technical assessment of proposed flooring systems prior to installation.

It typically involves:

• Reviewing architectural drawings and finish schedules
• Assessing nominated materials against AS 4586:2013 classifications
• Identifying areas where minimum classifications may be insufficient
• Evaluating transitions between materials and environmental exposure
• Providing recommendations aligned with use, traffic, and maintenance

This is not a compliance check – it is a risk assessment based on how the surface will actually perform once in use.

Where Risk Is Commonly Introduced

In practice, slip risk is often embedded in design decisions that appear reasonable in isolation.

Typical examples include:

Material Selection Without Context
Products specified based on appearance or supplier data may meet a P-rating – but not for the intended environment (e.g. wet entries, sloped walkways).

Uncontrolled Finishes and Sealers
Surface treatments applied during construction can materially reduce slip resistance, often without being retested.

Transitions Between Surfaces
Changes in material (e.g. tile to concrete, internal to external) can create inconsistent friction underfoot – particularly when wet.

External Areas and Drainage
Water exposure, slope, and surface texture interact. A compliant material on a flat surface may underperform when installed on a gradient.

These issues are rarely identified at design stage unless specifically reviewed.

Standards and Their Limitations

Pre-build reviews reference:

• AS 4586:2013 for classification of new surfaces
• HB 198:2014 for guidance on appropriate ratings
• NCC performance requirements for specific locations

However, standards define minimum classifications, not performance under all conditions.

A surface achieving P3 may technically comply – but still present elevated risk depending on:

• Frequency of wetting
• Contamination level
• Pedestrian traffic volume
• Cleaning regimes
• Surface wear over time

A pre-build review interprets standards in context, rather than applying them mechanically.

Impact on Projects

Early-stage review typically results in:

• Adjusted material selections before procurement
• Clear specification of acceptable finishes and coatings
• Identification of areas requiring higher classifications
• Reduced likelihood of failed post-installation testing
• Fewer disputes between builder, supplier, and certifier

The cost of review is negligible compared to remediation once construction is complete.

Where This Is Being Used

Pre-build reviews are increasingly standard on:

• Large retail and shopping centre developments
• High-rise residential projects
• Healthcare and aged care facilities
• Transport and public infrastructure

In these environments, slip risk is both a safety issue and a liability exposure.