Anti slip R ratings are a standardised system used to measure how resistant a floor surface is to slipping, especially in environments where water, oil or grease may be present. These ratings help businesses select flooring and safety products that reduce workplace accidents and meet safety requirements.

The R rating scale ranges from R9 to R13, with higher numbers indicating greater slip resistance. This guide explains how anti slip R ratings work, compares R10 vs R13, and shows how businesses can use this knowledge when choosing industrial anti slip tape and flooring solutions.

What Are Anti Slip R Ratings?

Anti slip R ratings come from the DIN 51130 ramp test, a widely used European standard for measuring floor slip resistance in shoe wearing conditions.

During the test, a person wearing safety footwear walks on a surface that is slowly tilted while coated with oil. The angle at which the tester begins to slip determines the floor’s R rating. The steeper the angle before slipping, the higher the R rating and the better the slip resistance.

R Rating Scale

Why Anti Slip R Ratings Matter for Businesses

Anti slip R ratings are not just technical figures. They are risk management tools. For B2B buyers, choosing the correct rating directly affects safety, compliance and operating costs.

• Reduce slip and fall injuries

• Improve worker confidence and movement

• Meet safety and compliance requirements

• Limit liability exposure

• Create safer working environments

R10 vs R13: Understanding the Difference

R10 and R13 represent two very different levels of slip resistance and are designed for very different working environments. R10 flooring offers moderate slip resistance and is best suited to spaces that are normally dry but may occasionally become wet. These areas typically include offices, corridors, light commercial kitchens, residential bathrooms, garages and covered entrances, where the risk of liquid on the floor exists but is not constant. In these settings, R10 provides a balance between safety, comfort and ease of cleaning.

By contrast, R13 flooring provides the highest level of slip resistance available within the R-rating system and is intended for environments where water, grease or oil are present on a regular basis. It is commonly used in food processing plants, industrial kitchens, factories and workshops, as well as on sloped walkways, ramps and outdoor industrial areas. In these high-risk environments, surfaces are frequently wet or contaminated, and R13 helps maintain traction even under challenging conditions, significantly reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Which Rating Should B2B Buyers Choose?

Choosing between R10 and R13 depends on how often the floor is exposed to moisture, oil or contamination.

R10 is suitable when:

• Floors are mostly dry

• Spills are occasional

• Cleaning is frequent

• Foot traffic is moderate

R13 is required when:

• Liquids or grease are present daily

• Floors are often wet or oily

• Heavy foot traffic is expected

• Safety risks are high

Using Industrial Anti Slip Tape with R Ratings

Many industrial anti-slip tapes are tested and certified to R ratings, including R10 and R13. These tapes add traction to existing surfaces such as metal steps, concrete floors, ramps and platforms.

Conclusion

Anti-slip R ratings provide a reliable way to measure how safe a floor is under slippery conditions. Understanding R10 vs R13 allows businesses to match floor performance to real workplace risks and choose the correct anti slip tape or surface for safer operations.