AS 4586 vs AS 4663: What's the Difference and When Do You Need Each?

If you've been quoted for slip resistance testing in Australia, you've probably seen these two standard numbers. AS 4586 and AS 4663 are both referenced in the National Construction Code and both involve the same wet pendulum testing equipment — but they apply at very different stages of a building's life.

Here's a clear breakdown of what each standard covers, when you need it, and what to expect from a compliant NATA-certified report.

The Short Version

AS 4586 is for new surfaces — products being classified before or at installation.

AS 4663 is for existing surfaces — floors already in use being assessed for ongoing compliance.

Both use the wet pendulum test. Both require NATA accreditation to be accepted by certifiers, insurers and courts. The difference is when and where they apply.

AS 4586 — Classification of New Pedestrian Surface Materials

AS 4586 is the standard used to classify the slip resistance of new pedestrian surface materials — tiles, stone, vinyl, concrete, pavers and other flooring products — before or during installation.

It assigns a P rating (P1 through P5) to a surface based on wet pendulum test results. P1 is the lowest slip resistance; P5 is the highest. The P rating tells builders, architects and specifiers whether a surface is appropriate for its intended location under the National Construction Code.

When you need AS 4586:

• Before specifying or installing a new surface in a commercial building
• At construction handover — certifiers require NATA-certified AS 4586 results to sign off on NCC compliance
• When importing or manufacturing tile and flooring products for the Australian market
• When an architect or specifier needs to confirm a product is fit for purpose before it goes down

What AS 4586 testing involves:

Samples are tested using the wet pendulum method. Slider 96 (4S rubber) is used for shod foot areas; Slider 55 (TRL rubber) for barefoot areas such as pool surrounds and change rooms. Results are expressed as a BPN (British Pendulum Number) and converted to a P rating. Sliptest Australia conducts AS 4586 both in-lab and on-site using calibrated equipment.

AS 4663 — Measurement of Existing Pedestrian Surfaces

AS 4663 is the standard used to assess the slip resistance of surfaces already installed and in use. It answers the question: is this floor still safe now that it's in service?

AS 4663 testing is carried out on-site. The wet pendulum measures the existing surface in its actual condition — including any wear, contamination, cleaning product residue, or surface changes that may have occurred since installation.

When you need AS 4663:

• Routine slip resistance audits for commercial properties — office buildings, shopping centres, aged care facilities, hospitality venues
• Post-incident testing after a slip and fall — insurers and courts require NATA-certified AS 4663 results
• Ongoing compliance programs for facility managers
• When a surface has been cleaned, treated, or worn and you need to confirm it still meets the standard
• Following remediation work to verify a surface now meets the required classification

What P Rating Do You Need?

The required P rating depends on the surface's location and use, as specified in the NCC and guidance document HB 198:

Why NATA Accreditation Is Non-Negotiable

Both AS 4586 and AS 4663 results must come from a NATA-accredited laboratory to be accepted for NCC compliance, insurance, and legal purposes. Non-NATA-accredited results — regardless of how the test was performed — are not accepted by certifiers, councils, or courts in Australia.

Sliptest Australia holds NATA accreditation No. 15374 for compliance with ISO/IEC 17025. All reports are independently endorsed and carry the NATA mark. We service Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast and all states nationally.

Frequently Asked Questions