Receiving a failing slip resistance result can feel alarming — particularly for a builder at handover, a facility manager with a large portfolio, or a property owner after an incident. But a failing result is the beginning of the process, not the end. Here's what it means, what your options are, and how to get back to compliance.

What Does a Failing Result Mean?

A failing slip test result means the tested surface did not achieve the minimum P rating required for its location under the National Construction Code or the relevant Australian Standard. For example, a bathroom floor testing at P2 when P4 is required has failed — it does not meet the minimum grip standard for a wet internal area.

A failing result does not necessarily mean the floor is about to cause an accident. It means the surface, as tested, does not meet the documented safety standard for its location. That distinction matters — but the compliance obligation is the same either way.

Immediate Steps After a Failing Result

  • Receive and read the NATA-certified report — Sliptest Australia will identify exactly which surfaces failed and by how much
  • Assess the risk level — a surface testing just below the threshold in a low-traffic area is a different risk profile to a pool surround testing at P1
  • Notify relevant parties — for construction handover, inform the certifier; for existing commercial properties, notify the property manager and document the finding
  • Do not delay remediation in high-traffic or high-risk areas — document that action has been initiated

Rectification Options

Replacing the floor is rarely the first or only option. Several effective rectification methods are available depending on the surface type, severity of the failure, and the location:

1. Anti-Slip Coatings

Clear chemical coatings or penetrative treatments can significantly increase the friction of tile, stone and concrete surfaces without changing their appearance. These are the most commonly used rectification method for commercial properties. Results vary depending on the product and the surface — Sliptest Australia can advise on expected P rating improvement before you commit to a treatment.

2. Surface Etching or Abrasive Treatment

Acid etching or mechanical abrasion creates micro-texture on smooth surfaces, increasing grip. Effective for polished concrete, honed stone and smooth tiles. The treated surface will have a slightly different visual appearance — a consideration for high-end finishes.

3. Anti-Slip Inserts or Strips

For stair nosings and high-risk transition zones, anti-slip inserts, strips or tape can be applied as an immediate interim control while longer-term remediation is planned. Note: strips and tape are generally not accepted as a permanent compliance solution for most surfaces under the NCC.

4. Surface Replacement

Where other options are not viable — for example, a heavily contaminated surface that cannot be effectively treated, or a product with a fundamentally low P rating — replacement with a compliant material is the most definitive solution. Always obtain NATA-certified AS 4586 test results for the replacement material before installation.

Retest After Rectification

Once rectification work is complete, a retest using the same wet pendulum method confirms whether the surface now meets the required P rating. Sliptest Australia provides retesting as a standard service — the retest report, combined with the original failing report, documents the full compliance journey and provides strong evidence of due diligence.

For Construction Handover

If a surface fails at construction handover, the certifier cannot sign off on NCC compliance for that area until the surface is rectified and retested. Sliptest Australia prioritises retest scheduling for construction clients to minimise delays. Contact us as soon as rectification is complete — we service Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney and nationally.

Documenting the Process

Whether you are a builder, facility manager or property owner, keep the full paper trail: original NATA test report showing the failure, evidence of rectification (contractor invoices, product specifications), and the NATA retest report showing compliance. This documentation is your defence in any future claim or regulatory inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

A failing result means the surface did not achieve the minimum P rating for its location. The surface must be rectified and retested before NCC compliance can be signed off. Rectification options include anti-slip coatings, surface etching, or replacement.

Yes. In many cases anti-slip coatings or surface etching can raise a surface's P rating to meet the required standard without replacement. Sliptest Australia can advise on likely improvement before you commit to a treatment.

Sliptest Australia prioritises retest scheduling for construction clients and urgent compliance situations. Contact us as soon as rectification is complete and we will arrange the retest as quickly as possible.