Introduction: The Cost of Slip Accidents
Slips, trips, and falls (STF) are among the most frequently reported types of workplace accidents globally, with far-reaching economic and safety consequences for individuals and employers. Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) 2006 explicitly requires employers to take reasonable measures to control slip and trip risks. All treads must have reasonable slip resistance, and stair nosings must have slip-resistant surfaces.
In China, slip resistance is also written into mandatory design codes. The Technical Specification for Anti-slip Engineering of Building Ground (JGJ/T 331-2014) classifies slip resistance levels into four grades according to application scenarios, requiring designers to adopt anti-slip structures and materials based on engineering needs. Steel grating, as the core paving material for industrial platforms and maintenance walkways, has slip resistance performance that directly relates to personnel safety.
However, a question that has long troubled engineers and procurement professionals is: Is serrated steel grating really more slip-resistant than flat steel grating? This article systematically analyzes the slip resistance level differences between the two types of steel grating based on the DIN 51130 international slip resistance standard, Singapore’s SS 363 specification, and industry test data, revealing the true safety performance in extreme environments such as oil contamination and snow accumulation.
Chapter 1: The Evaluation System for Slip Resistance Performance – From Friction Coefficient to Slip Resistance Level
1.1 Overview of International Slip Resistance Testing Standards
Currently, the mainstream international standards for slip resistance performance testing include:
| Standard Code | Standard Name | Application Scope | Test Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIN 51130 | Slip resistance test – Ramp method | Industrial floors, gratings, platforms | Ramp walking test, R9-R13 classification |
| DIN 51097 | Slip resistance test for wet barefoot areas | Swimming pools, bathrooms, barefoot areas | Ramp walking test, A/B/C classification |
| ASTM F1637 | Standard practice for safe walking surfaces | General walking surfaces | Multiple friction coefficient tests |
| SS 485:2001 | Slip resistance classification of pedestrian surface materials | Singapore pedestrian paving materials | Friction characteristic classification |
| ISO 14122-2:2016 | Safety requirements and test methods for industrial stairs | Industrial platforms, walkways | Comprehensive safety assessment |
The DIN 51130 standard divides the slip resistance performance of floor materials into five levels from R9 to R13, with R9 being the lowest and R13 the highest. The design of serrated bearing bars can increase the slip resistance level to R12, maintaining a friction resistance above 0.7 even in oily and watery environments.
1.2 Definition and Measurement of Friction Coefficient
The coefficient of friction (COF) is a physical quantity that measures the resistance to relative sliding between two surfaces. Generally, a higher friction coefficient indicates greater surface friction resistance and better slip resistance performance.
Slip resistance evaluation for steel grating typically uses two methods:
Horizontal test method: Measures the static and dynamic friction coefficient between the steel grating surface and standard sole materials under laboratory conditions.
Ramp test method (DIN 51130): Test personnel walk on a lubricated ramp; the critical angle at which slipping begins is recorded to determine the R level.
Key indicators: Static COF ≥0.5 and dynamic COF ≥0.4 are the basic thresholds for industrial walkway slip resistance, but for high-risk scenarios, this standard is often insufficient.
1.3 Environmental Classification in Chinese Slip Resistance Design Codes
China’s latest anti-slip standard, Industrial Platform Anti-slip Design Code GB/T 50034-2025 (industry referred to as GB/T 50034-2025), divides use environments into four levels:
| Environmental Level | Description | Typical Scenarios | Recommended Slip Resistance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Environment | No liquids, no contaminants | Indoor offices, control rooms | R9-R10 |
| Wet Environment | Presence of water, wet surfaces | Outdoor platforms, wet workshops | R10-R11 |
| Oily Environment | Presence of grease, chemicals | Petrochemical platforms, machining areas | R11-R12 |
| Snow/Ice Environment | Presence of snow, thin ice | Northern region platforms, cold chain facilities | R12-R13 |
This classification provides direct technical guidance for selecting steel grating slip resistance levels for different scenarios. For Singapore’s tropical rainy climate and the oil contamination risks in the petrochemical industry, slip resistance requirements typically fall within the R10-R12 range, where serrated steel grating performs particularly well.
Chapter 2: Flat Steel Grating vs. Serrated Steel Grating – Structural Differences and Slip Resistance Mechanisms
2.1 Slip Resistance Mechanism of Flat Steel Grating
Flat steel grating relies on the friction coefficient between the steel surface and sole materials (e.g., rubber), as well as the intermittent support provided by the grid structure to scrape the sole and break continuous liquid films. Under dry and clean conditions, it meets conventional slip resistance requirements.
However, flat steel grating has the following limitations:
Smooth surface: Ordinary flat bars lack additional gripping structures, relying on natural friction between metal and rubber.
Liquid retention: Although the grid allows drainage, the flat bar surface can form a water film under wet conditions, reducing friction.
Oil sensitivity: Grease significantly reduces the friction coefficient of metal surfaces.
2.2 Slip Resistance Mechanism of Serrated Steel Grating
Serrated steel grating (also known as toothed steel grating, anti-slip steel grating) is welded using bearing bars with serrated teeth on the surface, providing strong anti-slip capability. The raised ridges on the bar surface form a permanent anti-slip structure.
Its slip resistance advantages include:
Mechanical grip: The 2-3mm high teeth directly embed into shoe soles or tire surfaces, providing mechanical interlocking force.
Liquid film cutting: The edges of the teeth can pierce water or oil films, ensuring direct contact between metal and soles.
Self-cleaning feature: The unique surface design prevents oil and dirt buildup, making maintenance simpler.
2.3 Key Parameter Comparison
| Comparison Dimension | Flat Steel Grating | Serrated Steel Grating |
|---|---|---|
| Slip Resistance Mechanism | Relies on material friction coefficient | Mechanical grip from teeth + friction coefficient |
| Dry Condition Friction Coefficient | 0.5-0.7 | 0.8-1.0 |
| Wet Condition Friction Coefficient | 0.4-0.6 | 0.7-0.9 |
| Oily Condition Friction Coefficient | 0.3-0.5 | 0.6-0.8 |
| Slip Resistance Level (DIN 51130) | R9-R10 | R11-R12 |
| Self-Cleaning Ability | Average | Excellent, no oil accumulation |
| Applicable Environments | Indoor dry, light load scenarios | Oily, wet, snow/ice environments |
Chapter 3: Data Comparison – Measured Slip Resistance Performance of Serrated Steel Grating
3.1 Friction Coefficient Comparison Data
According to experimental data from multiple industry testing organizations, under the same conditions, the friction coefficient of serrated anti-slip steel grating is significantly better than that of flat steel grating:
Under water film coverage:
Serrated anti-slip steel grating: friction coefficient can reach 0.8-1.0
Ordinary flat steel grating: typically only 0.4-0.6
In wet or oily environments, ordinary flat steel grating can easily cause slips, while the anti-slip coefficient of serrated steel grating can be several times higher than that of ordinary steel grating.
In oily environments:
Ordinary flat steel grating: friction coefficient drops to 0.3-0.5, significantly increasing the risk of personnel walking
Serrated steel grating: friction resistance remains above 0.7 in oily conditions, providing stable anti-slip performance
Comprehensive Comparison Table:
| Operating Condition | Flat Steel Grating COF | Serrated Steel Grating COF | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry | 0.5-0.7 | 0.8-1.0 | +40% |
| Water film | 0.4-0.6 | 0.7-0.9 | +60% |
| Oil film | 0.3-0.5 | 0.6-0.8 | +80% |
| Snow/thin ice | 0.2-0.4 | 0.5-0.7 | +100% |
3.2 DIN 51130 Slip Resistance Level Positioning
According to DIN 51130, slip resistance performance is classified into R9 to R13 levels by ramp testing:
| Slip Resistance Level | Critical Ramp Angle | Typical Applications | Steel Grating Matching |
|---|---|---|---|
| R9 | 6°-10° | Indoor dry areas | Flat steel grating is sufficient |
| R10 | 10°-19° | General industrial platforms | Flat steel grating (partially sufficient) |
| R11 | 19°-27° | Wet environments, light oil | Serrated steel grating standard match |
| R12 | 27°-35° | Oily environments, snow/ice areas | High-tooth serrated steel grating |
| R13 | >35° | Extreme conditions | Special anti-slip design |
The design of serrated bearing bars can increase the slip resistance level to R12 according to DIN 51130. For Singapore’s rainy weather, the anti-slip requirement for outdoor platforms during the rainy season typically requires R11-R12, which is precisely the target range for serrated steel grating.
3.3 Safety Data Under Special Operating Conditions
Oily environment (petrochemical platform case study) :
Data from a petrochemical enterprise retrofit showed that after adopting standard steel grating, platform fall incident rates decreased by 82% year-on-year. The contribution of serrated steel grating was that even in oily conditions, friction resistance remained above 0.7, effectively ensuring personnel walking safety.
Snow/ice environment (northern bridge case study) :
Steel grating bridge decks generally use serrated bearing bars, achieving a friction coefficient above 0.7, far higher than the 0.3-0.4 of ordinary steel plates. Even under oil, rainwater, or thin ice coverage, reliable grip is maintained. After three winters of use on a mountain steel trestle bridge, the serrated anti-slip steel grating surface showed no obvious wear, and anti-slip performance remained good.
Chapter 4: Singapore Regulatory Requirements for Anti-Slip Steel Grating
4.1 Workplace Safety Regulations
Singapore’s Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) 2006 requires employers to take reasonable measures to control slip and trip risks.
Regulation 8 of the Factories (Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction) Regulations explicitly states:
Employers shall not permit employees to use passages, scaffolds, platforms, or other elevated working surfaces that are in a slippery condition.
Oil, grease, water, and other substances causing slipperiness must be removed, sanded, or covered to provide safe footing.
4.2 Building Accessibility Code
Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment specifies requirements for slip-resistant surfaces on public walkways:
All key building entrances shall be connected to adjacent buildings, commuter facilities, park connectors, and covered walkways.
Ramps, pedestrian crossings, and similar locations must have slip-resistant treatment to prevent slipping of wheelchairs and pedestrians.
Curb ramps must have slip-resistant design, especially near pedestrian crossings.
The BCA’s slip resistance requirements translate to steel grating applications as follows: the slip-resistant surface of serrated steel grating exactly meets BCA’s compliance requirements for slip resistance in public areas.
4.3 Singapore Steel Grating Standard SS 363:2014
Singapore National Standard SS 363:2014 “Specification for steel gratings for roads, drains and footways” covers technical requirements for steel gratings used in roads, drains, and footways, including:
Load classes for road gratings and frames (B125, C250, D400, etc.)
Geometric dimension tolerances for gratings
Surface treatment (hot-dip galvanizing) requirements
Basic requirements for slip resistance performance
For work platforms with a slope of no more than 10° or in situations where liquids or oils accumulate, it is recommended to use serrated steel grating. For work platforms with a slope of more than 10°, more practical anti-slip measures should be taken to prevent pedestrians from slipping.
Chapter 5: Q&A: Common Questions on Anti-Slip Steel Grating Selection
Q1: In which scenarios is serrated steel grating a "must-choose" rather than a "recommended choice"?
A: Serrated steel grating should be mandatory in the following scenarios:
Oil-exposed areas of petrochemical refining platforms (flat steel grating COF drops to 0.3-0.5 in oil)
Pedestrian walkways in outdoor rainy areas (flat steel grating has high slip risk during rainy seasons)
Cold chain facilities and snow/ice environments in northern regions (flat steel grating has almost no anti-slip capability under snow cover)
Wet operating areas on offshore platforms and port terminals (dual risk of high salt spray + water)
Any sloped walkway with slope ≥10°
Q2: What special requirements does Singapore's climate environment impose on steel grating slip resistance?
A: Singapore has a tropical maritime climate with high temperature and high humidity year-round, heavy rainfall during the rainy season, and high salt spray concentration in coastal areas. According to SS 363 and WSHA requirements:
Outdoor platforms must meet slip resistance level R11 or above (wet-state COF ≥0.6)
Outdoor walkways during rainy season are recommended to use high-tooth serrated steel grating (R12 level)
Coastal areas require consideration of corrosion resistance (hot-dip galvanizing ≥100μm or 316L stainless steel)
BCA accessibility code requires slip-resistant surfaces on public area ramps and pedestrian crossings
Q3: Do the teeth on serrated steel grating wear out? What is the service life?
A: The teeth on serrated steel grating are integrally formed with the bearing bar, not added later, so tooth wear is superficial and does not cause a sharp decline in anti-slip performance. Serrated steel grating with hot-dip galvanized surface treatment can maintain tooth depth (2-3mm) for over 15 years under normal use conditions. After three winters of use on a mountain steel trestle bridge, the serrated anti-slip steel grating surface showed no obvious wear.
Q4: How can compliance of steel grating slip resistance with Singapore standards be verified?
A: The following verification methods are recommended:
Request DIN 51130 ramp test reports from suppliers to confirm R level (R11-R12)
Obtain third-party friction coefficient test data covering dry, wet, and oily conditions
Confirm that the product meets the geometric dimension and surface treatment requirements of SS 363:2014
Reference the slip resistance classification method for pedestrian paving materials in SS 485:2001 for verification
Conduct on-site ramp walking tests simulating actual use conditions when necessary
Q5: How much more does serrated steel grating cost than flat steel grating? Is it worth it?
A: Serrated steel grating requires serrated bearing bars, increasing bar processing cost by approximately 15-20%. However, considering the following factors, the life-cycle cost is more favorable:
Hidden cost of slip accidents: each accident involves tens of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and lost work time
Lower maintenance cost: serrated steel grating does not accumulate oil; self-cleaning design reduces cleaning frequency
Wider applicability: eliminates need to stock different grating types for different scenarios, simplifying inventory management
Reduced compliance risk: stronger compliance with BCA accessibility code and WSHA anti-slip requirements
In Singapore industrial platform compliance practice, the cost-effectiveness advantage of serrated steel grating is very significant
Chapter 6: Selection Recommendations and Slip Resistance Level Reference Table
6.1 Selection by Environmental Level
| Environmental Level | Required Slip Resistance Level | Recommended Steel Grating Type | COF Requirement (Wet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Environment (C2) | R9-R10 | Flat steel grating / Light serrated | ≥0.5 |
| Wet Environment (C3) | R10-R11 | Light serrated / Standard serrated | ≥0.6 |
| Oily Environment (C4) | R11-R12 | Standard serrated steel grating | ≥0.7 |
| Snow/Ice Environment (C5) | R12-R13 | High-tooth serrated steel grating | ≥0.7 |
| Singapore Rainy Season Outdoor | R11-R12 | Standard serrated steel grating | ≥0.6 |
6.2 Selection by Application Scenario
| Application Scenario | Recommended Steel Grating Type | Recommended Type | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrochemical platform (oil area) | Serrated steel grating | G405/40/150S | COF ≥0.7, oil-resistant self-cleaning |
| Outdoor pedestrian walkway (Singapore) | Serrated steel grating | G325/30/100S | R11 level slip resistance, HDG ≥100μm |
| Offshore platform (high salt spray + water) | Serrated steel grating | G405/40/150S | 316L stainless steel, R12 slip resistance |
| Industrial maintenance platform (general wet) | Light serrated / Serrated | G325/30/100S | COF ≥0.6 |
| Indoor control room (dry) | Flat steel grating | G323/30/100 | Basic slip resistance sufficient |
| Cold chain / snow/ice area | High-tooth serrated | G505/40/150S | R12 slip resistance, anti-icing design |
Chapter 7: Conclusion and bangtu Company's Technical Commitment
6.2 Selection by Application Scenario
Data does not lie. Serrated steel grating has a friction coefficient 60%-80% higher than flat steel grating in oily environments, and the improvement in wet environments reaches 50%-60%. Under DIN 51130, serrated steel grating can achieve R11-R12 slip resistance levels, while flat steel grating typically only stays in the R9-R10 range.
For users in Singapore, the tropical rainy climate, the oil contamination risks of the petrochemical industry, and BCA’s strict requirements for slip resistance in public areas all point to the same conclusion: In high-risk scenarios such as wet, oily, and outdoor areas, serrated steel grating is not a “recommended choice” – it is a “standard configuration.”
Core Recommendations:
| Use Scenario | Recommended Solution | Core Justification |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore outdoor walkway (rainy season) | Serrated steel grating | Wet-state COF ≥0.6, meets R11 slip resistance |
| Petrochemical/chemical platform (oil area) | Serrated steel grating | Friction resistance remains above 0.7 in oily conditions, R12 slip resistance |
| Coastal/offshore platform (high salt spray + water) | Serrated steel grating (316L) | R12 slip resistance + marine-grade corrosion protection |
| Indoor dry area | Flat steel grating | Controllable cost, meets basic slip resistance |
| Cold chain / snow/ice area | High-tooth serrated steel grating | Anti-icing design, COF ≥0.7 |
About bangtu Company
Data does not lie. Serrated steel grating has a friction coefficient 60%-80% higher than flat steel grating in oily environments, and the improvement in wet environments reaches 50%-60%. Under DIN 51130, serrated steel grating can achieve R11-R12 slip resistance levels, while flat steel grating typically only stays in the R9-R10 range.
For users in Singapore, the tropical rainy climate, the oil contamination risks of the petrochemical industry, and BCA’s strict requirements for slip resistance in public areas all point to the same conclusion: In high-risk scenarios such as wet, oily, and outdoor areas, serrated steel grating is not a “recommended choice” – it is a “standard configuration.”
Core Recommendations:
Bangtu Company has specialized in the steel grating field for over two decades. Our products are widely used in industrial platforms, petrochemical facilities, marine engineering, and municipal infrastructure in Singapore and globally. We commit to:
All anti-slip steel grating products comply with DIN 51130 standards; serrated products achieve slip resistance levels R11-R12, and third-party friction coefficient test reports are available.
Singapore-specific steel grating meets SS 363:2014 standards and BCA accessibility code slip resistance requirements, with hot-dip galvanized coating thickness ≥100μm.
Serrated steel grating uses integrally formed serrated bearing bars with tooth depth of 2-3mm, ensuring durable anti-slip performance for over 15 years.
Measured friction coefficient data for various operating conditions (oily, wet, snow/ice) is available for engineering design reference.
Providing full-process technical support from slip resistance level selection to installation guidance, assisting design institutes and construction units in developing technical proposals.
Offering bilingual (Chinese/English) technical specifications and slip resistance test reports to meet Singapore BCA certification and project requirements.
Choose bangtu, choose data-verified anti-slip safety assurance.
Tel/Whatsapp: +8613363180165
Email: james@bangtuwiremesh.com
Website: www.bangtusteelgrating.com | www.chinawiremesh.ru
Appendix: Referenced Standards and Literature
DIN 51130 “Slip resistance test – Ramp method” , Deutsches Institut für Normung
*Reference: R9-R13 slip resistance level classification, ramp walking test method*Singapore Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSHA) 2006 , Ministry of Manpower, Singapore
Reference: Employer’s duty to control slip risks, tread slip resistance requirementsSingapore Factories (Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction) Regulations , Singapore Statutes Online, Revised Edition 1999 (1 July 1999)
[Link: https://sso.agc.gov.sg/SL-Rev/104-RG8]
Reference: Prohibition of slippery walkways, requirement to remove slip-causing substancesBuilding and Construction Authority (BCA) Singapore Code on Accessibility in the Built Environment , Enhanced Edition, 1 November 2025
[Link: https://www1.bca.gov.sg]
Reference: Slip-resistant surface requirements for public areas, ramp accessibility designSS 363:2014 “Specification for steel gratings for roads, drains and footways” , Enterprise Singapore, Published 2014
Reference: Load classes, geometric dimensions, surface treatment, and slip resistance requirements for steel gratingsSS 485:2001 “Slip resistance classification of pedestrian surface materials” , Enterprise Singapore, Published 2001
Reference: Friction characteristic classification method for pedestrian paving materialsGB/T 50034-2025 “Industrial Platform Anti-slip Design Code” , Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, China, 2025
Reference: Four-level environmental classification (dry, wet, oily, snow/ice)JGJ/T 331-2014 “Technical Specification for Anti-slip Engineering of Building Ground” , Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, China, Published 2014
Reference: Slip resistance level classification, design and construction requirementsYB/T 4001.1-2019 “Steel Grating Bars and Matching Parts Part 1: Steel Grating Bars” , Ferrous Metallurgy Industry Standard of China, 2019
Reference: Steel grating classification, technical requirements, serrated bar definitionISO 14122-2:2016 “Safety of machinery – Permanent means of access to machinery – Part 2: Working platforms and walkways” , International Organization for Standardization
Reference: Safety assessment methods for industrial platformsASTM F1637-13 “Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces” , ASTM International
Reference: Test methods for slip resistance performance of walking surfaces
