Workplace Anti Slip Mats UK — PTV Ratings, HSE Requirements & Choosing the Right Mat
Last updated: April 2026
Anti slip mats are the most accessible and cost-effective way to address slip risk in any location — from a domestic bathroom to a commercial kitchen to an industrial warehouse. This guide covers how to choose the right anti slip mat for every UK application.
Understanding Anti Slip Mat Performance
Not all mats labelled "anti-slip" are equal. Genuine slip-prevention performance requires:
- PTV 36+ when wet (tested per BS 7976 pendulum test) — the HSE standard for low slip risk
- DIN 51130 R10+ for wet areas, R11+ for oil/grease environments
- Performance maintained after cleaning with relevant cleaning products
- Dimensional stability — a mat that curls at the edges is itself a trip hazard
Anti Slip Mat Rating Comparison
| Rating System | Rating | Performance Level | Suitable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTV (BS 7976) | <25 | High slip risk | Not acceptable |
| PTV (BS 7976) | 25-35 | Moderate slip risk | Dry areas only |
| PTV (BS 7976) | 36+ | Low slip risk | All commercial applications |
| DIN 51130 | R9 | Low | Dry areas only |
| DIN 51130 | R10 | Moderate | Wet commercial floors |
| DIN 51130 | R11 | High | Commercial kitchens, wet industry |
| DIN 51130 | R12 | Very high | Heavy industrial, oil-contaminated |
The Right Mat for Every Location
Bathrooms and Shower Areas
The bathroom is one of the highest-risk rooms in a UK home for slip accidents — particularly for elderly residents. The right anti slip mat for bathrooms must:
- Achieve R10 or PTV 36+ in wet conditions
- Be stable and non-curling
- For domestic baths/showers: suction-cup backing to prevent mat movement
- For wet rooms: heavy rubber mat without suction cups (weight keeps in place)
- Be easy to lift and clean to prevent mould and bacteria
Commercial and Domestic Kitchens
Kitchen anti slip mats must handle wet floors, cooking oil, food debris and frequent cleaning. Best options:
- Open-grid rubber drainage mats at sink and cooking positions
- Anti-fatigue anti-slip mats at standing positions
- Solid rubber ribbed mats for walk areas where drainage mats aren't appropriate
For commercial kitchens: R11 minimum rating. For domestic kitchens: R10 acceptable.
Industrial Wet Areas
Industrial environments present the most severe anti slip mat requirements. Choose:
- R11-R12 rated rubber for wet/oil-contaminated areas
- Open-grid drainage design to manage water and process fluids
- Anti-fatigue properties where workers stand for extended periods
- Chemical resistance matched to your specific process chemicals
- Heavy-duty construction rated for forklift and pedestrian traffic
Stairs and Ramps
Stair tread anti-slip mats reduce one of the most dangerous slip locations in any building. Key requirements:
- Profiled front edge that sits flush with the stair nosing — no raised edges
- Ribbed or grooved surface running across the tread (perpendicular to direction of travel)
- Secure fixing — self-adhesive or mechanical fixing prevents mat movement
- High contrast colour for visibility — particularly important for elderly users
Building Entrances
Wet UK weather means building entrances are constantly at risk of slip accidents as water and grit are tracked in on footwear. Heavy rubber entrance mats combining dirt trapping with PTV 36+ anti-slip performance are essential at all public-access entrances.
Legal Requirements: UK Workplace Anti Slip Rules
Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, employers must ensure floors are kept free of conditions likely to cause slipping or tripping. This is enforced by the HSE and has been the basis of numerous successful injury compensation claims. Key obligations:
- Identify and assess slip risk zones in your workplace
- Implement control measures — including anti-slip mats where appropriate
- Maintain mats in safe condition (inspect, replace worn mats)
- Keep records of inspections and maintenance
- Report slip accidents under RIDDOR where applicable
The HSE's STEP (Slips and Trips eLearning Package) tool recommends anti-slip matting as a primary control in wet work environments. See our anti-slip mat range for HSE-compliant options.
Mat Selection Guide by Application
| Location | Recommended Mat Type | Minimum Rating | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic bathroom | Ribbed rubber with suction cups | R10/PTV36 | Suction backing, easy-clean |
| Commercial kitchen | Open-grid drainage mat | R11 | Oil resistant, drainage holes |
| Industrial wet area | Heavy duty drainage mat | R11-R12 | Chemical resistant, robust |
| Building entrance | Ribbed entrance mat | PTV36+ | Dirt scraping, moisture absorption |
| Workshop/garage | Solid ribbed rubber | R10+ | Oil resistant, heavy duty |
| Care home corridor | Low-profile bevelled edge mat | PTV36+ | No trip hazard, high visibility |
Installation and Maintenance
Installation: Anti slip mats should lay flat without curling. Heavy rubber mats stay in position through their own weight. Lighter mats require rubber-backed non-slip underlay, suction cups or adhesive fixing.
Maintenance: Clean regularly — a dirty mat loses its grip. Replace when surface texture is worn. Inspect edges and backing regularly — a mat that curls at the edges is a trip hazard.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if an anti slip mat is genuinely non-slip?
Ask for PTV test results (36+ when wet) or DIN 51130 R-rating certificate. Claims without published test data are unreliable.
Best anti slip mat for a wet floor?
Open-grid rubber drainage mat — allows liquid to drain through rather than pool. Or ribbed rubber PTV 36+ for non-drainage areas.
How long do anti slip mats last?
5-15 years depending on application. Replace when surface texture is worn to maintain certified PTV performance.
Are anti slip mats a legal requirement in UK workplaces?
Employers must control slip risk under the Workplace Regulations 1992. Anti-slip mats are a recognised control measure. Failure to use them in wet areas creates significant liability.
What PTV do I need for a commercial kitchen?
Minimum PTV 36 when wet; aim for DIN 51130 R11 in cooking and oil-contaminated areas. Open-grid drainage mats are the standard solution.
Can anti slip mats cause trips?
Yes if poorly chosen. Choose mats with bevelled edges, appropriate weight, and non-curl backing. Inspect regularly and replace when edges lift.
What is the difference between R10, R11 and R12?
DIN 51130 R-ratings measure slip resistance with oil: R10 = moderate (wet areas), R11 = high (commercial kitchens), R12 = very high (heavy industrial). Most workplace mats are R10-R11.
Find the right anti slip mat. Browse anti slip mats UK — PTV 36+ certified with free UK delivery.
William Hartley
Safety Flooring Consultant, Rubberco
William is a certified safety flooring consultant and former HSE inspector with 22 years of experience in workplace safety and slip prevention. A qualified risk assessor and IOSH member, he specialises in DIN 51130 R-ratings and HSE-compliant flooring. Read William's full profile →
