DA DB-SUA / 3 Resbaladicidad de suelos – Spanish Building Code Slip Resistance Guidelines
The DA DB-SUA / 3 Resbaladicidad de suelos is a technical support document issued by the Ministerio de Vivienda y Agenda Urbana of Spain. Released on July 15, 2024, it updates previous versions from 2014 and 2019 to provide technical clarification for the Documento Básico DB-SUA (Safety of Use and Accessibility) within the Código Técnico de la Edificación (CTE). While it lacks direct regulatory force, it serves as the official administrative guide for interpreting and implementing slip resistance requirements defined under the basic safety requirement SUA1 regarding the risk of falls.
The document's scope covers the classification and testing of flooring materials across various risk scenarios, including dry interior zones, wet areas (indoor and outdoor), and zones intended for barefoot users such as swimming pools and showers. It details the methodologies for determining slip resistance using the péndulo de fricción (friction pendulum) and aligns Spanish practice with European standard UNE EN 16165:2022. Furthermore, it provides a specific list of flooring types deemed safe by the administration, which do not require individual testing under certain conditions.
The following sections outline the specific risk categories, testing protocols, and the criteria for alternative compliance in dry interior environments as established by the Ministry.
Risk Scenarios and Performance Requirements
The document identifies three primary risk scenarios that must be considered when selecting flooring to ensure safety and accessibility:
- Dry interior zones: Areas where the primary risk is dry slipping, assuming occasional wetness from cleaning is appropriately signposted.
- Wet zones: Interior and exterior areas where water is a constant or predictable contaminant.
- Barefoot zones: Specific environments such as showers, swimming pool surrounds, and pool floors where the water depth does not exceed 1.50 meters.
Friction Pendulum Testing Methodology
The required slip resistance value, denoted as Rd, is the PTV (Pendulum Test Value) obtained through the friction pendulum method. The protocol is defined by standard UNE 41901:2017 EX (or the equivalent UNE EN 16165:2022, Annex C).
- Test Equipment: A pendulum apparatus equipped with a standardized rubber slider that measures energy loss due to friction against the test surface.
- Measurement Scale: Results are recorded with a precision of 1 PTV, representing 1/5 of the scale division.
- Wet Testing: The standard test for Rd values required by DB SUA is performed on a moistened sample.
- On-site Testing: Specific procedures for testing floors already in service are detailed in section 8 of UNE 41901:2017 EX.
Alternative Compliance for Dry Interior Zones
For dry interior areas, the administration accepts an alternative testing procedure in dry conditions as described in UNE EN 16165:2022, Annex C. This method uses the Rd-96 value (determined with rubber slider 96) to establish safety thresholds:
- Slopes < 6%: The flooring is acceptable if the Rd-96 value is greater than 40.
- Slopes ≥ 6% and Stairs: The flooring is acceptable if the Rd-96 value is greater than 65.
Pre-approved Safe Flooring Materials
The document lists specific flooring materials that are considered inherently safe. These do not require testing provided their surface has not been modified by subsequent treatments like polishing or buffing:
- Concrete products: Concrete pavers (UNE EN 1338:2004), slabs (UNE EN 1339:2004), and kerbs (UNE EN 1340:2004).
- Clay pavers: Ceramic pavers (UNE EN 1344:2015) that do not have an exceptionally smooth surface.
- Natural stone: Stone with flamed (flameado) or bush-hammered (abujardado) finishes as defined in UNE EN 12670:2020.
- Classified floors: Materials categorized as R11 (ramp test) or Class B (barefoot zones) under UNE EN 16165:2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary test used for slip resistance in Spain?
The primary test is the friction pendulum method as described in standard UNE 41901:2017 EX, which provides the Rd or PTV value.
Which standard replaced national slip resistance norms in 2021?
The European standard EN 16165 was approved in 2021, leading to the technical derogation of national standards, though UNE 41901:2017 EX remains valid for regulatory purposes in Spain.
What is the minimum Rd-96 value for dry stairs?
For stairs in dry interior zones using the alternative dry test method, the Rd-96 value must be greater than 65.
Do flamed natural stone floors require slip resistance testing?
No, natural stone floors with a flamed or bush-hammered finish are considered safe and do not require testing unless their surface is subsequently modified.
How deep can a pool be to follow barefoot zone rules?
The barefoot zone slip resistance criteria apply to swimming pool floors where the depth does not exceed 1.50 meters.
Can R11 classified floors be used without pendulum testing?
Yes, floors classified as at least R11 according to UNE EN 16165:2022 are considered sufficiently safe and do not require the pendulum test.
Is the DA DB-SUA / 3 a mandatory regulation?
No, it is a Documento de Apoyo (Support Document) that provides technical guidance but lacks the legal status of a regulation, though it is used to demonstrate compliance with the DB-SUA.
