The pendulum test is the primary recognised method to measure slip resistance by authorities. It is worth noting that HSE recommends BS7976, the British pendulum skid resistance test and it is this solitary slip reading test that is recognised, considered and used in the court of law.
Furthermore, a Pendulum slip certificate displayed on your premises could well deter fraudulent claims, as well as support your case in court in the event of a claim. With an increasing culture of compensation, so much can rest on the pendulum slip test that it is surprising that insurance companies don’t insist on this certification as standard.
The British pendulum skid resistance test
So, exactly how does the Pendulum slip resistance test work?
Well, the independent slip testing services use the British pendulum skid resistance tester. The slip resistance tester is set to simulate a slip. The pendulum slider strikes the floor and slides across the testing surface for 150 mm. The needle attached to it delivers the resistance values. Various measurements and readings on dry floors and wet floors are recorded. The values the slip resistance tester returns are known as PTV or pendulum test value.
When should you be worried?
The pendulum test values vary between 0 to 150. If, the anti-slip rating is recorded between 0 -24 the risk of slip and trip is high.
25 – 35 it is moderate risk.
35 and above, the risk of slip and trip is minimal.
These professional independent slip testing services usually take almost an hour to carry out the test. However, if the test is being carried out during office hours, ensure that you call a trustworthy independent slip testing service so that they stay out of your staff’s way and the disruption is minimal.
Should you be worried?
I would like to bring to your notice here that usually, it has been observed that, employers had been waiting for the accidents to happen and then an anti-slip rating is considered. However, if you are wise enough, you would know that prevention is more beneficial in the long run. If you are really serious about keeping your organisation and your employees out of harm’s way, I would recommend you to commission a test and ensure that your floor surface is in top notch condition.
It goes without saying that the roughness of the floor is usually not the factor that contributes to slips and trips but that high gloss flooring often has the higher risk of slips and trips especially when wet.
While I hope that your floor will pass the slip test without issue, I am sure that the testing will increase your value in the eyes of your employees as the act would demonstrate your concern as an employer for the staff welfare. Moreover, the test prices begin around £350 and HSE guidelines certified floor will give you peace of mind against all the slip and trip injury claims.