Understanding Pendulum Slip Resistance Test And ALARP

We have established time and again that pendulum slip resistance test in London and across the UK conducted by independent slip testing services or any independent slip testing services that is a part of UK slip resistance group would be considered by the court of law..

We also know that the anti slip rating or PTV (Pendulum Test Value) for wet floor must be 36 or above. However, there is a fair argument about the values closer to 36. What if the anti slip rating achieved by pendulum slip resistance test is say 34 or 35?

Understanding ALARP

When the risk has been reduced to as least as possible or ‘As Low as Reasonably Practical’ i.e. termed as ALARP.

Now, it is worth noting here that just because the anti-slip rating of the wet floor is 35 and not 36 or more it will not automatically qualify for ALARP. The ALARP principle is a substantive argument when it weighs against the effort, expense and time required against the gravity of the risk.

Though we understand that statically analysis forms a base for all kinds of scientific conclusions, yet it is extremely challenging to determine the safety in respect to slip and trip accidents. Tons of data is available to research when it comes to conducting research and getting to know the cause of the mishap in any other form of accidents such as car crash or plane crash. One of the main reasons that the challenge becomes bigger in case of slip and trip is that the data is scant. A slip, trip and fall accident happens to be such a common thing that unless it results into something major or unless the accident is fatal, the incident is never reported.

After weighing the available statistical data, considering all the views of doctors, researchers, Tribologist (those who study engineering and science of interacting surfaces in relative motion) and scientist via published research papers; HSE concluded the extremely challenging decision.

It was concluded that risk as low as 1 in a million slips will qualify as ALARP. When the ALARP risk was translated into PTV, it emerged as PTV 36.

[av_table purpose=’tabular’ pricing_table_design=’avia_pricing_default’ pricing_hidden_cells=” caption=” responsive_styling=’avia_responsive_table’] [av_row row_style=’avia-heading-row’][av_cell col_style=”]PTV[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Probability[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Risk of Slip and trip [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Decimal Risk Factor[/av_cell][/av_row] [av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]36 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]1 in 1,000,000 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Low Risk [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Between0.36 and 0.40 [/av_cell][/av_row] [av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]34 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]1 in 100,000 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Moderate Risk [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Between 0.34 and 0.38 [/av_cell][/av_row] [av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]29 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]1 in 10,000 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Moderate to High Risk [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Between 0.29 and 0.34 [/av_cell][/av_row] [av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]27 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]1 in 200 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]High Risk [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Between 0.27 and 0.32 [/av_cell][/av_row] [av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]24 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]1 in 20 [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Extremely High Risk [/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Between 0.24 and 0.29 [/av_cell][/av_row] [av_row row_style=”][av_cell col_style=”]Less than 24[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]> 1 in 20[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Dangerous[/av_cell][av_cell col_style=”]Less than 0.24[/av_cell][/av_row] [/av_table]

HSE’s segregation of the slip risk and PVT is based on the co-efficient of friction between wet flooring and foot.

Well before you begin to get worried about the PTV interpretation, secure your peace of mind by simply getting in touch with independent slip testing services that is a part of UK slip resistance group and get you anti slip rating at least once a year.