There are plenty of companies that offer to perform pendulum slip resistance testing, however only a small handful of companies are actually accredited by UKAS. Using a UKAS-accredited company for slip testing is crucial for several reasons, primarily to ensure the accuracy, reliability, and legal defensibility of the results.
1. Accurate & Reliable Results
UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) is the national accreditation body in the UK that assesses organizations against rigorous standards. When a company is UKAS-accredited for slip testing, it means they have been evaluated to ensure their testing methods, equipment, and personnel meet internationally recognized standards. This ensures the results are accurate and consistent, which is vital for assessing safety properly.
2. Compliance with Standards
UKAS accreditation means the company complies with various British and international standards for testing and calibration, such as BS 7976 (the standard for slip resistance testing). If a slip test isn’t performed to these standards, you might not be able to demonstrate due diligence or meet the legal requirements in case of an incident.
3. Legal and Insurance Protection
If you’re conducting slip resistance testing for legal or insurance purposes, UKAS accreditation is critical. Courts and insurers are more likely to trust results from UKAS-accredited companies because they meet recognized quality and competency standards. In case of a claim or dispute over an accident, the testing will carry more weight if it has been done by a UKAS-accredited company.
4. Confidence in the Process
Accreditation guarantees that the company follows strict processes for calibration, testing, and quality control. UKAS ensures that all equipment is maintained and calibrated regularly, and their testing methodologies are aligned with the latest best practices in the field. This minimizes the potential for human error or bias and helps give you confidence that the results reflect the actual safety of the surface being tested.
5. Risk Reduction
Slip and trip accidents are among the most common causes of workplace injuries, and businesses are legally required to ensure their environments are safe. UKAS accreditation ensures that slip testing is thorough and conducted properly, helping you identify high-risk areas and mitigate potential hazards. This can prevent costly accidents and lawsuits.
6. Third-Party Assurance
Being accredited by UKAS means that the company has been assessed and evaluated by an independent third party. This external validation adds a layer of transparency and trust, giving you peace of mind that the testing process is impartial and credible.
7. Continual Improvement
UKAS-accredited companies are subject to regular audits and assessments to ensure they maintain high standards of quality. This ongoing evaluation promotes continuous improvement in their processes and practices, so you can be confident that you’re getting the most up-to-date and reliable service.
In summary, using a UKAS-accredited company for slip testing ensures that you are getting precise, reliable results that meet both industry standards and legal requirements, which is essential for maintaining safety and protecting your business.
Most businesses recognise the importance of using a UKAS accredited company for slip testing related activities. This is particularly important for companies such as Network Rail, The NHS and Transport for London. If you require further information about the importance of UKAS accredited slip resistance then the below link may be of interest:
https://www.ukas.com/resources/resources/surface-performance-case-study
This case study was issued by UKAS and describes the importance of Surface Performance Ltd’s UKAS accreditation.