Slip testing is a type of service that involves evaluating the slip resistance of a floor or surface. Slip resistance refers to the ability of a surface to provide traction or grip underfoot, and is an important safety consideration in many settings. Slip testing is often performed in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in public spaces such as schools, hospitals, and transportation hubs.
There are several methods that can be used to test the slip resistance of a surface, including the wet and dry pendulum test, the inclined plane test, and the British Pendulum Test. These tests involve applying a lubricant to the surface and measuring the amount of force required to cause the surface to slip. The results of the test can be used to determine the slip resistance of the surface and whether it meets safety standards or guidelines.
Slip testing is typically performed by professionals who are trained in the use of specialized equipment and methods. They can provide a report on the slip resistance of the surface, as well as recommendations for any necessary repairs or modifications to improve the slip resistance.
Slip testing in UK
In the United Kingdom, slip testing is typically performed to ensure that surfaces in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in public spaces, meet the appropriate safety standards. There are several standards and guidelines that are used to evaluate the slip resistance of surfaces in the UK, including:
The Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance document “Slips and trips: the most common cause of accidents in the workplace”
The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) “Slips and trips: reducing and preventing slips and trips in the workplace”
The British Standard BS 7976-2:2002 “Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces. Test method for the measurement of wet slip resistance”
These documents provide guidance on the appropriate slip resistance values for different types of surfaces and environments, as well as the methods and equipment that should be used for slip testing. Slip testing professionals in the UK will typically follow these guidelines when performing slip testing services.
What is the UK skid resistance law?
In the United Kingdom, there is no specific law that requires surfaces to meet a specific level of slip resistance. However, there are a number of guidelines and standards that recommend minimum levels of slip resistance for certain types of surfaces and environments. These guidelines and standards are intended to help ensure the safety of people who may come into contact with the surfaces, and to help prevent slips and falls.
One of the primary guidelines for slip resistance in the UK is the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) guidance document “Slips and trips: the most common cause of accidents in the workplace,” which recommends minimum levels of slip resistance for various types of surfaces and environments. The HSE’s Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) “Slips and trips: reducing and preventing slips and trips in the workplace” also provides guidance on the slip resistance of surfaces.
In addition to these guidelines, the British Standard BS 7976-2:2002 “Slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces. Test method for the measurement of wet slip resistance” provides a standard method for measuring the slip resistance of surfaces. This standard is often used by slip testing professionals in the UK when evaluating the slip resistance of a surface.
While there is no specific law that requires surfaces to meet a specific level of slip resistance in the UK, employers and building owners have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their employees and visitors. This includes maintaining surfaces in a safe condition and ensuring that they have appropriate levels of slip resistance.
How does Pendulum Slip Testing work?
Pendulum slip testing is a method used to evaluate the slip resistance of a floor or surface. It involves applying a lubricant to the surface and measuring the amount of force required to cause the surface to slip. The test is performed using a specialized piece of equipment called a pendulum tester, which consists of a swinging arm with a rubber slider attached to the end.
To perform a pendulum slip test, the pendulum tester is placed on the surface to be tested and a lubricant is applied to the surface. The pendulum tester is then swung back and forth, and the force required to cause the rubber slider to slip is measured. The results of the test are used to determine the slip resistance of the surface and whether it meets safety standards or guidelines.
There are several different types of pendulum slip testers, including the wet and dry pendulum test, the British Pendulum Test, and the inclined plane test. These tests may vary slightly in the specific method used to apply the lubricant and measure the force required to cause the surface to slip, but the general principle of using a pendulum tester to evaluate slip resistance is the same.
Pendulum slip testing is typically performed by trained professionals who are skilled in the use of specialized equipment and methods. They can provide a report on the slip resistance of the surface, as well as recommendations for any necessary repairs or modifications to improve the slip resistance.
Pendulum slip testing by Munro
Munro is a company that provides a range of testing and inspection services, including pendulum slip testing. As a professional testing and inspection company, Munro likely uses specialized equipment and follows established industry standards and guidelines when performing pendulum slip testing
After performing the pendulum slip test, Munro would provide a report on the slip resistance of the surface, as well as recommendations for any necessary repairs or modifications to improve the slip resistance. This information can be used by building owners and facility managers to ensure that their surfaces meet the appropriate safety standards and guidelines..
