The range and scope of slip testing methods can be somewhat bewildering to the newcomer. Whilst there is no universally recognised 'definitive slip risk test', BS7976 (The Pendulum) probably comes closest. Research is ongoing into a more unified approach to the assessment of slip risk, however until such an approach is widely adopted the possibility of mismatched and sometimes misleading slip testing remains.

The accuracy of the slip test method lies largely in its ability to replicate, measure and classify the behaviour of a heel slip in the conditions that it is likely to occur. Some tests provide accurate results in particular conditions, eg. DIN51130, however results are misleading when the conditions of the surface and footwear in end use are significantly different to test conditions.

Grip Potential can provide advice and testing to the following:

BS 7976 (The Pendulum Method) - On-site or in-house assessment using the HSE's preferred method of testing with contaminants relevant to the test site. An extensive history of correlation to slip incidents and its recognition by independent experts as the most accurate measure of slip resistance make this our preferred method.

Rz Surface Roughness - Not to be considered a slip test in its own right, surface roughness measurements taken in support of a pendulum assessment can provide additional information about a floor surface and its ability to cope with contaminants.

DIN 51130 (Ramp testing) - A commonly used German method that produces an 'R value' ranging from 9 to 13. Though commonly used the method utilises motor oil contamination, which is not always representative of end use.

DIN 51097 (Ramp testing) - A method similar to DIN 51130, the tests are conducted barefoot using soapy water. This test can be useful for wet room products.

The HSL Ramp Test - A method developed by the Health and Safety Laboratory and UK Slip Resistance Group uses shoe soles representative of pedestrian footwear and contamination representative of end use.

BS EN 13036-4 - Determination of the skid resistance of a road or airfield surface. Outside the scope of pedestrian slip risk assessment the Pendulum has been adopted extensively to measure the skid resistance of road surfaces.

Not used by Grip Potential, but worthy of mention as common slip testing methods include the following:

Slips Assessment Tool - DIY slip risk assessment provided for free through the HSE's SAT. The computer program combines surface roughness measurement with a structured risk assessment to give an indication of slip risk. Shortcomings of the tool lie in its reliance on surface roughness, which should be considered as a guide rather than an accurate measure of slip resistance. Download here.

Sled Testers - Self propelled trolleys move across the surface whilst measuring drag. Popular in Italy, these have been found to give inaccurate results in contaminated conditions and as such are not adopted by Grip Potential.

SlipAlert - Although quicker and easier to use than the pendulum, the pendulum remains the preferred test method of both the HSE and UKSRG.

Alternatively, give us a call on

0845 163 0 163

Or e-mail us

info@grip-potential.com

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