Risk assessment or investigative slip testing in situ

Grip Potential offer an independent, accurate and value for money slip test providing you with a thorough report detailing the slip risk potential of your floors.

What is included in our slip testing service?

• Pendulum slip testing to BS 7976-2 (the HSE's preferred in situ slip test method) & the latest UKSRG guidelines. This slip test and the subsequent measure of slip resistance forms the foundation of our assessment, but other important factors must be considered.
•  Measurement of the surface roughness (Rz parameter). Rather than being a secondary slip test, this gives additional information about the surface construction, wear and risks from contamination.
•  A "Slips Potential Model" risk assessment of the test area taking into account any and all factors affecting the potential for a slip to occur. The risk of a slip occurring is dependent on both the floor surface and the environment in which it is situated.
• Real time feedback on results and risk classifications, verbal comment on possible remedial actions (if necessary) and a formal copy of all results recorded before we leave site.
•  A full and comprehensive slip risk assessment report, including clear results of the slip test and an explanation of their implication in the assessed environment. Where appropriate we can offer impartial advice on the best ways to reduce slip risk. Full reports are issued within a guaranteed 5 working days but often sooner.

"Your service has been exemplary and professional in all aspects from initial consultation to submittal of the report." - Alan Downs, Bam Construction South

Why use Grip Potential?

Evidence of accuracy. All test equipment is externally calibrated annually by independent UKAS accredited bodies. UKAS calibration certification is included in all slip test reports, alongside certificates of conformity for all standard materials used. In addition, verification checks are conducted and recorded prior to each and every assessment.

Expertise. Our testing is conducted only by experienced operators.  Our Director, Ben Powers, has been conducting testing on a daily basis for almost 9 years, with over 5,000 individual assessments under his belt for Grip Potential.  He is a full member of both the UK Slip Resistance Group and the Academy of Experts and a Technical member of IOSH.

Reputation. Our services are regularly employed by forensic engineers, solicitors and lawyers in personal injury cases. Despite having only started trading in 2009 approximately 40% of our business is from repeat customers. We are members of the UK Slip Resistance Group, the leading independent authority on slip resistance in the UK. We regularly take part in cross laboratory slip test research projects to further the understanding of pedestrian slip risk. Our clients consistently rate our service highly and many testimonials can be found on this site.

Compliance to established standards. Our slip test is conducted in strict compliance with the HSE's preferred in situ test method BS 7976 (the Pendulum), alongside the latest UKSRG Guidelines. Reports for slip injury accident investigation and litigation are fully CPR compliant.

 Independence. We remain completely independent from any anti-slip solution providers and never profit from any referrals. Our independence ensures an unbiased test, free from the commercial pressure to sell an anti-slip floor or treatment. If our slip test does show that surface improvement is required, we can impartially recommend anti-slip products we have previously tested on similar floors and in similar environments, from contractors or manufacturers we know and trust.

Price. When it comes to the safety of staff/visitors price shouldn't matter, but we know that it does. We aim to be the cheapest independent test consultancy without compromising on the accuracy and attention to detail required to present reports to a court. We are able to offer competition beating pricing across the UK through efficient operation, economy of scale and modest profit margins. Be aware of those cutting corners to offer cheap rates, your report could let you down in court.

"The testing that took place on site was extremely thorough and the report that followed was top notch" - Jonathan Hughes, Norland Managed Services Ltd

What to expect from a slip test visit

Pendulum slip testing requires access to approximately 1m² of floor surface. Surface roughness measurements are conducted on the same spot as pendulum tests. Slip tests are clean and quiet and do not affect the floor any more than walking across it would. No external power is required and access to any wet flooring is restricted at all times.

Where necessary test sites are protected by a pedestrian barrier, ensuring that pedestrians are not exposed to a wet and potentially slippery floor or permitted to trip over test equipment or its operator. We can (and regularly do) conduct testing in busy areas such as shopping centres, transport terminals and restaurants without incident.

The time required to conduct a slip test in a single area is around 15 to 30 minutes. Tests can be conducted around the clock as necessary, at no additional cost in most cases.
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It can often be beneficial to conduct tests alongside cleaning contractors. If the floor is heavily soiled it is likely that an effective deep clean will significantly increase slip resistance. 

Further information

BS 7976 - The Pendulum Test
In House Slip Testing
Rz - Surface Roughness
Slips Potential Model

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