The Pendulum Test is a method for testing the slipperiness of any surface. It is a well-known test among contractors, architects, and other construction specialists. The test is used by the Health and Safety Executive when assessing floors for normal inspection or after an accident.
The test results are called PTV / Pendulum Test Value, which indicates the chances of an accident occurring on that kind of flooring. Dry as well as wet values are monitored carefully.
The pendulum test readings range from 19, representing a very high 1 in 2 chance of slipping, to 36, representing a very low 1 in a million chance of slipping. The difference between 19 and 36 on the pendulum test corresponds to a slip risk increase of around 1 million.
It is performed on-site and replicates the real movements of passing foot traffic. Outcomes of other laboratory-based examinations are dependent on laboratory results. That’s why this test is better than other tests.
The pendulum test may be performed on any surface. It is not limited to office levels or floors in large shopping malls. If you have slippery flooring at home, you should have the pendulum test performed to ensure the safety of family members. After the test, measures can be taken to assure the safety of the flooring.
Why Should One Perform The Pendulum Test?
The HSE (Health, safety and environment) establishes comprehensive compliance standards for flooring that is typically wet in the workplace, including restrooms, kitchens, baths, car park walks, and entryways. As experts in health and safety, you are required to apply sound judgement to identify, prioritise areas, and allocate resources accordingly. The regions with the greatest slip risk (lowest PTV score) should be given priority for repairs. This systematic and data-driven strategy can help in addressing workplace slips.
Most flooring in shopping malls, railway stations, and office buildings is required to be evaluated for its slipperiness and has to go through a pendulum test. This is because several people have had severe injuries leading to enormous medical expenses and problems. If a lawsuit is filed for damages due to a floor’s slipperiness, then in such cases, the results of the pendulum test could be very beneficial. It can prove the actual slipperiness of the floor.
The law holds the owner, contractors, management, and others responsible for the injuries to pay off the victim’s hefty damages. To avoid all this, keep the results of your pendulum/slip test ready beforehand.
The test, therefore, determines the floor’s slipperiness. If the floor passes the test, it is considered safe for foot traffic. If unsafe, then measures must be taken to guarantee that the floor does not result in injuries or litigations. This way, the slip/pendulum test protects everyone from suffering a loss, including the building owners, managers and innocent bystanders.
Who Performs a Pendulum Test?
There are a variety of companies that offer slip testing service . One of them is the “MUNRO” company. Which provides the service as well as the equipment to perform an independent test. MUNRO is an old British company since 1864
Consider the Following Components:
– A reliable test
– Expertise of the company
– Reputation of the company
– HSE’s preferred in situ test method BS 7976 (the Pendulum),
– Independence completely
– Attractive prices
