Cutting Through The Jargon




• The pendulum is a straightforward, yet highly precise instrument used to measure slip resistance. 



• The pendulum is a weight attached to a fixed point, allowing it to swing freely. At the bottom of its arm is a small rubber slider, about the size of a domino, designed to mimic the grip of a heel or barefoot. 



• When the pendulum swings, this slider makes contact with the floor over a distance of 125mm, simulating the action of a heel slipping on the surface. 



• The pendulum's arm carries a needle, which records a slip resistance value based on how much resistance it encounters. 



• The results are categorised: 0-24 PTV (high risk), 25-35 PTV (moderate risk), and over 35 PTV (low risk). 



• Crucially, it works for both wet and dry conditions and is the only portable, on-site measurement tool in the UK that replicates a real-life slip scenario—making it the gold standard and the only readings used in a court of law.

Cutting Through The Jargon


• The pendulum is a straightforward, yet highly precise instrument used to measure slip resistance. 


• The pendulum is a weight attached to a fixed point, allowing it to swing freely. At the bottom of its arm is a small rubber slider, about the size of a domino, designed to mimic the grip of a heel or barefoot. 


• When the pendulum swings, this slider makes contact with the floor over a distance of 125mm, simulating the action of a heel slipping on the surface. 


• The pendulum's arm carries a needle, which records a slip resistance value based on how much resistance it encounters. 


• The results are categorised: 0-24 PTV (high risk), 25-35 PTV (moderate risk), and over 35 PTV (low risk). 


• Crucially, it works for both wet and dry conditions and is the only portable, on-site measurement tool in the UK that replicates a real-life slip scenario—making it the gold standard and the only readings used in a court of law.



CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY – COUNCILS:

MORGAN SINDALL – WILLMOTT DIXON – LANG O ROURKE -ROBERT MCALPIEN – NETWORK RAIL – GALLIFORD TRY – BABCOCK – CARILLION – OVERBURY – ST GEORGE – SKANSKA – LENDLEASE – MCALPINE – COFELY – MACE – KIER – BECK – BAM – ISG ST HELENS – BEFORDSHIRE - IPSWICH - ST ALBANS - BRADFORD - LUTON - HORSHAM – BIRMINGHAM.


LEISURE – HOTELS – RESTAURANTS:

DAVID LLOYD – BANNATYNE – AMEDIA – FITNESS FIRST -HILTON – RAMADA – MARRIOT – BROWNS – CLARIDGES – TRAVELODGE - PREMIER INN – JURYS INN -NANDOS – CARLUCCIOS – COTE – BYRON – TGI FRIDAY – STARBUCKS – CAFE ROUGE – CAFE NERO – WETHERSPOONS – GREGGS.


OTHER:

NHS – WEMBLEY – THE O2 – LONDON OLYMPICS 2012 BASKETBALL STADIUM – BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION FC – EATON AEROSPACE - LUTON AIRPORT – HEATHROW AIRPORT – JONES LANG LASSALLE – HAMMERSON – SELFRIDGES – HARRODS.

Quick Links


  • How far do you travel ?

    We travel Nationwide from our central office just 20 miles north of London. Because we have national contracts, we will find ourselves testing in Scotland & Wales several times a year.

  • How many tests would I need?

    This does depend on the location and environment. For instance, if it was a shopping center that is mainly one surface then I would suggest just testing each entrance. If it’s a restaurant then I would suggest testing all the various surfaces. We can normally ascertain a good idea of the slip resistance throughout a building within 3 to 5 tests. 

  • Do you test in both wet and dry conditions ?

    Yes, a test is classed as testing in both wet and dry conditions.  

  • I've been asked that our floor must achieve >36PTV - Why?

    Allow me to simplify it with this. The HSE through extensive testing, it's concluded that once a tile achieves >36 PTV, the risk exposure is 1 in 1 million.


    Now, this doesn't mean nobody will ever slip, but it signifies that every possible measure has been taken to reduce the chance. This can be pivotal in determining if the floor is at fault for a slip.

  • Do we need to set you up as contractor ?

    This is up to you, but it can often delay the test and sending the report through. If it’s just a one-off test we can go through another approved contractor or take payment via card.  

  • Why don't you test for personal injury or no-win-no fee law firms?

    Our mission is to educate and support businesses in meeting safety standards, reducing risk, and preventing costly litigation before it arises. Unlike many testing providers, we do not undertake work for no-win-no-fee law firms or personal injury claims companies. This independence allows us to focus solely on prevention, compliance, and protecting our clients’ interests.

  • request-appointmnet

    When would we receive the report ?

    All reports are emailed on receipt of payment. Sometimes this is same day, if the report is required asap we can issue pro forma invoice.


    We can also a send a PDF draft report straight from site if requested.

  • What is your normal lead time?

    It depends at the time but often we can look in the diary and work in several tests a day. We often test within 2/3 days of the the enquiry.

  • Can the area remain open to the public ?

    It does depend on the location but generally yes. The tests take up about 1sqm and only take a few minutes once set up. There is an uplift to the price for out of hours testing but some places this is unavoidable.

  • Can we send you a sample to test and what is the average turn around time ?

    Yes, we receive a lot of samples every week from architects and the like. This is a great way to make sure what is being offered will meet the specifications. Minimum size 200x200mm and a turn around report can often be emaled within 24 hours.

  • Do you ofer R&D testing ?

    Yes. This service has been very cost effective for businesses that are looking to introduce a new surface into the market. We offer a specail low price for this service and would be more than happy to discuss this you further.

  • I've seen some companys using other test methods like a Slipalert.

    In our opinion Slipalert and other test methods may be ok to monitor areas but it's the Pendulum that will give you the most defined and accurate PTV reading. Plus, the Pendulum is the preferred recognised method by the HSE and the only readings that can be used in UK court of law.