In the UK, slip resistance readings are primarily derived from the Pendulum Test, which measures the slip potential of floor surfaces.
These readings are expressed as Pendulum Test Values (PTV) or sometimes as Slip Resistance Values (SRV).
The readings indicate how likely a person is to slip on a particular surface under specific conditions, with higher values indicating lower slip potential.
The PTV scale is categorised to reflect the likelihood of slipping:
Surfaces with a PTV of 0 to 24 are considered highly slippery, especially when wet or contaminated.
These surfaces pose a significant risk of slip incidents and are typically not suitable for areas where the floors are likely to become wet or contaminated.
Surfaces within this range have a moderate risk of slipping.
While safer than the high-risk category, they still require caution and might need additional safety measures.
Surfaces with a PTV of 36 or higher are considered to have a low risk of slipping.
These surfaces are generally deemed safe for public and workspaces, even when wet or contaminated.
A PTV of 36 is the minimum threshold recommended by the Health and Safety Executive
The PTV can vary significantly depending on whether the surface is dry, wet, or contaminated with substances like oil, water or dust having a significant effect on the slip resistance of the flooring.
Testing is conducted in both dry and water wet conditions to ensure the surface is safe for use in most commonly found conditions.
Different rubber sliders are used to simulate various conditions:
Slider 55 (TRRL rubber): Used to simulate barefoot conditions or softer soled footwear.
Slider 96 (Four S rubber): Used to simulate standard shoe sole footwear.
The roughness or texture of the surface plays a crucial role. Smoother surfaces generally have lower PTVs, especially when wet, while more textured surfaces tend to have higher PTVs.
PTV ratings are used across various industries and settings to ensure safety:
Public Spaces: Ensuring that floors in shopping centres, leisure centres, hospitals, and public buildings meet the recommended PTV.
Workplaces: Compliance with safety regulations in industries like leisure centres etc, where slip hazards are more common.
Residential Areas: Kitchens and bathrooms areas etc. are often tested to reduce slip risks.
Transport Hubs: Airports and train stations use PTV ratings to maintain safety in high-traffic areas.
In the UK, slip resistance readings based on Pendulum Test Values (PTV) are critical for assessing the safety of walking surfaces.
A PTV of 36 or above indicates a low slip potential, which is the standard benchmark for most environments.
Surfaces with lower PTVs require additional measures to mitigate slip risks, ensuring compliance with health and safety guidelines.
Every environment is unique, which is why we offer customised testing solutions matched to your specific requirements.
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