Slip Testing FAQ

Slip resistance testing is a method used to measure how much traction or grip a surface provides underfoot. Surfaces can vary widely in their slip resistance properties, and understanding these properties is essential for ensuring safety in both public and private spaces. Imagine walking on a wet floor or a surface covered in oil. Without sufficient traction, your feet can easily slip, leading to accidents and injuries. Slip resistance testing helps us quantify the level of friction or grip a surface offers, allowing us to assess the risk of slips and falls accurately.

The benefits of floor slip testing include improved safety for employees and customers, reduced liability risks, and compliance with health and safety standards.

Definitely, slip testing can help identify potential slip hazards allowing you to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of accidents.

testing should be conducted regularly (at least every 12 months) especially in high-traffic areas, or when a new cleaning regime has been implemented or a change of use.

BS 16165:2021 is a British Standard that specifically focuses on the assessment of slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces. Published by the British Standards Institution (BSI), it provides guidelines and recommendations for measuring and evaluating the slip resistance of various surfaces, such as floors, walkways, and pavements.

Health and Safety at Work Act 1974: This legislation places a duty of care on employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and others who may be affected by their acts or omissions. While the Act does not explicitly require slip resistance testing, it necessitates taking reasonable steps to prevent accidents and maintain safe working environments, which may include assessing and managing slip risks.

Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999: These regulations require employers to conduct risk assessments to identify hazards in the workplace, including slip and trip hazards. Employers are then obligated to take appropriate measures to control these risks, which may involve testing the slip resistance of floors as part of the risk assessment process.

Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992: These regulations cover various aspects of workplace health and safety, including the need for suitable flooring that is not slippery. While they do not specifically mandate slip resistance testing, they emphasize the importance of providing safe walking surfaces.

Building Regulations: Building regulations in the UK may include requirements related to slip resistance in certain types of buildings or construction projects. For example, Part M of the Building Regulations addresses accessibility and may specify minimum standards for slip resistance in areas such as ramps and stairs.

Industry-Specific Guidance: Certain industries may have specific guidance or standards related to slip resistance. For example, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides guidance for specific sectors, and organizations such as the British Standards Institution (BSI) publish standards related to flooring and slip resistance testing.

While there may not be a direct legal requirement to test floor slipperiness, failure to address slip hazards adequately could result in enforcement action by regulatory authorities or civil liability if someone is injured as a result of a slip or fall on the premises. Therefore, conducting slip resistance testing and taking appropriate measures to manage slip risks is considered good practice and essential for complying with health and safety obligations in the UK.

We offer a nationwide service to our customers with our team able to respond to enquiries very quickly, anytime, anywhere.

You can easily request slip testing services by contacting our team and scheduling an appointment for assessment and testing.