“A PTV of 36 or more is generally the benchmark people look for — but it still needs context.”
If you have had a pendulum slip test completed, one of the first things you may look for in the report is the Pendulum Test Value, often shortened to PTV.
In many cases, people want to know one thing: does the floor score 36 or more?
A PTV of 36 or above is commonly used as an indicator of low slip potential, particularly when assessing wet floor conditions. However, the result should still be understood in context, including the surface, contamination, footwear, cleaning regime and how the floor is actually used.
Quick Answer: What does a PTV of 36 mean?
A PTV of 36 or more is generally considered to indicate low slip potential when measured using a pendulum slip test. A result below 36 may indicate increased slip risk, especially in wet or contaminated conditions, and should be reviewed as part of a wider slip risk assessment.
Key Takeaways – PTV 36 in Slip Testing
- PTV stands for Pendulum Test Value and is the result produced during pendulum slip testing.
- A PTV of 36 or more is commonly used as a low slip potential benchmark, especially for wet floor testing.
- A result below 36 does not automatically mean a floor is illegal, but it may indicate increased slip risk that needs reviewing.
- PTV results should be considered alongside real site conditions, including cleaning, contamination, footwear and how the floor is used.
Jump to:
What Is PTV in Slip Testing?
PTV stands for Pendulum Test Value. It is the numerical result produced during a pendulum slip test.
The test uses a pendulum slip tester to simulate the action of a heel striking a floor surface. The higher the PTV, the greater the measured slip resistance of the surface under the test conditions.
PTV results are commonly used to assess the slip potential of flooring in workplaces, public areas, commercial buildings, warehouses, leisure facilities and other environments where slips, trips and falls may be a risk.
Read our full guide: What Is Pendulum Slip Testing?
Why Is a PTV of 36 Important?
A PTV of 36 or more is widely used as a benchmark for low slip potential, particularly when assessing wet floor conditions.
This matters because many slip incidents happen when flooring becomes wet, contaminated or poorly maintained. A floor may feel acceptable when dry, but become much more slippery once water, oil, dust or other contamination is introduced.
If a floor can achieve a PTV of 36 or more in the relevant conditions, it can provide useful evidence that the surface has been assessed and has a lower measured slip potential.
That does not mean the number should be viewed in isolation. The test result should be considered alongside the workplace, the likely contaminants, the cleaning process, the footwear worn and the actual way people move across the floor.
What Happens If a Floor Scores Below PTV 36?
A PTV below 36 may indicate a higher slip potential, especially if the result relates to wet or contaminated testing.
It does not automatically mean the floor is unlawful or must be replaced immediately, but it should trigger a review of the wider slip risk.
Depending on the site, this may involve looking at:
- Cleaning methods and cleaning frequency
- Likely contamination, such as water, oil, dust or food residue
- Drainage and entrance matting
- Footwear requirements
- Changes in floor gradient or surface finish
- Whether a different floor surface is needed
In some cases, further testing may be needed after cleaning changes, remedial work or surface treatment.
Does a PTV of 36 Guarantee Nobody Will Slip?
No. A PTV of 36 or more is a useful benchmark, but it does not guarantee that nobody will ever slip.
Slip risk is affected by more than the floor surface alone. Even a floor with a good PTV result can become hazardous if it is poorly cleaned, contaminated, worn, damaged or used with unsuitable footwear.
For example, a surface may test well when clean and wet, but perform differently if exposed to oil, fine dust, grease, food residue or heavy wear.
Important:
PTV is not a magic number that removes all responsibility. It is evidence that helps you understand and manage slip risk more effectively.
Can a PTV of 36 Help Defend Slip Claims?
It can help, provided the testing is relevant, recorded and forms part of a wider slip risk management approach.
If you can show that your flooring achieved a PTV of 36 or more under appropriate test conditions, it may provide useful evidence that the surface was assessed and had low measured slip potential at the time of testing.
This can be valuable if you need to respond to slip complaints, insurance queries or claims. However, the test result is only one part of the evidence picture. Cleaning records, inspection logs, maintenance actions and incident records may also matter.
Velocity Safety provides independent pendulum slip testing to help businesses understand floor slip resistance and support risk assessment decisions.
How Often Should PTV Be Checked?
There is no single fixed interval that applies to every floor. The right frequency depends on the environment, the level of traffic, the type of contamination, previous incidents and how quickly the floor surface may wear.
Floors in high-traffic or wet areas may need more regular review than low-risk areas with little contamination.
Testing may also be sensible:
- Before installing new flooring
- After a slip incident or complaint
- After surface treatment or remedial work
- When changing cleaning chemicals or cleaning methods
- When a floor surface begins to look worn or polished
See why flooring samples should be slip tested before installation.
Final Takeaway
A PTV of 36 or more is generally the benchmark used to indicate low slip potential, especially in wet floor conditions.
However, the result should always be understood in context. A good PTV result supports your slip risk assessment, but it does not replace good housekeeping, cleaning, maintenance and sensible control measures.
If you are unsure what your floor’s PTV result means, get it reviewed by someone competent in pendulum slip testing and slip risk assessment.
Arrange Pendulum Slip Testing
Need to understand whether your flooring has a low slip potential? Velocity Safety can carry out independent pendulum slip testing on-site or on flooring samples in our workshop.
📞 Call: 01254 933486
📩 Email: info@velocitysafety.co.uk
🌐 Or contact us online
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions we are commonly asked about PTV results, slip testing and what a value of 36 means in practice.
What does PTV stand for?
PTV stands for Pendulum Test Value. It is the result produced during a pendulum slip test and is used to assess floor slip resistance.
Is PTV 36 good?
Yes, a PTV of 36 or more is generally considered to indicate low slip potential, especially when assessing wet floor conditions.
What does a PTV below 36 mean?
A PTV below 36 may indicate increased slip potential. It does not automatically mean a floor is unlawful, but the result should be reviewed as part of a wider slip risk assessment.
Does PTV 36 mean a floor is completely safe?
No. A PTV of 36 is a useful benchmark, but slip risk also depends on contamination, cleaning, footwear, maintenance and how the floor is used.
Can PTV results help defend slip claims?
PTV results can provide useful evidence that a floor has been tested and assessed. They are most useful when supported by cleaning records, maintenance logs and a suitable slip risk assessment.
