Pendulum Slip Testing: What It Is and Why It Matters
You’re here because you need to prove your floors are safe – not just in theory, but in reality. Pendulum Slip Testing is the HSE’s recognised method for doing exactly that.
It works by simulating a heel striking the floor using a swinging arm with a standardised rubber slider. The test gives you a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) score, which tells you how likely someone is to slip – especially in wet conditions.
This isn’t visual guesswork or generic advice. It’s a scientific, court-defensible test carried out to BS 7976 and UKSRG guidelines. If you’re responsible for a surface people walk on – in a leisure centre, retail unit, office, or public space – this is how you prove you’ve done your duty.
Under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992, you are legally required to ensure your floors “shall not be slippery so as to expose any person to a risk.” Pendulum testing gives you clear, auditable evidence that your floors meet that legal threshold.
If your floor scores under 36 PTV in wet conditions, you’ve got a high risk – and potentially a legal liability.
Surfaces We Test for Slip Risk
We carry out pendulum testing on a wide range of pedestrian surfaces – both indoors and out, wet or dry:
- Vinyl flooring
- Ceramic tiles
- Granite and quartz flags, tiles, and slabs
- Concrete floors
- Painted surfaces (e.g. warehouse walkways)
- LVT flooring (e.g. Karndean, Amtico)
- GRP and plastic-coated walkways
- Timber, decking, and laminates
- Polished stone floors (e.g. marble, terrazzo)
- Resin-coated floors (e.g. food prep areas)
- Metal tread plates and steps
- Rubber safety flooring (e.g. gyms, pools)
- Entrance matting systems (e.g. coir, fibre, aluminium grid)
- And many more – just ask
Not sure if your flooring qualifies? Send us a photo or sample and we’ll advise.
Are You Meeting Your Legal Duty?
If you’re responsible for a commercial or public space, UK law says your floors must not be slippery so as to expose any person to a risk to their health or safety.
This duty is set out under Regulation 12 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. And it doesn’t just apply after an incident – it applies beforehand, as part of your risk management obligations.
💡 That’s why the HSE and UK courts recommend Pendulum Slip Testing as the gold standard. It gives you:
- Measurable proof of floor safety (wet or dry)
- Defensible documentation in the event of a claim
- Confidence you’ve done everything reasonably practicable
👉 Not sure if your floor meets the legal threshold? We’ll test it – and show you exactly where you stand.
Real-World Precedent: £400,000 Fine for Fatal Slip
“This case demonstrates the importance of slip risks being adequately controlled. It should serve a warning to the retail industry, and particularly supermarkets, that signage alone is not an adequate control. Proactive measures must be taken to either prevent floors becoming slippery or precluding public access.” Cornwall Council’s investigating officer Sarah-Jane Brown.
This quote followed the prosecution of Co-op after a fatal slip in one of their Truro stores. Despite placing wet floor signs, the court found they had not done enough to control risk – resulting in a £400,000 fine.
Don’t let that be your business. If someone slips and your floors haven’t been tested, signage alone won’t protect you.
For more detail on slip resistance testing, see the HSE’s official guidance here:
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/geis2.pdf
Do I Need a Pendulum Slip Test?
If people walk on your floors – you probably do.
A pendulum slip test is the HSE’s preferred method for assessing floor safety. It’s the only method recognised in UK courts and can provide critical defence in the event of a claim or investigation.
You should consider a pendulum slip test if:
- Your floor is accessible to staff, visitors, or the public
- You’ve installed smooth, polished, or newly coated flooring
- You’ve had a slip, near-miss, or safety complaint
- Your risk assessment highlights slip hazards
- You’re planning a flooring upgrade and need pre/post-install checks
- Your insurer or audit body requests evidence of slip resistance
- You need to prove a PTV ≥ 36 in wet or dry conditions
- You manage a space subject to Regulation 12 of the Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992
And remember: “no incident” ≠ “no risk.”
Most slip claims happen because no one knew the floor was dangerous until it was too late.
How the Pendulum Slip Test Works
The pendulum test mimics how a heel strikes a floor when walking – making it one of the most accurate ways to measure slip risk.
Here’s what the process looks like:
1. Site Preparation
We inspect and clean the area, removing loose debris. The surface must reflect normal use conditions – especially if testing wet performance.
2. Calibration and Setup
Our engineer calibrates the pendulum tester on-site. The swinging arm is fitted with a rubber slider representing a standard heel (Slider 96 for barefoot, Slider 55 for shod use).
3. Controlled Testing
The pendulum sweeps across the surface in a repeatable motion. Tests are performed in both wet and dry conditions if required. Each sweep generates a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) – indicating how slippery the floor is.
4. Data Capture and Classification
We record multiple readings to ensure accuracy. The average PTV is then used to classify the slip risk level:
- PTV 0–24 = High risk
- PTV 25–35 = Moderate risk
- PTV 36+ = Low risk
5. Reporting and Advice
You’ll receive a detailed report with all test data, photos, and compliance notes – including any recommendations to reduce risk or improve surface safety.
Ready to get your floors tested? We’ll handle the process from start to finish – giving you clear, reliable data you can trust in court, audits, or board reports.
When Should You Book a Pendulum Slip Test?
Slip risks aren’t always obvious – until they become a problem. A proactive slip test helps you avoid injuries, fines, and insurance claims by proving your floor surface meets UK safety standards before someone gets hurt.
Here’s when to book:
- Before a new premises opens: Prove compliance from day one and avoid construction handover disputes.
- After a slip, trip or fall incident: Establish whether the surface contributed to the incident and prevent repeat accidents.
- When changing cleaning products or floor finishes: Even a new polish or detergent can dramatically change slip resistance.
- After installing new flooring: Test before you sign off – especially if the surface is claimed to be ‘non-slip’.
- During scheduled health & safety reviews: Many duty holders now build annual slip tests into their workplace risk assessment cycle.
- When advised by insurers or legal counsel: Defensible PTV scores are often a requirement during liability investigations.
Proving Floor Safety for Insurers, Auditors, or Legal Claims?
Whether you’re under pressure from an insurer, preparing for a health & safety audit, or responding to a slip-related incident – we’ve got you covered.
Velocity Safety helps you:
- Demonstrate compliance to auditors with clear, PTV-based evidence
- Respond to insurance requests with traceable, court-ready reports
- Identify and rectify problem areas before they cause legal or reputational harm
Our Pendulum Test Reports are:
- Aligned with BS 7976 & UKSRG guidelines
- Traceable, timestamped, and supported by photographic evidence
- Written in plain English – for insurers, not just engineers
📍 We’ve helped FM teams, local authorities, retail groups, and contractors meet audit demands without disruption.
Need fast results? We can provide same-day verbal summaries ahead of full documentation.
Understanding Your PTV Score
After we test your surface, you’ll receive a clear Pendulum Test Value (PTV). Here’s what those numbers mean – and what you might need to do next:
High Risk (PTV 0–24)
⚠️ Your floor poses a significant slip risk – especially when wet. Immediate action is strongly advised to reduce liability and protect users.
Moderate Risk (PTV 25–35)
⚠️ There’s a moderate risk of slipping. You may need to improve cleaning, apply anti-slip treatments, or restrict access in wet conditions.
Low Risk (PTV 36+)
✅ Your surface meets HSE and UKSRG safety guidelines. No immediate action needed, but periodic testing is recommended to maintain compliance.
We’ll break it all down in plain English and help you understand exactly what your results mean – no waffle, no guesswork.
Paying Over the Odds for Slip Risk Assessments?
Many businesses don’t realise their slip testing is outsourced by flooring suppliers, insurers, or consultants – and marked up along the way.
At Velocity Safety, we cut out the middlemen. You get:
- Fully qualified, in-house engineers
- BS 7976 & UKSRG-compliant pendulum testing
- Traceable reports built for insurers, auditors, and courts
- Honest pricing – no inflated fees or “per surface” upsells
Need a second opinion on your current inspection provider? We’ll give it to you straight.
Pendulum Slip Testing – Transparent Pricing
We believe in clear pricing – no hidden extras, no upsells. Just honest costs for compliant slip testing.
SINGLE SURFACE
✔ Full pendulum slip test on one pedestrian surface
✔ Wet and/or dry testing included
✔ Includes full report with PTV scores, photos, and compliance notes
✔ Ideal for entrances, corridors, kitchens, or small retail units
MULTI-SURFACE TESTING
✔ Testing for two or more adjacent floor zones
✔ PTVs recorded separately per surface
✔ Covers mixed finishes (e.g. tile to vinyl transitions)
✔ Recommended for larger sites or where floor types change
SAMPLE-ONLY TESTING (WORKSHOP)
✔ Send us a sample tile, plank, or slab
✔ Tested under controlled lab conditions
✔ Includes PTV reading and safety classification
✔ Popular for pre-install checks or manufacturer validation
ON-SITE TESTING (NORTH WEST & BEYOND)
✔ Mobile engineer visit to your premises
✔ Travel included locally (within Lancashire)
✔ Discounts available for grouped services or repeat sites
✔ Same-day summary available if needed
Need a tailored quote? Just tell us how many surfaces, your location, and any upcoming deadlines. We’ll reply fast with everything you need.
Built for Real Workplaces – and Real People
We don’t just test floors – we help real businesses prevent real accidents. Our clients span multiple sectors, but they all have one thing in common: a legal duty to keep people safe.
Here’s who we regularly work with:
Construction & Fit-Out Contractors
We help you meet handover and CDM compliance before a site goes live – especially where smooth, coated, or new flooring has been installed.
Facilities & Property Managers
If you’re responsible for communal areas, lobbies, plant rooms, or stairwells – our testing helps you reduce liability and prove due diligence.
Schools, Colleges & Nurseries
Wet corridors, polished halls, and entranceways can be high-risk. We help educational estates stay compliant and child-safe.
Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Venues
From supermarkets and gyms to hotels and restaurants, we help prove surface safety in high-footfall, spill-prone environments.
Healthcare & Care Facilities
In environments where patient or resident safety is critical, slip testing provides court-defensible proof your surfaces are safe – especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and circulation spaces.
What Others Say About Us…
From leisure centres to landlords, clients praise our slip risk assessments for being fast, factual, and legally defensible.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd
You’re not just booking a test. You’re buying confidence – in your compliance, your surfaces, and your legal protection. Here’s why teams across the North West trust us for pendulum slip testing:
- Our engineers are manufacture trained in the use and application of the pendulum tester.
- Over 12 years experience in the health and safety industry.
- We are completely independent of any flooring contractor or supplier of anti slip treatments.
- Fully demonstrate compliance with the Workplace Health safety and welfare Regulations 1992 including Regulation 12 (2)(a).
- We carry out Slip Resistant testing in accordance with BS7976 -1-3 and the UK Slip Resistance Group Guidelines.
- Fully Insured.
- We use fully calibrated pendulum testers calibrated in a UKAS laboratory every 12 months.
- Our reports fully comply with the Workplace Health safety and welfare Regulations 1992 and the UK Slip Resistance Group Guidelines.
- Full slider traceability to national standards.
Other Services Available:
Pendulum testing is just one part of how we help businesses manage floor safety and reduce liability. We also offer:
- Slip Testing
- Slip Risk Assessments – Full assessments of your premises to identify slip hazards and ensure compliance with workplace regulations.
- Slip Risk Surveys – Site-wide testing and inspection to build a comprehensive picture of surface safety across multiple areas or buildings.
- Sample Testing – Send in floor samples before installation to verify their slip resistance. Avoid costly mistakes by confirming PTVs in advance.
- Bath and Shower tray slip testing – Specialist testing for tiled or acrylic bathroom surfaces – ideal for care homes, hotels, and residential developments.
Not sure which service you need? Just ask – we’ll guide you to the most suitable solution.
Whatever your Pendulum slip testing requirements, you can be sure your in honest, reliable and safe hands.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
FAQs – Pendulum Slip Testing
Slip testing can sound technical, but it doesn’t need to be complicated. Here are the questions we get asked most – with clear answers to help you stay compliant, confident, and audit-ready.
What is a Pendulum Slip Test?
It’s a HSE-recommended method that simulates a heel striking the floor to measure how slippery a surface is in wet or dry conditions. It generates a PTV (Pendulum Test Value), used to assess slip risk.
What does a PTV score mean?
A score of 36+ indicates a low slip potential. Anything below 25 is considered high risk, especially when wet. This value is what insurers, auditors, and the HSE look for in proving floor safety.
Is pendulum testing a legal requirement?
The test itself isn’t mandated, but proving your floors are safe is – under The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992. Pendulum testing is the HSE’s preferred method for demonstrating compliance.
How often should floors be tested?
There’s no set legal interval, but annual testing is best practice for high-footfall or public spaces. You may also need a test after cleaning regime changes, floor treatments, or accidents.
What surfaces can be tested?
Pretty much all pedestrian surfaces – from tiles and concrete to vinyl, decking, resin, painted finishes, and more. Both indoor and outdoor floors can be tested in wet and dry states.
Can you test areas while they’re in use?
Yes. Many tests can be carried out with minimal disruption. We’ll work around operating hours or public access where needed and advise in advance if a short closure is safer.
What does the test involve?
We use a calibrated pendulum tester (built to BS 7976-2) and measure your floor’s slip resistance under controlled conditions. You’ll get a full report with PTV readings, risk ratings, and remediation advice if needed.
Do you test in both wet and dry conditions?
Yes. Testing both states is recommended, especially in areas exposed to moisture, spills, or wet cleaning. Most slips occur on wet floors – so it’s critical to get both results.
What areas do you cover?
We cover the North West and beyond, including Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria and West Yorkshire. Based in Darwen, we’re well placed to serve Blackburn, Preston, Bolton, Burnley, Manchester, Rochdale, Wigan, and surrounding areas.
Can you carry out slip testing near me?
We can. We provide pendulum slip testing services for businesses and public spaces across the UK. In the North West, we commonly test floors in offices, schools, and care homes across areas like Burnley, Chorley, and the Fylde Coast. All testing is conducted in line with UKSRG and HSE guidelines.
Schedule a Slip Risk Assessment
Test your floors the HSE-approved way. Our pendulum slip testing identifies high-risk surfaces and helps you reduce liability with clear, defensible reports.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road,
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
