The pendulum friction tester is the method the HSE, UKSRG and UK courts rely on to assess slip potential on hard floors. It is an in-situ test carried out on your actual floor in both dry and wet (contaminated) conditions, producing Pendulum Test Values (PTV) that map directly onto recognised slip-risk categories. We carry out pendulum testing across every London postcode — for compliance surveys, post-incident investigation, new-build verification, and routine portfolio management.
A pendulum test on your London site begins with a site walk to identify the test zones. We discuss with you where to read — typical zones include entrance matting transitions, main circulation areas, changes in floor fin…
A pendulum test on your London site begins with a site walk to identify the test zones. We discuss with you where to read — typical zones include entrance matting transitions, main circulation areas, changes in floor finish, zones prone to contamination (kitchens, pool surrounds, external steps), and any area specifically associated with a slip concern. We mark each zone, photograph it in context, and note the surface finish and cleaning regime.
For each zone, we take at least five valid pendulum swings in each of two directions (capturing any directional bias in the finish), then apply water to simulate wet-condition contamination and repeat. The mean of valid readings in each condition produces the PTV for that zone. All readings are photographed with the pendulum in position, and the pendulum itself is verified before and after the survey using a certified test strip.
Across a typical London site we record PTV in dry and wet for every zone tested. The written report tabulates every reading, shows the mean PTV per zone, annotates a zone plan or site photograph, and compares each result against the recognised HSE slip-potential categories. Where surface roughness (Rz) data has been taken, it is presented alongside the pendulum data with commentary on how the two correlate at that site.
Concise description of the pendulum method used, slider type selected (4S or TRL), the standards referenced (BS 7976:2002+A1:2013), and any deviations noted transparently.
Annotated plan or photograph of the site showing every zone tested, with unique identifiers that cross-reference the data tables.
Every valid reading for every zone, in both dry and wet conditions, with mean PTV per zone clearly stated.
Photograph of the pendulum in position for every zone, plus close-up surface photography to show finish, contamination and any wear.
Each zone's PTV result compared against HSE slip-potential categories (high, moderate, low), with plain-English commentary on what that means for the site.
Where readings fall below the recognised threshold, the report sets out practical next steps — cleaning regime review, surface treatment, replacement, or control measures — appropriate to the specific site.
1 in 20 chance of a slip or greater. Floor fails to meet the recognised threshold and is likely to produce a claim in wet or contaminated conditions.
1 in 10,000 to 1 in 20. Borderline — management controls, cleaning regime and contamination must be carefully reviewed.
Better than 1 in 1,000,000 chance of a slip. The floor is considered to meet the recognised UK standard for slip resistance.
Annual or periodic pendulum testing to evidence that a floor continues to meet the recognised slip-resistance threshold. Typical for landlords, managing agents, retailers, and public-sector occupiers with duty-of-care obligations.
Following a slip or fall, independent pendulum readings establish whether the floor met the recognised threshold at the time of testing. Central to liability in personal injury and public liability claims. Test as soon as practical — before cleaning, replacement or wear changes the surface.
Confirming that a newly installed floor delivers the slip-resistance the specification promised. Often instructed by architects, project managers and fit-out contractors before sign-off.
Pendulum readings taken before, during and after changes to cleaning products or procedures, demonstrating whether the change has materially affected wet-condition slip resistance.
Independent in-situ pendulum data used to support or rebut claims that a supplied floor does not perform to the specification.
Pendulum slip testing in London typically ranges from £450 for a single-location survey to £1,200+ for multi-site or multi-area assessments. Costs depend on the number of test areas, accessibility, whether out-of-hours access is required, and report format. Every quote is fixed, written, and includes the on-site work, report and photography.
The Pendulum Test Value is the measurement produced by a pendulum friction tester under BS 7976. It is an index, not a unit. A PTV of 36 or above indicates a low slip potential, 25–35 moderate, and below 25 high. The HSE recognises pendulum testing as the method for assessing slip risk in the UK. Readings are taken in both dry and contaminated (wet) conditions to reflect real use.
A typical single-location pendulum survey in London takes 1–3 hours on site. Larger sites or multi-zone surveys may take longer. A written report with PTV readings, photographs, zone references and recommendations is usually issued within 5 working days. Faster turnaround is available for urgent incident response.
Slip testing is commonly instructed following a slip or fall incident, either by the occupier's insurer, the defendant's solicitor or the claimant's solicitor. Independent pendulum readings establish whether the floor met the recognised slip-resistance threshold at the time of testing, which is central to liability. Where possible, test as soon as practical — before cleaning regimes change or the floor is replaced.
Yes. Out-of-hours testing is standard for retail, hospitality, transport and healthcare clients. We routinely work evenings, nights and weekends across London. Pendulum testing is non-destructive and leaves no residue beyond the water used for wet readings.
Most real-world slips occur when a floor is wet or contaminated — spilt drinks, tracked-in rainwater, cleaning residue or grease. A floor can score a perfectly strong PTV dry and drop into high or moderate slip potential once water is introduced. Wet pendulum readings reflect real use and are usually the metric that matters for both compliance and litigation.
Tell us the site, the floor, and roughly when you need the report by. We will come back within one working day with a fixed, written quote.
If the form doesn't load, email us directly from the address in your site footer — we'll pick it up the same day.