When it comes to meeting Australian standards slip resistance requirements, accurate slip resistance measurement of surfaces is key. And perhaps the most relied upon method of measuring slip resistance is the wet pendulum slip test. The wet pendulum slip test is a standard testing method that’s been used by industry professionals for years. Even with the development of other slip resistance measuring devices and tests, the wet pendulum slip test is still trusted and favoured by most.
What Is The Wet Pendulum Test?
The wet pendulum test is conducted to determine the dynamic coefficient of friction (CoF) of a surface, which directly determines the chances of slipping on a particular surface. This test uses the wet pendulum friction tester, a relatively small, portable device with a spring-loaded rubber slider attached to the bottom of a swinging metal boot. The boot is swung across the surface to be tested, mimicking the action of a pedestrian heel striking the floor– the point at which most slips occur. The device then indicates a numerical reading known as the Slip Resistance Value (SRV). If the SRV is 36 or higher, that means that the risk of slipping is low; if it is 25 to 35 the risk is moderate; and if it is 24 or lower then the risk for slipping on that particular surface is high.
There are two types of sliders that can be attached to the metal boot. The slider 96, which is used for all surfaces and the slider 55, which is used for areas where pedestrians will mostly be barefoot, and also for external surfaces often exposed to moisture.
Why The Wet Pendulum Test?
As crude a test as it may seem, the wet pendulum test is highly accurate when it comes to testing the slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces. And unlike other friction testing devices it’s very portable, can be used in real workplace conditions and can simulate both barefoot and shoe-wearing conditions. It can also test the slip potential of clean and dry or contaminated and/or wet floors.
Given these characteristics it’s no wonder that the wet pendulum test remains one of the most reliable risk assessment tests in use.
Conducting a Wet Pendulum Test
While a wet pendulum friction tester may be simple to operate and deliver accurate test results, this does not mean that just anyone can use it or get an accurate reading from it. Only those accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and have undergone formal training are technically competent to operate this device and can ensure a proper and precise reading. There have been many instances in the past where unqualified persons attempted to conduct a slip test using this device. These only produced misleading and inaccurate results due to the device not being set up or used correctly. Such cases can be dangerous for pedestrians and extremely risky for building owners.
So if you want to secure your premises and have someone conduct slip resistance testing in Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne, make sure you contact SlipCheck. We are NATA accredited, trained and experienced in all standard and trusted methods of measuring slip resistance. Know more by getting in touch with us today.