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22/11/11 Understanding Pendulum Tests Health and safety has never been more important or more relevant for a business than it is today but firms should not despair. It is easy to recall bygone days when the workplace was a more relaxed place but the current wave of testing and safety procedures are being carried out with the greater good in mind. Ensuring people can go about their business safe and confident they will be free from most risks is a positive change to the way businesses operate. The pendulum test is a respected way to evaluate the integrity of floors, helping firms to pinpoint any weaknesses they may have with regards to safety. The pendulum test can be carried out on a wide range of surfaces which means that it is of importance to virtually every company. Reception areas and swimming pools usually have a large amount of tiled flooring areas and it stands to reason that these surfaces should be examined to ensure their integrity is intact. Bathrooms and kitchens are also areas which can cause a danger if not examined properly and regularly, making them prime candidates for testing too. Any flooring surface where people could slip or trip on is worthwhile considering for carrying out this style of test. However, it is not just the usual suspects that can benefit from having a pendulum test carried out upon them. A restaurant may not seem like the natural place to test for slippages but considering the amount of sauces and liquids that will be carried around the restaurant, it becomes obvious that the employees and patrons may be at risk of slipping. Equally, store rooms and factories may have flooring which is at risk if not properly attended. Another example that can benefit from pendulum testing would be a shopping centre, which has a high potential for slips and trips to take place. One of the reasons that the pendulum test is so important is because it is one that would be accepted in a court of law. The BS7976 Pendulum readings are the legal standard in a court of law so if you are involved in a court case, it is imperative you have this report available. However, firms should not only wait until these tests are required from them to have them performed in their workplace. Testing the flooring condition can help firms to become aware of any potential issues, which would save them from being involved in a lengthy and potentially expensive court case. Prevention is always the best form of medicine and this style of testing can help a firm to avoid any major problems. It should also be remembered that slips and trips can occur on floors that are in good quality. The pendulum test is a good way to determine if there are any major flaws or defects with flooring at a place of work but it is only part of the process of improving the safety conditions. It is a vital part and one that firms should consider but this testing should be carried out alongside regular training and examinations of health and safety procedures.
Further information Pendulum testing - Surface roughness - Slips Potential Model - Slip testing methods - HSE slips site - Grip Potential Ltd |
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