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Grip Potential are an impartial consultancy and aim to provide unbiased information on the different slip test methods available. We regret we are unable to give discussion of the SlipAlert here as SlipAlert LLP have requested we remove comments relating to SlipAlert from our site. We would however offer the following information from unbiased independent bodies to those unsure which is the most appropriate in-situ test method.  The Health and Safety Executive; The HSE state in their STEP program that the Pendulum method "is [the] HSE's preferred method of testing, because it is portable and works in the conditions that slip accidents happen." The HSE information sheet titled, 'Assessing the slip resistance of flooring' goes on to say that, "Research has confirmed the pendulum to be a reliable and accurate test, leading to its adoption as the standard HSE test method for the assessment of floor slipperiness in dry and contaminated conditions." The HSE/HSL evaluation of the SlipAlert test method. HSE STEP information on the SlipAlert and Pendulum. The UK Slip Resistance Group; The UK Slip Resistance Group is an independent panel of experts seeking to further the understanding of pedestrian slip resistance. The UKSRG Guidelines Issue 4 state that, "The Pendulum has been chosen by the UKSRG and the HSE for two main reasons. Firstly, unlike most other available instruments, it reproduces the same hydrodynamic uplift characteristics that occur when a person slips in liquid-contaminated conditions. Secondly, good correlation between the readings given by the instrument and the incidence of pedestrian slipping accidents has been observed since the 1940's. For many years the Pendulum has been the only instrument for the purpose of floor surface slip resistance measurement described in British Standards. Such was the confidence of the members of BS Committee B/556 that a new British Standard was drafted around this instrument (BS 7976:2002)". The latest UKSRG Guidelines are available here. Our own view on 'DIY' testing to any method; We are of the firm opinion that inexperienced operators cannot be relied upon to produce and correctly interpret results to the extent that they would provide sound evidence in court. We would not recommend that responsible parties rely on an inexperienced operator's measurements, even if it is possible to save considerable sums. The considerable expense involved in replacing/treating an erroneously classified 'high slip risk' floor, or possible consequences of exposing pedestrians to an erroneously classified 'low slip risk' floor, would quickly offset any initial cost savings. In our experience of forensic investigation we have come across 'less than robust' test reports that have ultimately cost their responsible parties the wasted test equipment/assessment fee, court fees (including our own assessment and expert witness fee) and compensation to the injured party. Grip Potential employ the BS 7976 pendulum method alongside surface roughness measurement and a holistic risk assessment as we think this provides the most accurate on site assessment possible. We are regularly employed in slip and fall personal injury cases and called upon to give evidence as expert witnesses. We do not employ the SlipAlert test. We recognise and support the notion that a slip risk assessment should be affordable, encouraging businesses to prevent slips. However, we maintain that in today's litigious culture, unless a test report will stand the scrutiny of a court it is of little or no value. We aim to be the cheapest independent test consultancy without compromising on the accuracy and attention to detail required to present reports to a court. We are able to offer competition beating pricing across the UK through economy of scale and modest profit margins. You may be surprised how prices for our expert independent assessment compare to the hire or purchase of "DIY" test equipment. We will be happy to offer a formal quotation on request. Further information:
For further information about SlipAlert we recommend you contact them directly.
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