Pendulum Operator Proficiency Scheme

Evidence of Pendulum Testing Proficiency

A practical middle ground between casual training attendance and a full UKAS-accredited ISO 17025 quality system.  The POP Scheme focuses on those offering Pendulum testing in compliance with the UK Slip Resistance Group Guidelines, the preferred approach of the UK Health and Safety Executive when assessing slip risk.
Become a POP Scheme Member
Find a POP Scheme Member

Every slip test can influence decisions involving public safety, litigation, flooring disputes and expensive remedial works. Despite this, there is currently no widely adopted competency scheme for pendulum operators.

The POP Scheme was created to address that gap.

POP Scheme Membership

    • Demonstrates competence

    • Increases client confidence

    • Differentiates yourself from competitors

Why The POP Scheme Exists

There is a chasm of potential operator performance in the gap between having received an informal training session, and being compliant with a UKAS-accredited 17025 quality system.  The POP Scheme aims to bridge this gap, offering a meaningful targeted audit without the significant costs associated with a full quality system.

Training session certificate

  • In-house assessment criteria, often limited to "attendance at a training session"

  • Free (usually provided with training)

  • Limited evidence of competence, instead providing evidence of training

  • Blind or unsupported testing rarely assessed or referenced

POP Scheme membership

  • Structured appraisal based in UKSRG Guideline requirements

  • Inexpensive (further discounted with some training packages)

  • Evidence of competence through focussed independent audit of key components only

  • Blind testing of samples previously measured by UKAS-accredited labs

Accredited ISO 17025 quality system

  • Full and complete quality system covering all aspects of laboratory operation

  • Significant costs associated with audit, quality management and equipment

  • Evidence of competence through compliance with a defined quality system

  • Comparative testing undertaken as a requirement of the quality system

Good Testing Requires...

  • Calibrated equipment

  • Controlled materials

  • Correct procedures

  • Competent operators
Poor testing undermines confidence, increases risk, and can lead to unsafe decisions

The 4 Pillars of the POP Scheme

Equipment & Materials

Confirm the condition and calibration of testing equipment meets the specification as set out in the UKSRG Guidelines.

Operators must be able to demonstrate all requisite equipment is present and (where appropriate) supported by a calibration or standard materials certificate.

Procedural Knowledge

An untimed, open-book, multiple-choice set of structured questions testing understanding of the UK Slip Resistance Group Guidelines.

Applicants must score 90% or higher to pass this section.

Practical Assessment

Demonstrate practical competence by conducting blind tests on surfaces previously tested by UKAS accredited labs.

Produced results must fall within the same range of variation produced by the accredited labs to pass this section.

Commitment to Quality

All scheme members must agree to conduct testing in line with UKSRG Guidelines whenever they claim UKSRG Guideline compliant testing.

Applicants who do not agree will not be permitted membership.

Who is the POP Scheme for?

Operators

  • Independent consultants

  • SMEs

  • Flooring manufacturers or suppliers

  • Occasional operators

  • Flooring, cleaning or anti-slip contractors

  • In-house safety teams

Clients

  • Insurers

  • Risk managers

  • Surveyors

  • Local authorities

  • Facilities managers

  • Lawyers

What Does the POP Scheme Check?

Unlike a full 17025 quality system, the POP Scheme focuses only on the operator's ability to deliver testing in accordance with the UKSRG Guidelines.  This focused approach permits a high level of scrutiny without significant costs.

  • Equipment and consumables

    Presence and certification of:

    • Pendulum

    • Slider #96/4S

    • Slider #55/TRL

    • Pavigres tile

    Presence of:

    • Footprint rule / setting gauge

    • Thermometer

    • Float glass

    • Lapping film

    • P400 paper

    • Spray bottle

    • Spreader feet (for field based testing)

    • Inclinometer (for field based testing)

    • Rear foot weight (for Munro machines)

    Consideration of whether evidenced equipment is appropriate for the intended task.

  • Operator proficiency

    A check that the following all produced satisfactory results (within tolerance of specified values):

    • Set up checks

    • Pre-test temperature measurements

    • Verification checks on lapping film, float glass and pavigres tile

    • Testing with slider #96/4S in dry conditions

    • Testing with slider #96/4S in wet conditions

    • Testing with slider #55/TRL in wet conditions

  • Guidelines knowledge

    20 multiple choice questions are presented challenging knowledge of the UKSRG Guidelines.  The applicant must answer at least 18 (90%) correctly.

Member Directory
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Scheme Governance

A new approach in an established industry, the ability of the scheme to achieve its aims should rightly be questioned.  The scheme is not governed or endorsed by UKAS or the UKSRG, but run by an independent test operator.
So how can the scheme justify its existence?
Quite simply, by the absence of a better offering.
Until such time as a reputable industry body adopts this scheme or develops an alternative scheme, governance will necessarily be a compromise.  In order to provide the best possible quality within the constraints of an accessible, low-priced, offering, steps have been taken to improve transparency and impartiality wherever it is practical to do so. 

  • Whilst not endorsed by the UKSRG, the scheme has been presented openly and honestly to the Group.  Feedback is actively sought from UKSRG members and development is ongoing.

  • Practical testing is conducted on surfaces which have been independently tested by multiple UKAS-accredited laboratories, not the scheme provider.

  • Clear pass/fail criteria are published and agreed in advance, for assessment methods that produce clear unambiguous results, ensuring an impartial objective membership decision.

  • Based in the publicly available UKSRG Guidelines, the scheme is suited to any operator trained or experienced in UKSRG Guidelines focused testing.

Application Process

For an organised applicant the audit process will take less than 2hrs.  Membership can be awarded in as little as 10 days from initial booking and lasts for 3 years from date of certificate.  Application is priced at just £325 + VAT.

  • Apply online today

    Review and agree terms, provide operator information, and make payment.

  • Book an assessment date

    Choose a convenient date for you or your operator to complete the application.

  • Receive the application pack

    Prior to your assessment date you will receive the paperwork and samples to facilitate your application.

  • Complete the assessment

    Provide details of test equipment, conduct testing on the supplied samples, complete the multiple-choice exam, and sign the declaration.

  • Submit your application

    Return all paperwork, and the associated samples, to us promptly after assessment.

  • Receive a decision

    Membership to the scheme will be granted, or improvement advice issued, within 10 working days of receipt of the application submission.

  • Welcome to the scheme

    Successful applicants can demonstrate their competency with their membership certificate, and are free to use the POP Scheme logo on their test reports and marketing material.

FAQ's

What is the certification duration?

If accepted to the scheme operators are certified for a period of 3 years before needing to reapply.

Is the scheme expensive?

Application is priced at just £325+VAT.

Costs are kept low intentionally to ensure broad accessibility for all operators and organisations.

Who runs the POP Scheme?

The scheme is administered by Ben Powers from Slip Guru Ltd, an expert Pendulum operator with experience in testing and calibration within a UKAS accredited 17025 quality system.  He is an active UKSRG member, sits on the British Standards committee for pedestrian slip resistance, and regularly provides proficiency testing workshops for accredited laboratories.

How do I apply?

Get in touch and ask for an application pack.

For those providing testing in line with best practice, the application process should be swift and easy, taking around 2hrs to complete in the comfort of your own office or lab.
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