Pendulum Operator Proficiency Scheme

Could you tell a good Pendulum test from a rubbish one?

It is reasonable to expect to get what you've paid for, but the unfortunate reality is that slip testing is an unregulated industry.  The lack of regulation, and the fact that few clients are themselves experts, leaves a gap for poor quality testing to go unnoticed.  This can lead to unsafe surfaces and/or unnecessary remedial works.

Member Directory

Improve confidence in your next assessment by employing the services of an independently audited POP Scheme Member.
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POP Scheme Testers

The POP Scheme was designed to benefit all consumers of Pendulum testing for slip risk assessment by raising test standards.  Choose a POP Scheme member for your next project for greater confidence in an industry best practice approach to testing.
Appropriate equipment

All equipment audited against UKSRG specification
Proper calibration

Calibration and standard materials certificates independently audited
Understanding of the UKSRG Guidelines

Members sit an exam on content of the Guidelines
Testing proficiency

Test results compared against those produced by UKAS accredited labs 

How are POPS Members different?

Scheme members have taken the time to demonstrate compliance with key aspects of the UKSRG Guidelines, the document that represents the HSE's preferred approach and best practice assessment of pedestrian slip risk in the UK.  Scheme members have demonstrated:
Access to suitable test equipment

The presence and appropriate certification of:

  • Pendulum

  • Slider #96/4S

  • Slider #55/TRL

  • Pavigres tile

The 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)

With all of the above being independelty audited to ensure it is appropriate for the intended task.
The ability to reproduce accredited labs results

The ability to conduct the following practical aspects of testing, producing satisfactory results (within tolerance of specified values) in all cases:

  • Set up checks

  • Pre-test temperature measurements

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

  • Testing of a blind sample with slider #96/4S in dry conditions

  • Testing of a blind sample with slider #96/4S in wet conditions

  • Testing of a blind sample with slider #55/TRL in wet conditions
Working knowledge of the best practice approach

Access to and knowledge of the latest edition of the UK Slip Resistance Group Guidelines, through sucessfully answering at least 90% of 20 multiple choice exam questions correctly.

How poor testing can leave risk managers exposed
Those responsible for providing a safe product or environment will typically be generalists responsible for a wide range of technical compliance.  It is rare that safety managers will have intimate knowledge of the tests they are relying on, and wholly impractical to expect them to have specialist knowledge over such a wide field of expertise.  Unfortunately this means there must be an element of trust when comissioning technical works, such as slip resistance.  When that trust is misplaced, "we relied on external expertise" may be used as mitigation in the courtroom, but it is significantly better for all involved if the testing is done correctly, accidents prevented, and injury claims avoided in the first place.
Testing to the HSE's preferred method isn't difficult, but it does require the operator to follow a strict procedure, with no deviation and no shortcuts.  There are a wide range of reasons why testing might not always be perfect; commercial incentives for a particular result, time constraints, inexperienced operators, uncalibrated or unsuitable equipment, etc.  Often those providing the testing will not themselves be specialists, but be (reasonably) looking to offer added value alongside their main business focus.  Anyone can purchase a test device and market themselves as experts, regardless of training or skill level.  Well meaning or otherwise, improper testing can and does lead to significant issues like installation of substandard flooring, unecessary improvement of already safe flooring and mismanagement of slip risk, all with associated direct and indirect costs to the business.
If a slip accident occurs on a surface you are responsible for, and the unfortunate party is injured, you can usually expect a claim to follow.  During the claim process it is common for a court-seasoned expert witness, who specialises in pedestrian slip risk assessment, to conduct testing to industry best practice.  It is also typical that previous test reports, submitted in defence of the claim, will be reviewed by the expert.  The POP Scheme administrator has experience providing this service for the court, and has seen many a responsible party's defence crumble due to the poor quality of previous testing.
Using a POP Scheme member gives responsible parties a chance to avoid finding out that their results don't match those of industry best practice assessment in the event of a claim.  POP Scheme members have already demonstrated that their test results match those provided by experienced accredited laboratories working to the latest assessment guidelines.  Aside from demonstrating an open willingness to be audited in a voluntary scheme, surely a good indication that the operator is acting with integrity and in good faith, POPS members can also show clear independently audited evidence of appropriate test equipment and working knowledge of the best practice procedures for assessment. 

Like the idea of higher quality testing?

If you'd rather rely on test data from those who have been subject to a voluntary independent audit, then please help us promote the POP Scheme.
Please consider using an existing scheme member, or asking your existing provider to join the POP Scheme, for your next slip risk assessment.  Application is fast, cheap and straightforward, particularly if the testing being offered is already of a high standard.
As a voluntary scheme we rely on the support of both excellent testers and conscientious risk managers to grow membership and drive better testing standards.  We'd be thrilled if you let suppliers, potential suppliers, and fellow risk managers know about the scheme.