A broad overview of the the Pendulum Test Value (PTV), and what it means for non slip tile ratings
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) like the pendulum machine as it is portable, therefore they can do pre and post application tests, the DIN is only pre application.
BS 7976 part 1-3:2002
The method is based on a swinging rubber slider, imitating the heel making contact with the floor, which sweeps over a set area of the tile in a controlled manner. The slipperiness of the tile has a direct and measurable effect on the pendulum test value (PTV) given.
PTV numbers and what they mean
- High slip potential 0-24
- Moderate slip potential 25-35
- Low slip potential 36 + (this represents a 1:1,000,000 chance of slipping)
Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester also known as British Pendulum for slip resistance testing manufactured by Cooper Research Technology Ltd. www.cooper.co.uk
Cooper Research Technology Ltd. – http://cooper.co.uk/shop/aggregate-testing/pendulum-skid-tester/
CC BY 4.0
File:Pendulum Skid Resistance Tester by Cooper.jpg
Created: 19 June 2013
Slider 96 rubber gives enough information for assessing slipperiness for shod pedestrians. For assessing barefoot areas, use Slider 55 rubber and for profiled flooring it may be helpful to use both slider materials.
The HSE do not like the (DIN) R scale as it runs from R9 to R13, where R9 is slippery when wet, and R13 the least slippery. Floor surfaces that are classified by the DIN 51130 standard as R9 (or in some instances R10) will be slippery when used in wet or greasy conditions. Further problems may arise from the wide range of Coefficient of Friction (CoF) within a given classification, for example R10 covers a CoF range from 0.18 to 0.34, which represents a very wide range of slip potential. Floor surfaces that are classified by the DIN 51097 standard as A (and in many instances B) will be slippery when wet.
With certain areas particularly prone to slippage, H & E Smith supply the Suregrip range of anti-slip tiles to provide the best possible tiled anti-slip surface.