What Is a ‘Safe’ Floor? Understanding UK Slip Resistance Standards
Slip resistance prevents accidents that can cause serious injuries. Unsafe floors expose businesses to costly legal claims and reputational damage. By ensuring compliance, companies protect both employees and customers. Defining a ‘Safe’ Floor A “safe” floor is one that offers adequate grip under expected conditions. This means people can walk safely without unnecessary risk, even […]
Public Liability Claims for Slips, Trips, and Falls: Your UK Guide
Slips, trips, and falls are some of the most common accidents in the UK, causing thousands of injuries every year. Whether it’s a slippery supermarket floor, an uneven pavement, or a poorly lit stairwell, these incidents can leave you dealing with painful injuries, medical expenses, and time off work. That’s where public liability claims come […]
Slips, Trips, and Falls at Work: What Are Your Employer’s Duties?
Slips, trips, and falls may sound minor compared to heavy machinery accidents or chemical exposures, but statistics tell a different story. They account for a significant percentage of workplace injuries worldwide, leading to lost working days, compensation claims, and—at times—life-changing consequences. Employers carry a legal and moral duty to safeguard their staff from such risks. […]
Why Is a Slip Test Important for Commercial Properties in the UK?
In a busy UK commercial environment—retail, hospitality, offices, healthcare—slips are one of the most common causes of injury. A single incident can mean staff absence, customer claims, reputational harm, and regulatory headaches. That’s why regular, competent slip testing isn’t a “nice to have”; it’s a core risk-management control that proves your surface is safe in […]
What are the Specific Requirements and Conditions for Preparing a Floor Surface Before Conducting a Pendulum Slip Test?
Slip resistance is a crucial factor in ensuring safety in workplaces, public areas, and homes. To measure this effectively, professionals rely on the pendulum slip test, a method recognized worldwide. But here’s the catch—if the floor isn’t properly prepared, the results can be misleading. Imagine checking your car’s brakes without clearing the mud from the […]
How Does a Pendulum Slip Tester Work, and What Are the Key Components of the Equipment Used for a BS 7976-2 Test?
A pendulum slip tester is a device designed to measure the friction of walking surfaces. It works by swinging a weighted arm fitted with a rubber slider across the surface. The amount of resistance encountered translates into a slip resistance value. Originally developed by the UK Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRL) in the 1950s […]
What is the minimum Pendulum Test Value (PTV) recommended by the HSE for pedestrian traffic in wet conditions?
The 36+ PTV benchmark For typical pedestrian traffic where floors can be wet or contaminated, aim for a minimum PTV of 36 or higher. In the HSE/UKSRG risk model, PTV ≥ 36 is classified as “low slip potential,” which is the benchmark dutyholders target to demonstrate a safe walking surface in wet use. Why “wet” […]
What Are the Legal Implications of Not Having a Safe, Slip-Resistant Floor in a Public Building?
Imagine walking into a public building—a shopping mall, hospital, or train station—and suddenly slipping on a wet floor. It’s painful, embarrassing, and potentially life-changing. For property owners and managers, it’s not just a safety issue; it’s a serious legal risk. Having a floor that isn’t slip-resistant doesn’t just increase the chance of injury—it can open […]
Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge – Q&A
Questions and Answers Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge 1. How does a tipping bucket rain gauge work? A tipping bucket rain gauge measures rainfall by collecting it in a small, funnel-shaped collector that directs water into a two-compartment bucket mounted on a pivot. When one side of the bucket fills to a calibrated amount (e.g., 0.2 […]
Laboratory Glove Box -Questions & Answers
Laboratory Glove Box – Questions & Answers Q1: What are the primary applications of a laboratory glove box? A laboratory glove box is used for handling sensitive materials in a controlled environment. Primary applications include: Inert atmosphere work – performing experiments in oxygen-free and moisture-free conditions (e.g., using argon or nitrogen). Hazardous material handling – […]
