#pendulum friction test

No one wants to think they are in the wrong, so when an accident does happen, and the courts are involved, an unbiased and honest appraisal of the slip resistance characteristics of the flooring should be undertaken.

This is where an ‘Expert Witness’ comes in to play. We are hugely experienced in slip injury claims; Our job is to check exactly what happened using the facts of the case at hand and if and how the accident could have been avoided. We use the pendulum skid tester to help us identify these facts.

Using professional experience, the Expert Witness will then follow up their findings in a CPR compliant report, which can be used by both parties involved.

Where required, the witness will also present the slip test report findings in court and will act as a witness on behalf of either the aggrieved party or the defendants.

So what exactly does a slip testing Expert Witness do?

A pendulum slip test Expert Witness, as detailed by the Law Dictionary is essentially a person who testifies on the subject they are an expert in. To be an Expert Witness does not require any formal qualifications, but must be able to prove THAT experience without doubt to the court to qualify. Luckily, Surface Performance Ltd are the UK’s most experienced slip testing company so we can help.

Cost: Is an Expert Witness really needed?

Well, of course, that is up to you, bearing in mind that having an Expert

pendulum friction test Witness might just save you money in the long term, by helping to prove your case.

Every pendulum slip test carried out is completely impartial and in line with HSE standards, and more importantly, we look into the reasons the reasons why a lawyer has become involved. Having a CPR 35 slip test report could help back up your claim while giving the courts an informative assessment of what happened, and what could have contributed to the accident, saving any other bias witnesses becoming involved.

For more information on this slip testing service and a price guideline, please get in touch with us today by contacting our UK head office on 0208 2465562. We are more than happy to talk you through the process and give prices if applicable.

How the slip injury evaluations are conducted

After fully looking into the facts of the case, the Expert Witness at hand will conclude the findings in an impartial CPR 35 Compliant Slip Test Report, that will comply with the Civil Procedure Rules.

The assessment would include but not be limited to:

Performing a Floor Pendulum Test using HSE permitted apparatus.

Testing the appropriate floor to BS7976-2 and BS13036-4 standards.

Assessing cleaning routines, any risk assessments carried out or accidents declared.

Fully interview staff on their understanding of floor safety and the current guidelines for floor spills.

Investigate any ecological factors like floor corruption and atmospheric circumstances.

The wet areas in retirement homes and Australian aged care facilities unless laid after 2010 may not comply with current AS4568 2013 Slip Resistance standards. Up until 2010 these surfaces only had to demonstrate compliance to a "duty of care" and or local council requirement. The result of this minimum compliance was the continuing increase in slip fall incidents being reported. Fortunately compliance prior to 2010 included the installation of support rails and special access fittings has helped in limiting these incidents.

As Insurance and Public Liability providers continued to monitor slip fall incidents it became obvious that their existing clients whose flooring did not meet the newer standards were exposing the provider and the Aged Care Facility to an increased risk of litigation, as well as potential injury to the aging clients in residence.

These risks to the aged residents was being realized in significant increases in slip fall accidents resulting in long term or sometimes fatal injuries. The most common outcome of these falls were hip replacement surgeries, which often leads to a series of more serious health issues in this age group pendulum friction test.

Ceramic tiles and vinyl flooring typically used in these older special access bathrooms, kitchens and public areas often exhibit a very low SCOF (Surface Co-Efficient of Friction) and there was little formal documented data to support the inherent slip risk, particularly when they were exposed to water contamination from spills or transfer from shoes or wet weather gear..

Today however there is ample documentation from not only Standards Australia, the C.S.I.R.O but many Insurance companies that have taken the time to investigate the underlying cause of these accidents.

It is now incumbent for Aged Care Facilities in Australia to conduct formalized NATA testing at their site to identify any areas of risk and then to ensure they undertake proactive actions to minimize these risks. In most states this NATA testing is available for both pre and post treatment.

Correct risk management will provide solutions that will drastically reduce these risks. In carrying out these works facility managers in demonstrating their "duty of care" compliance will also meet their insurance cover requirements.