What is Wet Pendulum Slip Testing?
- Ben Yarham
- Oct 2, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 3
Wet pendulum slip testing is one of the most widely recognised and reliable methods for measuring slip resistance of pedestrian surfaces. Used throughout Australia and internationally, this method provides a quantifiable slip resistance value that can be compared against Australian Standards.
Wet pendulum testing can be conducted both in laboratory environments and on-site, allowing surfaces to be assessed either before installation or in real-world conditions after installation.
This testing method is widely used across:
Commercial buildings
Public infrastructure
Industrial facilities
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Hotels and hospitality venues
Shopping centres
External walkways and ramps
Because of its reliability and repeatability, wet pendulum testing is commonly used for risk assessments, compliance verification, and incident investigations.
How Wet Pendulum Slip Testing Works
Wet pendulum testing uses a spring-loaded rubber slider mounted to a pendulum arm. As the pendulum swings, the rubber slider makes contact with the surface over a controlled distance.
The resistance encountered as the slider moves across the surface reduces the pendulum's swing. This reduction is measured and converted into a Slip Resistance Value (SRV).
Higher slip resistance values generally indicate lower slip risk, while lower values indicate higher slip risk.
Testing is conducted under wet conditions, typically using clean, potable water applied to the surface. This replicates real-world scenarios where slips are most likely to occur, such as:
Rain exposure
Cleaning operations
Spills
Condensation
Outdoor environments
Because many slip incidents occur when surfaces are wet, wet pendulum testing provides realistic safety data.
The History of Wet Pendulum Testing in Australia
The use of wet pendulum testers for evaluating pedestrian surfaces in Australia was formally established in 1993 with the introduction of AS/NZS 3661.
This standard later evolved into the current Australian Standards:
Today, wet pendulum testing remains one of the most widely accepted methods for assessing slip resistance under Australian Standards.
Slider 96 and Slider 55 in Wet Pendulum Testing
Under current Australian Standards, two types of rubber sliders can be used during wet pendulum testing:
Slider 96 (4S Rubber)
Slider 55 (TRL Rubber)
These sliders differ in rubber hardness and are used to simulate different pedestrian conditions.
Slider 96 is a harder rubber designed to simulate footwear or shod pedestrian traffic. This is the most commonly used slider for commercial, industrial and public environments.
Slider 55 is a softer rubber designed to simulate barefoot pedestrian traffic. This slider is typically used in areas such as pool surrounds, change rooms and aquatic environments.
Selecting the appropriate slider is important, as each may produce different slip resistance results on the same surface.
More information relating to slider selection can be found here at our parent site, Australian Slip Testing Pty Ltd.
Where Wet Pendulum Testing is Used
Wet pendulum testing is suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including:
Tiles
Concrete
Steel plates
Vinyl flooring
Epoxy coatings
Timber decking
Stone surfaces
External paving
Because the test can also be conducted on-site, it is particularly useful for assessing installed surfaces under actual conditions.
This makes wet pendulum testing valuable for:
New construction projects
Existing building compliance
Post-remedial testing
Safety audits
Incident investigations
Why Wet Pendulum Testing is Widely Trusted
Wet pendulum testing is widely used because it provides:
Repeatable results
Portable on-site testing
Objective measurements
Real-world wet condition simulation
Australian Standards alignment
These advantages make wet pendulum testing one of the most reliable slip resistance testing methods available.
Professional Wet Pendulum Slip Testing
Australian Slip Testing and Australian Slip Ratings provides professional wet pendulum slip testing across Australia and in our lab, respectively. Testing can be conducted:
On-site
In laboratory settings
During construction
After installation
Following surface treatments or coatings
Wet pendulum testing provides valuable insight into surface safety, compliance, and risk management.
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