PTV Flooring Ratings UK — Pendulum Test Values Explained

Last updated: April 2026

The Pendulum Test Value (PTV) is the slip resistance measurement system most commonly referenced in UK health and safety guidance, HSE inspections, and liability cases involving slipping accidents. Unlike the R-rating system (which derives from a German ramp test), PTV is based on a UK-developed pendulum method that better simulates pedestrian heel contact — making it the most relevant measure for most UK commercial and public flooring applications.

If you're buying flooring for a public building, commercial premises, or any space where slip risk could affect your liability, understanding PTV is essential.

What is the Pendulum Test?

The Pendulum Test, formally described in BS EN 13036-4:2011 and the associated UK testing protocol BS 7976-2:2002, measures dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) between a rubber slider and a flooring surface.

How It Works

1. A pendulum device is positioned over the flooring sample
2. A standardised rubber slider (Four-S rubber for wet tests) is attached to the pendulum
3. The pendulum is released and swings across the floor surface
4. The energy lost due to friction during this contact is measured
5. This is expressed as the Pendulum Test Value (PTV) on a scale of 0–100+

Tests can be conducted both dry (no contaminant) and wet (water-contaminated), and in situ on installed flooring — making it particularly valuable for assessing real-world installed conditions.

PTV Classifications and HSE Thresholds

PTV Range	HSE Classification	Required Action
0–24	High Slip Risk	Urgent remediation required
25–35	Moderate Slip Risk	Review and improve where practical
36+	Low Slip Risk	Satisfactory

The critical threshold is PTV 36. Products described as "PTV 36 non-slip" are meeting this minimum HSE threshold under wet test conditions.

Wet vs Dry PTV Testing

PTV tests can be conducted wet or dry:

• Wet test: The floor surface is wetted with water before testing. This is the critical test for most commercial applications and the one referenced by the HSE thresholds above.
• Dry test: Conducted on a dry surface. Most flooring will score well dry — the wet test is what distinguishes genuinely safe from superficially grippy floors.

Always ask for wet PTV data when specifying flooring for wet or potentially wet environments.

PTV vs R-Rating — Which Should You Use?

Both systems are valid but measure different things and are used in different contexts:

• PTV (BS 7976): Used by UK HSE, most suitable for pedestrian applications, can be tested in situ, widely used in litigation. Best for: offices, retail, healthcare, hospitality, public buildings.
• R-rating (DIN 51130): Better suited to industrial and food processing environments with specific contamination types. Best for: industrial floors, food processing, kitchens, workshops.

For a commercial kitchen, a competent specifier would typically require both: R11 (DIN 51130) AND PTV 36+ (BS 7976 wet test).

How PTV Relates to Common Flooring Products

Flooring Type	Typical Wet PTV
Polished marble (unprotected)	10–20 (High risk)
Smooth ceramic tile (wet)	15–25 (High/moderate risk)
Textured vinyl (commercial)	36–45 (Low risk)
Rubber stud matting	45–65 (Low risk)
Open-grid drainage matting	55–80+ (Low risk)
Coir entrance matting	50–70 (Low risk)
Smooth rubber sheet (wet)	30–40 (varies)

In-Situ PTV Testing

One significant advantage of the pendulum test over R-rating is that it can be performed on installed flooring in your actual building. This allows you to:

• Verify that installed flooring meets specification
• Assess floors that have aged or been treated with coatings or cleaning products that may have altered slip resistance
• Gather evidence for legal purposes following a slipping incident
• Identify problem areas before incidents occur

UK-based pendulum testing services typically charge £150–£300 per visit for in-situ testing, and many flooring inspectors and safety consultants offer this service.

Maintaining PTV After Installation

A floor that initially achieves PTV 50 can drop below PTV 36 if:

• The surface becomes contaminated with grease or wax (from polish or cleaning products)
• The surface texture wears smooth over time
• Cleaning products leave a residue that acts as a lubricant when wet

For rubber flooring, using correct pH-neutral cleaners (not polish-based products) maintains the original surface texture and PTV. Annual in-situ testing in high-risk commercial environments is good practice.

Browse the anti-slip rubber matting range at rubberco.co.uk. All products include available PTV data in the technical specifications tab. Need help specifying the right product for HSE compliance? Our team can advise.

Shop Related Rubber Flooring & Matting

• Anti-Slip Mats
• Anti-Fatigue Mats
• Full Rubber Matting Range

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of rubber flooring are available in the UK?

The main types are SBR rubber (recycled, budget-friendly), EPDM rubber (colourful, UV stable), nitrile rubber (oil resistant), and neoprene rubber (chemical resistant). Each suits different applications.

Is rubber flooring easy to maintain?

Yes – rubber flooring is one of the easiest floor coverings to maintain. Regular sweeping and occasional mopping with mild detergent keeps it in excellent condition. Most rubber flooring needs no specialist cleaning products.

How long does rubber flooring last?

Quality rubber flooring typically lasts 10–20 years. Commercial installations in high-traffic areas often achieve 15+ years with regular maintenance. The longevity depends on rubber quality, thickness, and application.

Is rubber flooring slippery when wet?

Anti-slip rubber flooring maintains excellent grip even when wet. Look for products with PTV (Pendulum Test Value) ratings of 36+ for general use and 40+ for wet areas. Textured surfaces further improve wet grip.

Can rubber flooring be used on underfloor heating?

Rubber flooring can be used with underfloor heating systems. Ensure the rubber compound is specified as suitable for heated floors, and keep surface temperatures below 27°C to prevent premature degradation.