The BOT-3000 slip test measure

The BOT has not yet been formally evaluated by the English UK HSE. However, the HSE have evaluated many slip testers similar in nature to the BOT 2000 and BOT 3000 and unless these machines achieve the mass and speed required to accurately simulate pedestrian slipping there is a risk that they will fail to measure wet slip risk correctly. See HSE views on trundle slip testers

BOT 3000 comparison of slip test measures

The BOT-3000 is billed as measuring static and dynamic coefficient of friction on both wet and dry floors. We will be happy to compare BOT test results with SlipAlert test results. SlipAlert test results convert to PTV and coefficient of friction. if you have information on the BOT or wish to compare BOT with SlipAlert please contact us.

Testing wet slip risk matters

Most slip accidents occur on wet floors. The science of wet slip resistance is complex but the key features relate to weight and speed. When your heel slips on a wet floor it is being lifted off the floor surface by a squeeze film of water between the shoe heel and the floor surface. We understand that like many slip testers, the BOT-3000 moves too slowly to simulate that aquaplaning effect. However if you know different or can show us evidence on BOT test results then please contact SlipAlert.

What the HSE say about the BOT-3000

The UK HSE does not specifically quote the BOT-3000 on its websites, but we understand that the HSE consider the BOT-3000 to have the same limitations as many trundle devices that allege to test slip risk. Like other slip testers, it may measure the coefficient of friction on dry floors reasonably well. The BOT has additional features that allow a comprehensive print out of test results using an internal printer (thermal we are told). However, according to the HSE, you should beware that some slip test measures don't work in wet or contaminated conditions. the HSE says or Tortus, GMG, FSC200 and others...

"You need to be aware that it is an invalid test for pedestrian slipping as it gives incorrect results in contaminated conditions."

BOT-3000 and legal slip cases in court

Some will argue that slip test measures like the BOT-3000 are useful in court cases because they provide a credible measure of slip resistance and a printout of coefficient of friction of the floor. If you wish to contest evidence from slip testers such as the TORTUS, GMG, GSC200 then you should conduct a simple slip test on smooth tiled floors. Measure the slip risk of the dry floor, the wet floor, and the floor with a coating of grease or oil plus water.

Many trundle type of slip testers will show the floor to be safer when wet than it is when dry. This is clearly counter to actual slip experience where most slip accidents occur on wet or contaminated floors. We have been told that the BOT-3000 has similar failings to the other trundle testers tested by HSE. If you know more about the BOT-3000 performance please contact us.

We understand that the BOT may be a a good slip test machine with useful additional features but we accept the HSE view that it fails to measure wet slip risk and is not as easy to use or as reliable as SlipAlert

Contact SlipAlert for more information.