UKAS slip testing for
places of worship.

Why places of worship commission UKAS accredited slip testing

Places of worship have distinctive slip issues — historic stone floors polished by centuries of footfall, vulnerable-user congregations (elderly, young families), and often inadequate entrance matting or no matting at all. UKAS accredited testing is occasionally commissioned by faith-group insurance schemes and diocesan property offices.

Specific issues we see in places of worship

• Historic stone nave and aisles. Centuries of footfall produce polished marble or York-stone. Non-invasive testing essential on listed floors.
• Entrance zones. Ancient entrance porticos often have no matting. Wet-weather risk high.
• Font and ceremonial areas. Specific areas with wet-floor risk (baptism, ritual washing, floral arrangements).
• Community hall and annex. Modern community halls attached to historic worship space — typical commercial vinyl or tile.

Which standards apply

BS EN 16165 Annex C pendulum testing. Non-invasive methodology for listed historic floors. UKSRG Issue 6 protocol.

What you get

• UKAS accredited pendulum test report (Lab 7933)
• PTV results for every test location, dry and wet
• Interpretation against BS EN 16165 and UKSRG benchmarks
• Photographic record of test locations
• Measurement uncertainty statements (required for admissibility)
• 5 working day turnaround from site visit to report

Common questions

Listed building — non-invasive?

Always non-invasive. No drilling, no marks. Water contained to test area only.

Diocesan or faith-group scheme?

Several dioceses and faith-group schemes commission slip testing across their estates.

After a congregation member slip?

Post-incident testing supports the faith body's claims-defence. Prompt call appreciated.

Cathedrals and major worship spaces?

Same approach, larger scope. Typical cathedral survey runs 20-40 test locations across nave, aisles, transepts, entrance, and specific feature areas.