A Word About Coefficient of Friction and Slip Resistance

Static coefficient of friction tests are performed according to ASTM test method C 1028-89. There is no ANSI Standard for slip resistance. OSHA recommends a static C.O.F. of .50 minimum for dry surfaces. ADA recommends, on dry surfaces, a 0.60 for accessible routes and 0.80 for ramp surfaces.

There are no ADA requirements for slip resistance. Static C.O.F. should be only one method to help you determine slip resistance. Other factors can affect slip resistance, such as degree of wear on the shoe and flooring material; presence of foreign material such as water, oil and dirt; the length of human stride at the time of slip; type of floor finish and the physical and mental condition of humans. Therefore, this test method should be used for the sole purpose of developing a property of the flooring surface under laboratory conditions, and should not be used to determine slip resistance under field conditions unless these conditions are fully described.

Static C.O.F. can vary from piece to piece with each production run and from production run to production run.