Coefficient of Friction (COF) Testing of Flooring Materials and Walking Surfaces

Measuring the slip resistance of walking surfaces can be performed in the laboratory or on-site. Applicable regulations, the appropriate test device and test method, surfaces to be tested (flat surfaces, ramps and stairs, areas of surface wear, contamination, and irregular flooring surfaces), and applicable types of footwear are all important considerations.

Static Coefficient of Friction, or SCOF, measures the resistance of an object starting into motion, while the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction, or DCOF, measures the amount of force required to keep an object in motion. Each affects human locomotion safety very differently.  The one constant across principals and industries is that coefficient of friction (COF) is measured on a scale of 0 to 1, with 0 indicating no friction.

• ANSI A137.1 “American National Standard Specifications for Ceramic Tile”
• ANSI A326.3 “American National Standard Test Method for Measuring Dynamic Coefficient of Friction of Hard Surface Flooring Materials”
• ANSI/ASSP A1264.2 “Standard for the Provision of Slip Resistance on Walking/Working Surfaces”
• ANSI/NFSI B101.1 “Test Method for Measuring Wet SCOF of Common Hard-Surface Floor Materials”
• ANSI/NFSI B101.3 “Test Method for Measuring Wet DCOF of Common Hard-Surface Floor Materials”
• ASTM F1679 “Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)”
• NFPA 1901 “Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus”

The Following Are Commonly Cited SCOF and DCOF Regulations and Guidelines:

• ANSI B101.1: Wet SCOF ≥60 indicates a lower probability of initiating slipping
• ANSI B101.3: Wet DCOF > 0.42 indicates a lower probability of slipping
• Appendix A to the Federal Accessibility Standards (OSHA): SCOF of 0.5
• The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (persons with disabilities): SCOF of 0.6 for accessible routes and 0.8 for ramps
• 2012 International Building Code: minimum wet DCOF of 0.42
• ANSI A1264.2 (primarily oriented to workplaces): 0.50 under dry conditions

The Following Organizations Prepare Standards for Pedestrian Walkway Safety:

• The National Flooring Safety Institute
• The Tile Council of North America
• American Ceramic Tile Association
• Safer Walkways Association

Take a Look at our SCOF and DCOF Equipment:

The BOT-3000e measures both SCOF and DCOF under wet and dry conditions, and it is portable.

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