A08B - SLIP RESISTANCE ISSUES
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A08B-1 Introduction
A08B-2 Liability and litigation A08B-3 Slip resistance A08B-4 Slip physics A08B-5 Slip resistance testing A08B-6 Summary of testing A08B-7 Slip resistant flooring A08B-8 Selecting appropriate slip resistant flooring A08B-9 Summary A08B-10 American with disabilities act |
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Preface:
The following information on slip resistance in regard to flooring is provided for general information only. The information is not comprehensive and specifiers and other persons using it are advised to refer to appropriate publications and consult with appropriate authorities having jurisdiction as to what requirements are applicable.
1 • INTRODUCTION
.01 Slippery floors are a factor in most falls and falls can occur on surfaces that individuals assume are dry. It is when a person is unaware of a hazard on a walking surface (water on a floor or ice on a sidewalk) and expects the level of traction to continue that slips are most likely to occur. If an individual perceives that the surface is slippery he or she will adjust their approach and walk across it with more care. This however still doesn't remove the hazard. Slipping and falling may be due to the type of flooring, finish and maintenance, spills and debris, or wet areas resulting from tracked-in moisture from rain, snow, or ice and may occur in any commercial, institutional, or residential setting including retail areas / shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, homes, etc. Some areas, such as food preparation areas in commercial and institutional kitchens, cafeterias, produce departments, rest and bathing rooms, pool decks, balconies and some laboratories and industrial operations where chemicals, grease, or oils on flooring surfaces may pose a higher risk and increase the chance of a slipping and falling. In care facilities and hospital bathing rooms for example, wet and/or soapy floors can create hazards. It is therefore important to know how slip resistant flooring materials react when they are both wet and dry in order to avoid slips and falls and litigation.
.02 Not withstanding good housekeeping maintenance practices and cleaning up spills immediately and sweeping up any debris, the following solutions to limit slip and falling hazards may be used:
.03 The use of slip-resistant flooring or coatings or treatments however does not eliminate the need for good housekeeping. Any floor must still be properly cleaned to maintain its slip resistance whether it has an integral slip resistant surface or has a slip-resistant topical treatment.
Whatever the flooring material or treatment used to provide slip resistance it is imperative that correct maintenance materials and procedures recommended by the flooring or treatment manufacturer are followed to ensure that slip resistance is maintained. Use of any other materials or procedures will void the manufacturer's slip-resistance warranty or guarantee and may result in liability for the Owner.
.04 Note that the term "safety flooring" should not be used as it implies that other types of flooring are "less safe or unsafe". In Europe the term "enhanced slip" resistance is used in regard to floors having higher slip resistance.
The following information on slip resistance in regard to flooring is provided for general information only. The information is not comprehensive and specifiers and other persons using it are advised to refer to appropriate publications and consult with appropriate authorities having jurisdiction as to what requirements are applicable.
1 • INTRODUCTION
.01 Slippery floors are a factor in most falls and falls can occur on surfaces that individuals assume are dry. It is when a person is unaware of a hazard on a walking surface (water on a floor or ice on a sidewalk) and expects the level of traction to continue that slips are most likely to occur. If an individual perceives that the surface is slippery he or she will adjust their approach and walk across it with more care. This however still doesn't remove the hazard. Slipping and falling may be due to the type of flooring, finish and maintenance, spills and debris, or wet areas resulting from tracked-in moisture from rain, snow, or ice and may occur in any commercial, institutional, or residential setting including retail areas / shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, homes, etc. Some areas, such as food preparation areas in commercial and institutional kitchens, cafeterias, produce departments, rest and bathing rooms, pool decks, balconies and some laboratories and industrial operations where chemicals, grease, or oils on flooring surfaces may pose a higher risk and increase the chance of a slipping and falling. In care facilities and hospital bathing rooms for example, wet and/or soapy floors can create hazards. It is therefore important to know how slip resistant flooring materials react when they are both wet and dry in order to avoid slips and falls and litigation.
.02 Not withstanding good housekeeping maintenance practices and cleaning up spills immediately and sweeping up any debris, the following solutions to limit slip and falling hazards may be used:
- Provision of walk-off grilles, carpets, or mats at entrance doors to remove moisture and dirt that is tracked in.
- Use of a slip-resistant flooring material having a suitable "abrasive" or raised surface that will provide slip resistance in accordance with Code requirements in wet and greasy conditions.
- Use of non-slip treatments on flooring with a hard mineral surface, such as tile, polished untreated concrete, or stone (marble, granite, etc.) floors that will provide slip resistance in accordance with Code requirements.
.03 The use of slip-resistant flooring or coatings or treatments however does not eliminate the need for good housekeeping. Any floor must still be properly cleaned to maintain its slip resistance whether it has an integral slip resistant surface or has a slip-resistant topical treatment.
Whatever the flooring material or treatment used to provide slip resistance it is imperative that correct maintenance materials and procedures recommended by the flooring or treatment manufacturer are followed to ensure that slip resistance is maintained. Use of any other materials or procedures will void the manufacturer's slip-resistance warranty or guarantee and may result in liability for the Owner.
.04 Note that the term "safety flooring" should not be used as it implies that other types of flooring are "less safe or unsafe". In Europe the term "enhanced slip" resistance is used in regard to floors having higher slip resistance.
2 • LIABILITY AND LITIGATION
.01 If an individual or employee slips or falls, he or she may file a Worker's Compensation Board claim or launch a lawsuit if an injury occurs. This claim or suit may be based on the
negligence of the designer, owner, or maintenance personnel. The elements necessary to a cause of action will be based on the following:
and owners must be careful in selecting an appropriate floor covering material or treatment to lessen slips and falls. This entails "due diligence" in reviewing regulatory
requirements, appropriate material testing, site specific slip resistance requirements, and materials offering various degrees of slip resistance. In addition, maintenance
personnel must ensure that manufacturers recommendations in regard to maintenance materials and cleaning methods and frequency are strictly adhered to.
.03 With Canada's aging population lessening slips and falls is also critical. Lack of mobility, weak muscles, poor eyesight, and balance problems are concerns and may need to be
addressed when selecting flooring materials. Injuries to seniors (e.g. broken hips) can literally mean the end to mobility and may even result in premature death.
negligence of the designer, owner, or maintenance personnel. The elements necessary to a cause of action will be based on the following:
- A duty or obligation, recognized by law, requiring that the designer, owner, or maintenance personnel exercise a duty of care (i.e. based on conformance to generally accepted standards) to protect others (the workers / public) from unreasonable risks or hazards.
- A failure to conform to this standard.
- A reasonably close causal connection between this conduct and the resulting injury, commonly known as "legal cause" or "proximate cause".
- Actual injury, loss, or damage as a result of the occurrence.
and owners must be careful in selecting an appropriate floor covering material or treatment to lessen slips and falls. This entails "due diligence" in reviewing regulatory
requirements, appropriate material testing, site specific slip resistance requirements, and materials offering various degrees of slip resistance. In addition, maintenance
personnel must ensure that manufacturers recommendations in regard to maintenance materials and cleaning methods and frequency are strictly adhered to.
.03 With Canada's aging population lessening slips and falls is also critical. Lack of mobility, weak muscles, poor eyesight, and balance problems are concerns and may need to be
addressed when selecting flooring materials. Injuries to seniors (e.g. broken hips) can literally mean the end to mobility and may even result in premature death.
3 • SLIP RESISTANCE
.01 Slip resistance is based on the frictional force necessary to keep a shoe heel or cane and crutch tip from slipping on a walking surface under conditions likely to be found on the surface. While the dynamic coefficient of friction during walking varies in a complex and non-uniform way, the static coefficient of friction, which can be measured in several ways, provides a close approximation of the slip resistance of a surface. Contrary to popular belief, some slippage is necessary to walking, especially for persons with restricted gaits; a truly "non-slip" surface could not be negotiated.
.02 The requirement for slip resistant floor surfaces on stairs, ramps, in bathing, work and other areas is indicated in National and Provincial Building Codes and Health Acts and local By-Laws, and in the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the American Disability Act (ADA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. (See below for additional Information on ADA).
.03. At the moment there are currently no binding regulations that require floors to have a certain slip resistance rating other than being just regular, firm and "slip resistant". A generally accepted slip-resistance scale developed by testing agencies offers a tool to measure the relative slipperiness of floors, and a way to evaluate the risk in places where slip and fall accidents are more likely to occur. This slip-resistance scale ranges from zero to one with increments measured in tenths of a point. The closer a rating is to zero, the less slip-resistant the surface will be. The optimum average slip resistant ratings for a floor surface are from 0.50 to 0.60 for flat floors and 0.80 for ramps (an ADA recommendation), which factors in a substantial "cushion" for safety. This safety margin is necessary due to other factors such as type of footwear (e.g. smooth vinyl versus rubber soled shoes) that may increase the hazard of slipping.
.04 Determining what the coefficient of friction or slip resistance of a flooring material is important but not that easy to do. Understanding the pros and cons of the various testing methods will provide design authorities and flooring distributors valuable insight into the validity of product specifications for slip resistance, and will help a designer or owner in determining the validity of manufacturers product claims and about the inappropriate use of some flooring products.
.05 Many different slip-resistance testing standards and more than 70 different slipmeters or tribometers have been developed since the 1930's. Despite this however there is yet no universally recognized method of measurement of slip resistance established. The proliferation of these standards and testing devices has created confusion not only for flooring representatives and design professionals but also for manufacturers using slip-resistance testing services and even those offering such testing services. This may also result in consumers of testing services having the wrong tests performed and confusion as to what methods and results are valid.
.06 As flooring and coating companies provide information on their "safe" or slip resistant flooring products or materials, it is critical to review their technical literature in regard to testing for slip resistance. Many base their testing using different slip resistance testers or on testers that are no longer valid for testing. Others may test their flooring materials using devices and procedures such as the James Machine (ASTM D2047) or a horizontal dynamometer pull-meter (ASTM C1028) for wet testing when neither of them should legitimately be used for such testing. Some also use various drag sled slip resistance testing devices that may not comply with ASTM C1028 (Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method) or ASTM F609 (Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS) requirements. What are the standards and which ones apply?
.02 The requirement for slip resistant floor surfaces on stairs, ramps, in bathing, work and other areas is indicated in National and Provincial Building Codes and Health Acts and local By-Laws, and in the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations and the American Disability Act (ADA) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. (See below for additional Information on ADA).
.03. At the moment there are currently no binding regulations that require floors to have a certain slip resistance rating other than being just regular, firm and "slip resistant". A generally accepted slip-resistance scale developed by testing agencies offers a tool to measure the relative slipperiness of floors, and a way to evaluate the risk in places where slip and fall accidents are more likely to occur. This slip-resistance scale ranges from zero to one with increments measured in tenths of a point. The closer a rating is to zero, the less slip-resistant the surface will be. The optimum average slip resistant ratings for a floor surface are from 0.50 to 0.60 for flat floors and 0.80 for ramps (an ADA recommendation), which factors in a substantial "cushion" for safety. This safety margin is necessary due to other factors such as type of footwear (e.g. smooth vinyl versus rubber soled shoes) that may increase the hazard of slipping.
.04 Determining what the coefficient of friction or slip resistance of a flooring material is important but not that easy to do. Understanding the pros and cons of the various testing methods will provide design authorities and flooring distributors valuable insight into the validity of product specifications for slip resistance, and will help a designer or owner in determining the validity of manufacturers product claims and about the inappropriate use of some flooring products.
.05 Many different slip-resistance testing standards and more than 70 different slipmeters or tribometers have been developed since the 1930's. Despite this however there is yet no universally recognized method of measurement of slip resistance established. The proliferation of these standards and testing devices has created confusion not only for flooring representatives and design professionals but also for manufacturers using slip-resistance testing services and even those offering such testing services. This may also result in consumers of testing services having the wrong tests performed and confusion as to what methods and results are valid.
.06 As flooring and coating companies provide information on their "safe" or slip resistant flooring products or materials, it is critical to review their technical literature in regard to testing for slip resistance. Many base their testing using different slip resistance testers or on testers that are no longer valid for testing. Others may test their flooring materials using devices and procedures such as the James Machine (ASTM D2047) or a horizontal dynamometer pull-meter (ASTM C1028) for wet testing when neither of them should legitimately be used for such testing. Some also use various drag sled slip resistance testing devices that may not comply with ASTM C1028 (Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method) or ASTM F609 (Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS) requirements. What are the standards and which ones apply?
4 • SLIP PHYSICS
.01 To understand the nature of slip resistance it is necessary to first review terminology and the physics of slipping and testing for it.
.02 Static Coefficient of Friction: This is a measurement of the amount of resistance required to stop a slip. The Static Coefficient of Friction of the majority of designated Safety flooring will range from 0.6 to 0.9.
.03 Dynamic (Kinetic) Coefficient of Friction: This is a measurement of the amount of resistance required to start a slip.
.04 Hydrodynamic Squeeze Film Effect: This is a phenomenon very similar to vehicular tire dynamics on wet roads known as aquaplaning that may occur in wet spots on flooring. This causes many accidents when shoes slip forward on surfaces that are not rough enough to dig into the bottom of the shoe as it contacts a wet surface. Aside from good housekeeping, the best way to minimize the potential for the build-up of a hydrodynamic squeeze film is to increase the roughness of the floor surface.
.05 Sticktion (or adhesion): This is the name given to a temporary bond created between the test foot of a slipmeter and the walkway surface when contact is made. The cause of sticktion is "residence time," or the delay between the time the test foot of the slipmeter contacts the floor (vertical force due to gravity) and the application of the horizontal force. A good example of this type of device is the horizontal pull slipmeter, in which a weight is placed on the surface and pulled across the floor. This delay or sticktion creates unrealistically high slip resistance readings on wet surfaces, sometimes producing results even higher than the same surface when tested dry. Slipmeters (also called tribometers) that apply horizontal and vertical forces simultaneously generate no residence time, and therefore prevent sticktion are more appropriate in testing wet surfaces.
.02 Static Coefficient of Friction: This is a measurement of the amount of resistance required to stop a slip. The Static Coefficient of Friction of the majority of designated Safety flooring will range from 0.6 to 0.9.
.03 Dynamic (Kinetic) Coefficient of Friction: This is a measurement of the amount of resistance required to start a slip.
.04 Hydrodynamic Squeeze Film Effect: This is a phenomenon very similar to vehicular tire dynamics on wet roads known as aquaplaning that may occur in wet spots on flooring. This causes many accidents when shoes slip forward on surfaces that are not rough enough to dig into the bottom of the shoe as it contacts a wet surface. Aside from good housekeeping, the best way to minimize the potential for the build-up of a hydrodynamic squeeze film is to increase the roughness of the floor surface.
.05 Sticktion (or adhesion): This is the name given to a temporary bond created between the test foot of a slipmeter and the walkway surface when contact is made. The cause of sticktion is "residence time," or the delay between the time the test foot of the slipmeter contacts the floor (vertical force due to gravity) and the application of the horizontal force. A good example of this type of device is the horizontal pull slipmeter, in which a weight is placed on the surface and pulled across the floor. This delay or sticktion creates unrealistically high slip resistance readings on wet surfaces, sometimes producing results even higher than the same surface when tested dry. Slipmeters (also called tribometers) that apply horizontal and vertical forces simultaneously generate no residence time, and therefore prevent sticktion are more appropriate in testing wet surfaces.
5 • SLIP RESISTANCE TESTING
.01 As previously noted, there are a variety of test methods used to determine slip resistance of materials and a number of slip meters (also called tribometers) used to quantify floor surface slipperiness. Many such meters however have not gained acceptance and fewer still have been evaluated and validated by an independent testing laboratory.
.02 Learning the advantages and disadvantages of each testing method will provide flooring distributors, design professionals, owners, and authorities having jurisdiction insight into the validity of product claims of slip resistance and will aid in formulating informed questions of manufacturers regarding their product claims. As well distributors armed with such knowledge can provide more specific information to end users regardless of manufacturer claims.
.02 Learning the advantages and disadvantages of each testing method will provide flooring distributors, design professionals, owners, and authorities having jurisdiction insight into the validity of product claims of slip resistance and will aid in formulating informed questions of manufacturers regarding their product claims. As well distributors armed with such knowledge can provide more specific information to end users regardless of manufacturer claims.
Providing appropriate information in regard to slip resistance will provide a more solid defence in the event of litigation involving inappropriate use of a product.
.03 In North America, the ASTM F-13 technical committee on Safety and Traction for Footwear is responsible for safety and traction for footwear, walkway surfaces, and practices related to the prevention of slips and falls. The F-13 committee is made up of several subcommittees, one of which is the F13.10 Traction committee that has jurisdiction over all slip testing device or tribometer standards. ASTM currently has eight active standards for five slipmeters that meet the F-13 technical committee's acceptance. These are:
- James Machine: This device was developed by Sidney James of Underwriters Laboratories in the 1940's and is used in accordance with ASTM D2047, Standard Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces as Measured by the James Machine. This laboratory only test method measures the static coefficient of friction of dry polish-coated smooth flooring surface samples and also establishes a compliance criterion to meet the requirement for non-hazardous polished walkway surfaces. Because of the leather pad specification and problem with sticktion, this test method is not intended for use on "wet" surfaces or on surfaces where the texture, projections, profile, or clearance between the sculptured pattern of the surface does not permit adequate contact between the machine foot and the test surface.
- The James Machine has several inherent biases, which prompted users of this instrument to make modifications to achieve good repeatability on a single instrument and good correlation between several machines. The device needs continuous maintenance and adjustment, in part due to the required release of an 80-pound weight. As noted above, as a laboratory-based machine that is not portable, the machine can only be used on flooring materials, not floors. Since the device is subject to 'sticktion' and it specifies the use of leather (whose properties change when wet, delivering overly-optimistic readings), this device can only be used to test dry surfaces. Set-up instructions have never been standardized, an issue made more complex by the presence of at least four different versions of the James Machine, none of which are still in production. Despite its shortcomings, the device is still used to test new flooring materials and polish treatments, and is still the method most often quoted for flooring products.
- Note: ASTM D2047 is under the jurisdiction of ASTM technical committee D21 Polishes.
- Note: ASTM F489, Standard Test Method for Using a James Machine. This test method now withdrawn covered the laboratory measurement of the dry static coefficient of friction of shoe sole and heel materials on controlled walking surfaces under controlled conditions and not floor slip resistance.
- Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS): This device was developed in the 1960's and is used in accordance with ASTM F609, Standard Test Method for Using a Horizontal Pull Slipmeter. The test involves pulling a footwear or surrogate material across a walkway surface under a fixed load at a constant speed and can be used in the laboratory or in the field. Sticktion makes this device unreliable on wet surfaces and it is approved for dry testing of footwear material only and not the walkway surface. Other concerns using this machine include:
- The use of a spring combined with the analog indicator making it difficult to obtain a definitive reading.
- The test feet on the HPS meter are so small they can be influenced while being pulled across the floor making it difficult to obtain valid readings on interlocking (e.g. tiled) surfaces.
- The lack of structure between the motor and the meter/weight (a nylon string) results in potential operator variances in the application of lateral forces.
- Note: Although similar devices based on similar drag sled technology are available, the ASTM approved-version of the HPS is no longer in production.
- Portable Articulated Strut Slip Tester (PAST): This device was developed in the 1970's by Dr. Robert Brungraber while working for the U.S. National Bureau of Standards and is used in accordance with ASTM F1678, Standard Test Method for Using a Portable Articulated Strut Slip Tester. The tester, also known as the Brungraber Mark I slip tester, is similar in operation to the James Machine and is approved for dry testing only of footwear sole, heel, or related materials (test feet) against planar walkway surfaces or walkway surrogates (test surfaces) in either the laboratory or field. It is, unlike the James Machine, a portable device that can test actual floors, and uses a graduated rod that requires calculations to convert the reading to a slip resistance measurement. This test method does not address all methodological issues (for example, test surface and test foot material selection and preparation, experimental design, or report preparation).
- Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Slip Tester (PIAST): This device also known as the Brungraber Mark II tester was also developed by Dr. Robert Brungraber in the 1980's and is a modification of the Mark 1 tester using a gravity-based articulated strut designed to avoid the sticktion problem by eliminating the residence time (or delay) between the application of the vertical and horizontal forces. It uses a ten-pound weight on an inclinable frame with a test foot suspended just above the surface to be tested. Each time the angle is set to a more horizontal position the weight is released, until a slip occurs. The slip resistance reading can be taken directly from the instrument. This device enables users to reliably determine the slip resistance of footwear sole, heel, or related materials (test feet) against planar walkway surfaces or walkway surrogates (test surfaces) in either the laboratory or field under dry, wet, or contaminated conditions and is used in accordance with ASTM F1677, Standard Test Method for Using a Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Slip Tester (PIAST). This test method does not however address all methodological issues (for example, test surface and test foot material selection and preparation, experimental design, or report preparation).
- English XL Tester: This device similar to the PIAST tester was developed by William English in the early 1990's. Unlike other tribometers however, the English XL does not rely on gravity but is powered by a small carbon dioxide cartridge at a set pressure. This feature assures consistent operation by the application of a uniform force and can be used in accordance with ASTM F1679, Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT) to reliably determine the slip resistance of planar walkway surfaces or walkway surrogates (test surfaces) and can be used for footwear bottom materials and surrogates (test feet) in either the laboratory or field under dry, wet, or contaminated conditions. This test method however does not address all methodological issues (for example, test surface and test foot material selection and preparation, experimental design, or report preparation).
.04 Other Slip Resistance Standards: Other standards in regard to slip resistance and testing have been developed by other ASTM committees. Some of these are:
- ASTM C1028, Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient of Friction of Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method: This is a method that can be used in the laboratory or in the field using a build-it-yourself instrument and includes construction instructions that call for an analog dynamometer, a Neolite test pad, and a 50-pound drag sled weight. In addition because it is not a manufactured device, almost every unit made is different from the other increasing the potential for variability of results. Although it is currently approved for wet testing it has long been known like other drag sled testing devices to produce erratic results on wet surfaces due to sticktion. This testing method / instrument is different from and often confused with the ASTM F609 method that uses the HPS device. In addition since this device was only evaluated and approved for use on ceramic tile, using it to test other walkway surfaces has no validity. This standard is under the jurisdiction of ASTM C21 Ceramic Tile technical committee.
- ASTM D5859 Standard Test Method for Determining the Traction of Footwear on Painted Surfaces Using the Variable Incidence Tester: This test method using the VIT or English XL device covered the measurement of traction of footwear on painted walkway surfaces under both dry and wet conditions in the laboratory and the field. This standard was under the ASTM D01 Paint technical committee and has been withdrawn.
- ASTM E303, Standard Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the British Pendulum Tester: This test uses a dynamic pendulum impact-type tester to measure the energy loss when a rubber slider edge is propelled over a test surface. The tester is suited for laboratory as well as field tests on flat surfaces, and for polish value measurements on curved laboratory specimens from accelerated polishing-wheel tests.
- ASTM F462, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Slip-Resistant Bathing Facilities: This standard covers the slip resistance of bathtubs and shower structures or combinations, used for bathing or showering and calls for a specified soap solution and the use of the Brungraber Mark I device. The standard is intended to describe a means to reduce accidents to persons, especially children and the aged, resulting from the use of bathing facilities and is the responsibility of ASTM F15 Consumer Products technical committee.
- ASTM F695, Standard Practice for the Evaluation Test Data Obtained for Measurement of Static Slip Resistance of Footwear Sole, Heel, or Related Materials: This standard provides a method for ranking slip resistance results of footwear sole, heel, or related materials on various walkway surfaces performed in accordance with ASTM F489 and ASTM F609 test methods.
- ASTM F802, Standard Guide for Selection of Certain Walkway Surfaces When Considering Footwear Traction: This guide is intended to assist in the selection of walkway surfaces where the presence of foreign materials may produce the danger of a slip or a fall.
- ASTM F1240, Guide for Categorizing Results of Footwear Slip Resistance Measurements on Walkway Surfaces with an Interface of Various Foreign Substances: This standard describes a method for ranking slip resistance test results of footwear bottom materials on contaminated walkway surfaces and is essential in selecting appropriate footwear in areas where foreign materials can contribute to slips and falls
- ASTM F1637, Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces: This standard provides design and construction guidelines and minimum maintenance criteria for new and existing buildings and structures in order to provide reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing ordinary footwear. The guidelines may not be adequate for those with certain mobility impairments and conformance with this practice will not alleviate all hazards, although conformance will reduce certain pedestrian risks.
- ASTM F1646, Terminology Relating to Safety and Traction for Footwear: This standard defines terms relating to slip resistance and footwear.
- ASTM F2048, Standard Practice for Reporting Slip Resistance Test Results: This practice provides a suggested framework for recording and reporting results of slip resistance tests. It is recognized that it may not be necessary or possible to record all of the data for all types of tests; however, this practice is considered a basic approach for data collection.
- ASTM D6205, Standard Practice for Calibration of the James Static Coefficient of Friction Machine: This practise is written specifically for James Machines with manual or motorized test table transport and covers the testing of the machine to ensure accurate static coefficient of friction determinations over time and repeated use and for determining if the machine is mechanically calibrated and properly aligned.
.05 Other North American Slip Resistance Standards:
.07 Ramp Tests: These tests originated in Germany with the above noted DIN Standards and are also recognized in both Australia and New Zealand. Floor coverings to be tested are installed on an inclinable ramp surface and require a test person (installed in a safety harness) to walk on them. The angle of the ramp is gradually increased until the person is about to slip. This produces a "slip rating" based on the angle of incline. Critics of this method argue that a person's awareness of a potentially slippery surface influences the way he or she walks across an area (in this case up or down the ramp) and that test persons involved in ramp tests expect to slip and will therefore change their gait. It is further suggested individuals walk differently up or down a hill (in this case the ramp) than on a level surface and that no amount of preparation or instruction will change this and as a result subjects will "perform" much better during a ramp test than they would when encountering an unexpectedly slippery surface in real life. Slipping on a test ramp under such circumstances should not be compared in any way to slipping on a level surface. Despite these comments such realistic testing involving individuals rather than materials only does have some validity.
- ANSI A1264.2, Standard for the Provision of Slip Resistance on Walking / Working Surfaces: This standard sets forth provisions for protecting persons where there is potential for slipping and falling as a result of surface characteristics or conditions and it is primarily oriented to workplaces rather than public walkways. There are three basic areas addressed in the standard: 1) provisions for reducing hazards; 2) test procedures and equipment; and 3) slip resistance guidelines. The intent of this standard is to help in the reduction of falls due to conditions, which in some fashion are manageable. The standard in its present form specifies a threshold of safety of 0.50 and also references several ASTM F13 standards (including F1679) as means of measuring performance.
- UL410, Standard for Slip Resistance of Floor Surface Materials: This is an Underwriters Laboratories standard for rating of various materials and surfaces as "slip resistant." Any material or coating can be listed by UL as slip resistant if it achieves a rating of 0.50 or higher on a James Machine with a leather pad. This is the original slip resistance standard and little has been done to upgrade it over the years. Its limitations are similar to D2047.
- European Norm Standards:
- EN 13287, Safety, Protective, and Occupational Footwear for Professional Use - Test Method and Specifications for Determining Slip Resistance.
- EN 13845, Resilient Floor Coverings - Polyvinyl floor coverings with particle enhanced slip resistance - Specification.
- EN 13893, Resilient, Laminate and Textile Floor Coverings - Measurement of Dynamic Coefficient of Friction on Dry Floor Surfaces.
- EN 134033, Resilient, Laminate, and Textile Floor Coverings - Parameters for the Measurement of Dynamic Coefficient of Friction on Floor Surfaces.
- Deutsches Institute fur Normung e.V (DIN) Standards:
- DIN 51097, Testing of floor coverings - determination of the anti-slip properties; wet-loaded barefoot areas; walking method; ramp test.
- DIN 51130, Testing of floor coverings - determination of the anti-slip properties - workrooms and fields of activities with slip danger, walking method - ramp test.
.07 Ramp Tests: These tests originated in Germany with the above noted DIN Standards and are also recognized in both Australia and New Zealand. Floor coverings to be tested are installed on an inclinable ramp surface and require a test person (installed in a safety harness) to walk on them. The angle of the ramp is gradually increased until the person is about to slip. This produces a "slip rating" based on the angle of incline. Critics of this method argue that a person's awareness of a potentially slippery surface influences the way he or she walks across an area (in this case up or down the ramp) and that test persons involved in ramp tests expect to slip and will therefore change their gait. It is further suggested individuals walk differently up or down a hill (in this case the ramp) than on a level surface and that no amount of preparation or instruction will change this and as a result subjects will "perform" much better during a ramp test than they would when encountering an unexpectedly slippery surface in real life. Slipping on a test ramp under such circumstances should not be compared in any way to slipping on a level surface. Despite these comments such realistic testing involving individuals rather than materials only does have some validity.
6 • SUMMARY OF TESTING
.01 ASTM standards generally prescribe no threshold of safety, but are test methods, or steps to follow to arrive at valid results using a specified testing device.
.02 An ASTM standard for one tribometer is not applicable to another and no method yet exists to correlate the results of one class of tribometer with another. In addition, even when flooring products have been tested in accordance with a particular reference standard their results are not comparable one to the other unless they are tested using the same standard / test device.
.03 Some tribometers are not recognized by any consensus or regulatory standard. It is therefore important to verify the test and testing apparatus before accepting any results.
.04 The James Machine is only applicable to laboratory testing of dry polished surfaces.
.05 There are currently only two devices that are acceptable and reliable for wet testing in accordance with ASTM F13 committee requirements. Each has proven to produce repeatable and reproducible results. These are:
.02 An ASTM standard for one tribometer is not applicable to another and no method yet exists to correlate the results of one class of tribometer with another. In addition, even when flooring products have been tested in accordance with a particular reference standard their results are not comparable one to the other unless they are tested using the same standard / test device.
.03 Some tribometers are not recognized by any consensus or regulatory standard. It is therefore important to verify the test and testing apparatus before accepting any results.
.04 The James Machine is only applicable to laboratory testing of dry polished surfaces.
.05 There are currently only two devices that are acceptable and reliable for wet testing in accordance with ASTM F13 committee requirements. Each has proven to produce repeatable and reproducible results. These are:
- Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Tribometer (PIAST) or Brungraber Mark II device used in accordance with ASTM F1677 requirements.
- Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT) or English XL device used in accordance with ASTM F1679 requirements.
7 • SLIP RESISTANT FLOORING
.01 Slip Resistant Flooring: This is a general term (sometimes inappropriately referred to as safety flooring) used to describe slip resistant resilient flooring having a static coefficient of friction value of no less than 0.50. This type of flooring is predominantly used in interior areas where slips and falls are more likely to occur. Refer to Part B03C - Material Guide for slip resistant resilient flooring product information.
.02 Slip Resistance: Slip resistant (safety) flooring is required to meet the current guidelines of the Building Code in Canada and ADA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements in the US. The slip resistance used is based on the James Sip Test Machine Procedure performed in accordance with ASTM D2047 and requires the Static Coefficient of Friction values for slip resistant flooring to be no less than 0.50. (Note the issues with this test method noted herein). ISO (draft) standards recommend a minimum Static coefficient of 0.50 and 0.40 when measuring the Dynamic coefficient of friction, with the dynamic test method to be the final authority in case of conflict. The U.S. Access Board has suggested (not mandated) a minimum Static Coefficient of Friction of 0.60 for accessible routes and 0.80 for ramps.
.03 The slip resistance or coefficient of friction (COF) of flooring is dependent not only on the design of the flooring (surface texture / pattern, density of imbedded rough particles, etc.) but may also vary considerably due to the presence of contaminants, water, floor finishes, and other factors not under the control of the designer or builder, including improper cleaning and maintenance.
.02 Slip Resistance: Slip resistant (safety) flooring is required to meet the current guidelines of the Building Code in Canada and ADA and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements in the US. The slip resistance used is based on the James Sip Test Machine Procedure performed in accordance with ASTM D2047 and requires the Static Coefficient of Friction values for slip resistant flooring to be no less than 0.50. (Note the issues with this test method noted herein). ISO (draft) standards recommend a minimum Static coefficient of 0.50 and 0.40 when measuring the Dynamic coefficient of friction, with the dynamic test method to be the final authority in case of conflict. The U.S. Access Board has suggested (not mandated) a minimum Static Coefficient of Friction of 0.60 for accessible routes and 0.80 for ramps.
.03 The slip resistance or coefficient of friction (COF) of flooring is dependent not only on the design of the flooring (surface texture / pattern, density of imbedded rough particles, etc.) but may also vary considerably due to the presence of contaminants, water, floor finishes, and other factors not under the control of the designer or builder, including improper cleaning and maintenance.
Note: Slip-proof and non-slip flooring are terms that must not be used, as no flooring is entirely slip resistant.
8 • SELECTING APPROPRIATE SLIP RESISTANT FLOORING
.01 There are a number of issues that need to be addressed in the selection of slip resistant flooring:
Note: All decisions made in selecting slip resistant flooring should be recorded with the rational listed. This means doing "due diligence" during the selection process.
Note: All decisions made in selecting slip resistant flooring should be recorded with the rational listed. This means doing "due diligence" during the selection process.
- Design Requirements: What is the function of the space (kitchen, bathing area, etc.) and what might create a hazard (i.e., what may be spilled on the floor). How will any flooring selected perform under both wet and dry conditions? Knowing this will assist in the choice of an appropriate type of flooring.
- Site Specific / Project Requirements: The installation of slip resistant flooring is dependent on the condition and moisture content of the substrate. If the project is on a tight schedule such as some big box stores or chain restaurant facilities with specific opening dates it may not be possible to install a sheet vinyl or rubber slip resistant flooring due to the moisture content of the substrate. In this case other flooring materials such as ceramic tile that is not entirely dependent on a specific moisture content may be more appropriate to meet the opening deadline.
- Durability Requirements: This is dependent on the type of spill and traffic exposure – these need to be ascertained. In regard to wear, heavy traffic areas will require longer lasting more wear resistant flooring.
- Abrasion Resistance / Performance: This is dependent on surface texture and the type and location of any abrasive grit incorporated into the flooring. Long-term slip resistant performance will depend on how effective the raised pattern is and how long it will last and whether any abrasive grit used is applied to the surface only or if it is throughout the material. These may minimize a flooring's slip resistant effectiveness over the long term.
- Impact Resistance: Will the flooring be subject to heavy loads and rolling traffic or severe impact. If damage (cracks, splits, dents, gouging, etc.) to flooring is likely then this will determine the type of flooring material required.
- Appearance / Performance: Where appearance is critical, the choice of colours, textures, and patterns becomes critical. Some slip resistant flooring products may offer limited and dated choices in this regard. Whether the colour is on the surface or throughout the material may also be critical in regard to long-term wear appearance / performance.
- Maintenance: All slip resistant flooring requires maintenance to keep them clean and safe. Some slip resistant materials may be harder to keep clean than others (due in some cases to the imbedded abrasive grit). To maintain the slip resistance cleaning procedures and materials recommended by the flooring manufacturer must be used. It is imperative that the design professional and owner point these requirements out to the end user and maintenance personnel.
- Life Cycle Costing: How long will the flooring last? The life of some flooring types will extend beyond the initial cost of installation. Design professionals and owners need to consider which type of flooring (given proper maintenance procedures) will provide the best performance and the least amount of risk over the long term.
9 • SUMMARY
In Conclusion:
.01 No flooring material is totally "non slip". Some flooring materials are more slip resistant than others due to material composition and texture.
.02 Various codes and standards require slip resistant surfaces without specifically defining what "slip resistant" means other than noting a minimum requirement or what specific standards apply.
.03 The slip resistance of flooring materials must be verified by appropriate testing procedures and if necessary should be tested in-situ (installed) using appropriate calibrated testing equipment.
.04 ASTM standards generally prescribe no threshold of safety, but are test methods, or steps to follow to arrive at valid results using a specified testing device.
.05 ASTM test results of flooring products are not applicable to another unless they are tested using the same standard / test device.
.06 Inappropriate maintenance procedures will greatly reduce or eliminate any slip resistance a flooring material may have.
.01 No flooring material is totally "non slip". Some flooring materials are more slip resistant than others due to material composition and texture.
.02 Various codes and standards require slip resistant surfaces without specifically defining what "slip resistant" means other than noting a minimum requirement or what specific standards apply.
.03 The slip resistance of flooring materials must be verified by appropriate testing procedures and if necessary should be tested in-situ (installed) using appropriate calibrated testing equipment.
.04 ASTM standards generally prescribe no threshold of safety, but are test methods, or steps to follow to arrive at valid results using a specified testing device.
.05 ASTM test results of flooring products are not applicable to another unless they are tested using the same standard / test device.
.06 Inappropriate maintenance procedures will greatly reduce or eliminate any slip resistance a flooring material may have.
10 • AMERICAN WITH DISABILITIES ACT
.01 This is a U.S. "civil rights" act and not a building code and is not applicable in Canada.
.02 This document sets guidelines for accessibility to places of public accommodation and commercial facilities by individuals with disabilities. These guidelines are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of such buildings and facilities to the extent required by USA regulations issued by Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, latest edition.
.02 This document sets guidelines for accessibility to places of public accommodation and commercial facilities by individuals with disabilities. These guidelines are to be applied during the design, construction, and alteration of such buildings and facilities to the extent required by USA regulations issued by Federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, latest edition.