There are many different slip-resistance testing standards.  The proliferation of standards creates confusion by both consumers of slip-resistance testing services and even those offering such services.  This often results in consumers of these services having the wrong tests performed.  Below is a summary of the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards on slip resistance that may be of help.

ASTM STANDARDS

 

Standards Dealing with Testing Methods for Slip Resistance

ASTM 1679
The premier testing method approved for both dry and wet testing. The testing method can be used on nearly all surfaces.  This method avoids the problem of sticktion by applying the horizontal and vertical forces simultaneously. The English XL is the device used for this method.  Operators should be certified to use the equipment.

ASTM 1677
This testing standard is also approved for dry and wet testing. The method can be used on nearly all surfaces. The method also avoids the problem of sticktion by applying the horizontal and vertical forces simultaneously. The Brungraber Mark II is the device used for this method.

ASTM 1678 
This test method covers the operational procedures for using a portable articulated strut slip tester (PAST) to 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 conditions.

ASTM F489 
This covers laboratory measurement of the dry static coefficient of friction of shoe sole and heel materials on controlled walking surfaces and under controlled conditions.  This method uses the stationary James Machine.  This method is not used to test floor slip resistance.

ASTM D2047
This method is for the laboratory measurement of the static coefficient of friction of floor surfaces.  The James Machine apparatus is not suitable for use on wet, rough, or corrugated surfaces.  Because of the leather pad specification and problem with sticktion, this method should not be used for wet testing.

ASTM   F609
This test method covers measurement of the static slip resistance of footwear sole, heel, or related materials on walkway surfaces in the laboratory and in the field.  Note that this method is not intended to test walkway surfaces, but the footwear material.  In addition, this method would also result in sticktion problems on wet surfaces.

ASTM C1028
This test method covers the measurement of static coefficient of friction of ceramic tile or other surfaces under both wet and dry conditions while utilizing Neolite heel assemblies. This test method can be used in the laboratory or in the field.  This test method uses a large 50 lb. drag-sled that is constructed in accordance with the procedure.  The method also would be subject to sticktion problems on wet surfaces, but is approved for this use.

ASTM D5859
This test method covers the measurement of the traction of footwear on painted walkway surfaces under both dry and wet conditions in the laboratory and the field.  The method uses the English XL device.  The method is out of date and will likely be withdrawn in the future in favor of ASTM 1679.

ASTM F462
This consumer safety specification covers the slip resistance of bathtubs and shower structures or combinations, used for bathing or showering.  This consumer safety specification is intended to describe a means to reduce accidents to persons, especially children and the aged, resulting from the use of bathing facilities.

 

Standards Dealing with Design Requirements:

ASTM F1637
This practice covers design and construction guidelines and minimum maintenance criteria for new and existing buildings and structures. This practice is intended to provide reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing ordinary footwear. These guidelines may not be adequate for those with certain mobility impairments.

ASTM F802
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.

 

OSHA Regulations:

OSHA requires the use of slip-resistant surfaces in several locations in their standards.  This term is largely left undefined.

29 CFR 1910.24(f) "Stair treads." All treads shall be reasonably slip-resistant and the nosings shall be of non-slip finish.  Welded bar grating treads without nosings are acceptable providing the leading edge can be readily identified by personnel descending the stairway and provided the tread is serrated or is of definite non-slip design.  Rise height and tread width shall be uniform throughout any flight of stairs including any foundation structure used as one or more treads of the stairs.

A proposed standard for Subpart D does make a reference to a 0.5 requirement for coefficient of friction.  However, this standard was never promulgated as a final rule.  Some product manufacturers point to this proposed standard as a rule to which employers must comply.

The most significant regulation affecting slip-resistance can be found in the OSHA construction standards as they relate to steel erection.

29 CFR 1926.754(c)(3) Slip resistance of skeletal structural steel. Workers shall not be permitted to walk the top surface of any structural steel member installed after July 18, 2006 that has been coated with paint or similar material unless documentation or certification that the coating has achieved a minimum average slip resistance of .50 when measured with an English XL tribometer or equivalent tester on a wetted surface at a testing laboratory is provided.  Such documentation or certification shall be based on the appropriate ASTM standard test method conducted by a laboratory capable of performing the test.  The results shall be available at the site and to the steel erector.  (Appendix B to this subpart references appropriate ASTM standard test methods that may be used to comply with this paragraph (c)(3)).

This section of the steel erection standard is currently open for comment.  View comments provided by High Safety Consulting Services.