Slip resistance is a critical safety measure for surfaces exposed to foot traffic, especially in wet or high-risk areas like pool decks, garages, and commercial spaces. Proper testing methods, guided by ASTM standards, ensure surfaces meet safety benchmarks, reduce accidents, and comply with regulations like the ADA. Here’s a quick breakdown of the key points:

• Slip Resistance Basics: Measured by the Coefficient of Friction (COF), which includes Static (SCOF) and Dynamic (DCOF) friction.
• Main Standards:
  • ASTM E303: Uses the British Pendulum Test to assess slip risk on wet and dry surfaces.
  • ASTM D2047: Measures static friction on dry, polished surfaces using the James Machine.
• Key Thresholds:
  • DCOF of 0.42 for indoor level floors.
  • PTV of 36+ for low slip risk on flat surfaces.
• Applications: Testing ensures safety for spaces like pool decks, ramps, and commercial kitchens.
• Materials: Products like the Penntek Evolution system incorporate durable anti-slip additives like aluminum oxide for long-lasting traction.

Slip resistance testing is essential for safety and liability prevention. By following ASTM standards, you can confidently assess and maintain surface safety for any environment.

ASTM E303-22 (2022) Floor Slip Resistance Test using the British Pendulum Tester

Main ASTM Standards for Slip Resistance

ASTM E303: British Pendulum Test Method

The ASTM E303 standard uses the British Pendulum Tester to measure the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF). This method evaluates the energy loss as a swinging rubber slider moves across a surface. The more friction a surface has, the greater the energy it absorbs.

One of the standout features of E303 is its ability to test both wet and dry surfaces. This makes it particularly useful for areas like pool decks, outdoor ramps, and commercial walkways, where water exposure is a common concern. The test generates a Pendulum Test Value (PTV), also referred to as the British Pendulum Number (BPN). For level floors, a PTV below 25 indicates a high risk of slipping, values between 25 and 35 suggest moderate risk, and anything above 36 reflects low slip potential. For roadways, a PTV over 55 is considered good for skid resistance, while values above 70 indicate excellent resistance.

ASTM D2047: James Machine for Static Coefficient of Friction

Unlike E303, which measures dynamic friction, ASTM D2047 focuses on static friction. This standard uses the James Machine, an 80-pound device, to assess the static coefficient of friction (SCOF) on polished or coated surfaces. Instead of measuring friction during motion, this test determines the force needed to start movement on a stationary surface.

The James Machine uses a standardized leather sensor, ensuring consistent and repeatable results. A SCOF value of 0.5 or higher qualifies a surface as "slip resistant." This benchmark is based on decades of data, collected from billions of pedestrian interactions with polished floors between 1942 and the mid-1970s.

However, D2047 is limited to dry, smooth surfaces. Wet or textured surfaces can cause the leather sensor to hydroplane, leading to inaccurate results. Additionally, the machine’s size and maintenance needs make it unsuitable for field testing. As a result, this standard is mainly used by floor polish manufacturers during product development to ensure their coatings meet safety standards before hitting the market.

Other ASTM Standards: C1028, F609, F1679

Older standards like ASTM C1028, F609, and F1679 have been withdrawn due to inconsistent results. ASTM C1028, which relied on a Horizontal Pull Slipmeter, was particularly unreliable on wet surfaces. ASTM F1679 used the English XL Variable Incidence Tribometer, which operated with CO2 cartridges instead of gravity, but it is no longer in use.

These discontinued standards underscore the industry’s shift toward more dependable methods. Today, the British Pendulum Tester (E303) and the James Machine (D2047) are the go-to standards, offering consistent and reproducible results backed by extensive research and real-world testing.

Understanding Coefficient of Friction (COF) Guidelines

Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) Thresholds

Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) measures the force required to initiate movement between two stationary surfaces. Essentially, it gauges the initial resistance to slipping.

For dry floor finishes and polished surfaces, a SCOF of 0.50 or higher is classified as "slip resistant" according to UL 410 and ASTM D2047 standards. However, SCOF testing applies only to dry, smooth surfaces. This limitation can lead to inaccurate classifications of wet floors as slip resistant, which contributed to the withdrawal of older standards like ASTM C1028 and ASTM F609. This shortcoming highlights the need for dynamic testing, which provides a more realistic assessment of slip resistance.

Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) Thresholds

While SCOF focuses on the force needed to start movement, Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) measures the resistance during ongoing motion. DCOF is particularly relevant for walking scenarios, as most slips happen after a foot is already in motion.

For indoor, level floors, the standard DCOF threshold is 0.42, as outlined in ANSI A326.3. Using the British Pendulum Test (ASTM E303), surfaces with a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) above 36 are considered to have "low slip potential", whereas values below 25 indicate "high slip potential". On sloped surfaces, stricter thresholds apply: a 2° slope requires a minimum PTV of 39, while a 4° slope demands a PTV of 42.

"The focus on coefficients of friction to assess slip resistance stems from the fact that the COF and the force required to slide an object are directly proportional – the greater the COF the greater the resistance to sliding."

• ISHN

The industry has largely transitioned from SCOF to DCOF testing because DCOF better reflects real-life walking conditions. This shift is particularly important when considering the impact of slips, trips, and falls, which account for 15% of all accidental deaths and result in nearly $11 billion in workers’ compensation and medical expenses annually.

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Slip Resistance Testing for Concrete Coatings

Applications in Residential and Commercial Spaces

Concrete coatings are exposed to a variety of challenges depending on their environment – wet pool decks, patios during rainy weather, chemical spills in garages, and greasy kitchen floors all present unique slip hazards. Because of this, testing for slip resistance needs to reflect these real-world conditions to ensure safety.

ASTM testing methods play a crucial role here, using different types of rubber sliders to simulate specific scenarios. For instance, soft rubber (TRL) sliders are used to test surfaces where people walk barefoot, while hard rubber (Four S) sliders are employed for areas with shoe traffic.

When it comes to external ramps or sloped surfaces, the safety requirements are even stricter. A flat floor typically needs a Pendulum Test Value (PTV) of at least 36 to be considered low-risk for slipping. However, ramps may require a PTV of 54 or higher to ensure safety. For spaces like shopping center food courts, where spills are more likely, a PTV of 35 is generally sufficient to manage the moderate risk.

These benchmarks guide the design and development of concrete coatings, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards while providing reliable traction across a range of settings.

How Penntek Evolution System Meets Safety Standards

To address these varied demands, the Penntek Evolution system incorporates advanced slip-resistant technology. One of its standout features is the use of aluminum oxide (alumina) and polymer beads of different diameters as an anti-slip additive. Unlike silica sand, which can wear down and lose its effectiveness under heavy foot traffic, aluminum oxide retains its sharp, abrasive qualities over time.

"Sand (silica) is not a durable abrasive for creating slip resistance. The sharp points are brittle, meaning that they soon break off under foot traffic." – Safety Direct America

The Penntek Evolution system, offered by Croc Coatings, is engineered to uphold Sustainable Slip Resistance standards. This means the coating maintains its traction even after enduring hundreds of thousands of footfalls. This durability makes it an ideal choice for high-traffic commercial spaces and frequently used residential areas, such as garage floors. Additionally, the system’s UV and chemical resistance ensures that its slip-resistant properties remain intact even after prolonged exposure to sunlight and regular cleaning. Backed by a lifetime warranty, it’s a solution built to provide lasting safety and reliability.

Conclusion

Key Takeaways

ASTM standards provide measurable safety data to evaluate slip resistance on concrete surfaces. For example, ASTM E303-22 has been a trusted method for over 50 years, used in more than 50 countries to assess slip risks in practical settings. These standards play a vital role in helping property owners comply with ADA regulations and minimize liability from slip-and-fall incidents, while also guiding decisions about flooring materials.

A solid understanding of static and dynamic friction is essential. Static tests measure the force required to start movement, while dynamic tests assess the force needed to keep it going. For wet interior areas, a DCOF of at least 0.42 is advised, while higher-risk zones like commercial kitchens or pool decks should aim for a DCOF of 0.55 or more. This distinction highlights the importance of selecting coatings based on rigorous testing.

"The pendulum DCOF tester is easily the world’s most widely-accepted, well-researched, and universally-trusted tribometer for measuring the frictional properties of a surface to assess safety." – Safety Direct America

When choosing concrete coatings, it’s crucial to opt for products that align with current ASTM standards. For instance, the Penntek Evolution coating from Croc Coatings meets these standards, offering durable and effective slip resistance.

Whether you’re working on a residential garage floor or a commercial pool deck, following these guidelines ensures your surfaces provide dependable traction. Pairing reliable testing methods with high-quality materials results in flooring that prioritizes both compliance and long-term safety.

FAQs

What is the difference between ASTM E303 and ASTM D2047 slip resistance tests?

ASTM E303 measures the dynamic coefficient of friction using the British Pendulum Tester. This method works well for both flat and curved surfaces and can be conducted in field or lab environments. However, it doesn’t define a universal safety threshold since results depend heavily on the specific surface conditions.

On the other hand, ASTM D2047 focuses on the static coefficient of friction and uses the James Machine to test polish-coated flooring. Unlike ASTM E303, this standard provides a clear safety benchmark, requiring a compliance value of ≥0.5 for slip resistance.

While both standards are essential for evaluating surface safety, ASTM E303 offers broader applicability across various surfaces, whereas ASTM D2047 sets a precise threshold tailored for certain flooring types.

Why is the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) more commonly used than the Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) for slip resistance testing?

The Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) is favored because it evaluates the friction between surfaces while they are in motion, mimicking real-world slipping conditions. This approach delivers results that are more precise, consistent, and reflective of actual slip resistance.

On the other hand, the Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) measures the force needed to initiate movement, which doesn’t fully capture how surfaces interact during a slip. When it comes to evaluating safety and performance, DCOF offers a more dependable and practical measurement.

How does the Penntek Evolution coating provide long-lasting slip resistance for busy areas?

The Penntek Evolution system delivers a rugged, textured finish that helps maintain slip resistance, even in busy, high-traffic areas. Thanks to its advanced design, it provides dependable grip, making it a smart choice for spaces prone to heavy use, moisture, or occasional spills.

Built with industrial-grade durability, this coating is tough enough to handle wear and tear while creating a safer surface for garages, patios, pool decks, and other similar spaces.

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