ANSI 137.1 Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) STANDARD

After years research, the tile industry has now passed a new standard for measuring and method for testing Dynamic Coefficient of Friction. This new standard is just pending publication in a few weeks.

The standard stipulates the use of the BOT 3000 by Regan Scientific, with a rubber sensor and a slightly soapy solution of .05% Sodium Laurel Sulfate and water.

Historically, many people who specify tile including architects, designers and developers would reference ASTM 1028C and a measurement once referenced by ADA of .60 for horizontal surfaces and .80 for ramps.

This method of testing for friction lacked enthusiasm by many as it was inconsistent in measure, failed to test friction in motion and lacked industry guidance as to whether the .60 / .80 was to be tested wet or dry. A number of years ago the ADA retracted its recommendation of .60.

What is Coefficient of Friction (COF)?

The measurement of resistance to friction as related to the effect of how smooth or rough a surface is to prevent material to “slip” across the surface. COF is measure two forms:

Static COF (SCOF): the force applied to start moving

Dynamic COF (DCOF): force applied when moving

Now, with the use of the BOT 3000 and a standard for testing in ANSI 137.1; Architects, Designers and others can test and choose surfaces for a specific function and verify friction more efficiently and consistently.

For surfaces that would be specified in interior areas that will be walked on when wet, ANSI 137.1 stipulates they should have a DCOF of >.42.

Should an area function require additional friction Architects and designers should specify higher friction where needed. The new ANSI 137.1 does not make any DCOF recommendations for outdoor areas or ramps.

This measure of friction is not enough to just consider a surface slip resistance. Surfaces and area uses should be taken into consideration. Surfaces should be maintained as clean and periodically deep cleaned in order to maintain friction. The Tile Council of North America (TCNA) goes on to state that the DCOF of surfaces over time will change and should be checked periodically to verify they are still functioning by design. Should surfaces lose friction over time, they can be enhanced for friction with slip resistant treatments.

Surface Solution: The InvisaTread® family of products has been formulated to increase the coefficient of friction of most hard surfaces without changing their look or feel.

InvisaTread® Slip Resistant Treatment

InvisaTread® is a mild micro-etching product that lightly and evenly etches the surface creating a more consistent traction pattern across the entire surface. InvisaTread® is not a coating, but rather a safe and effective process that works on most hard mineral surfaces.

Slip Resistance Management

Problem: You need data. Surface COF needs to be tested, adjusted and verified – on an on-going basis.

Surface Solution: In addition to our InvisaTread® family of products which are designed to increase the Coefficient of Friction (COF) of walking surfaces, we also offer a full range of surface assessment, testing and verification services.

How It Works

Our team of experts and traction technicians are able to custom tailor a program for your facility that will focus on a number of solutions to not only help reduce the risks of these accidents and the potential costs associated with them but also offer you detailed reporting and auditing of your walkway surface safety.

• We will create a custom program of friction testing.
• Periodic Surface Audits
• Areas of high or above average “slip risk” will be identified and tested with our BOT-3000 teams.
• Coefficient of Friction (COF) remediation.
• Develop a program of increasing COF where needed.
• Application of slip-resistant treatments, coatings or installation of unique surfaces.
• Design and help implement on-going cleaning, care and maintenance programs.
• All surface testing will be documented and reported.

Contact our team today to discuss how you can benefit from one of our custom surface testing programs and how InvisaTread® can help you. contact@flooringsupplyshop.com or 877-880-8453

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