Floor Slip Coefficient

Whether the floor is flat or inclined and how the tile surface is used and maintained.

Floor slip coefficient.

Cof slip resistance ratings help you determine if you are buying the right tile for the right location. If you specify or buy flooring based on a minimum wet dynamic coefficient of friction dcof of 0 42 referred to in the 2012 international building code ibc you may be vulnerable to charges of negligence if a slipping injury occurs on that floor. Prior to 2012 the coefficient of friction slip resistance for ceramic tile was tested using the method specified in astm c1028 which provided the static coefficient of friction scof. And the cof of the tile how the tile is structured and how drainage takes place if liquids are involved.

The most common measure of the relative slipperiness of a floor is its slip resistance or coefficient of friction. Because many variables affect the risk of a slip occurring the cof shall not be the only factor in determining the. In this test water was placed on the floor and a weighted plate with a sensor was placed over the water. How slippery a floor is can be measured by a ratio known as the coefficient of friction cof.

The amount of direct contact is very important. There is a reliable way to know how slippery floor tile will be under both wet and dry conditions. A cof of 0 5 is not intended to be an absolute standard value. Coefficient of friction dcof values for polished concrete surfaces using the test method in section 9 6 of ansi a137 1 american national standards specifications for ceramic tile.

Cof or coefficient of friction slip ratings published by tile manufacturers. What you need to know about the ansi a137 1 a326 3 tile slip test. When someone moves across a surface there is a frictional force. How slip resistance is rated slips occur when there is too little friction between the bottom of a person s foot and the surface of the floor.

That standard specifies a minimum dynamic coefficient of friction of 0 42 for tiles in level indoor areas that may get wet in use. The time of a slip. The material of the shoe sole and its degree of wear the speed and length of stride at the time of a slip the physical and mental condition of the individual at the time of a slip whether the floor is flat or inclined how the surface is used how the tile is structured and how drainage takes place if liquids are involved. Slip resistance testing or floor friction testing is usually desired by the building s owner or manager when there has been a report of a slip and fall accident when there has.