The standard “ANSI A326.3 Dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of hard surface flooring materials,” jointly developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), describes a test method for measuring the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of hard surface flooring materials in the laboratory and field. The standard also includes DCOF specifications, product use classifications, and guidance for specifying hard surface flooring materials.
.jpg "ANSI A326.3 Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) of Hard Surface Flooring Materials")
This standard is intended to serve as a guide for the general public, manufacturers, distributors, specifiers, architects, contractors, testing laboratories, building owners, and other businesses and professionals.
It is important for companies that manufacture, specify, sell, install or maintain hard surface flooring materials to know the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF).
The test method described in the ANSI A326.3 standard sets a very low bar for DCOF in various flooring areas. Therefore, relying solely on this test method to evaluate the slip resistance of a floor increases the likelihood of slip and fall accidents. This test method is not designed to assess the risk of slipping. This test method may provide a useful comparison of surfaces, but it does not predict the likelihood that a person will slip or not slip on a hard surface flooring material.
Situation-specific recommended minimum DCOF values range from 0,42 to 0,55, but these values do not necessarily imply that safe ground is achieved if these lower minimum DCOF ratings are achieved.
The ANSI A326.3 standard actually specifies materials that are suitable for specific project conditions, including but not limited to: type of use, traffic, expected contaminants, expected maintenance, expected wear, and manufacturers' guidelines and recommendations. This standard provides no recommendations on how to evaluate these six factors. It is clear that if these six factors are ignored or not sufficiently considered, meeting the minimum DCOF value is almost meaningless.
It is recommended that pendulum DCOF shear resistance test data be used to assess whether a flooring is suitable for a particular application.
Some recommended minimum DCOF values for flat surfaces (with caveats) according to the new ANSI A326.3 standard are as follows:
These minimum values may allow very slippery floors to be installed in areas where they would definitely cause problems, so pendulum DCOF testing is recommended to assess the real-world slip resistance of the floor and prevent slip accidents.
In short, the American National Standard Test Method for Measuring the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction of Hard Surface Flooring Materials (ANSI A326.3) requires tile flooring products to have a DCOF value of 0,42 or greater when intended for use on a smooth interior surface intended to be walked on when wet. It is important to note that not all tiles with a wet DCOF value of 0,42 or greater are suitable for all projects and that this is the minimum slip resistance level for smooth interior floors that are wet with water. Other conditions, such as standing water, oil, grease or other slippery substances, may require higher DCOF values. Specifiers should also consider the type of use, traffic, expected contaminants, expected maintenance, expected wear and tear, and the manufacturer's instructions.
Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the “ANSI A326.3 Dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of hard surface flooring materials” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
To get an appointment, to get more detailed information or to request an evaluation, you can ask us to fill in our form and reach you.
