The standard “ANSI/NFSI B101.3 Test method for measuring the wet DCOF of common hard-surface floor materials”, jointly developed by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), describes the procedures and instruments used in both laboratory and field tests to measure the wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) of common hard-surface floor materials.
This test method provides a measurement procedure that determines dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) ranges that facilitate the improvement of walkway surfaces when necessary.
This test method does not apply to any type of carpet, but addresses common hard-surface flooring materials such as ceramic and porcelain tile, polished concrete, stone, vinyl floor coverings, wood and synthetic laminates, and such materials that have coatings or finishes applied.
This test method is not intended to address all safety concerns associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user to determine appropriate safety and health practices and to determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or significance of any test results with respect to slip resistance.
This test method is not recommended for dry surface testing and is not intended to be used as an accurate measurement method for determining dry surface slip resistance. Dry surface test data should not be compared with wet surface data. No inference should be implied or drawn regarding dry and wet dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) test results or data.
Approximately 67 percent of falls on walkways occur due to slips and trips from wet and oily surfaces, extra tile glass, weather hazards, traction differences and more. The dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) test method specified in this standard allows common hard-surface walkway materials to be tested and measured before purchase, minimizing falls, trips and slips on floors.
The dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) is a measurement that determines how much friction, that is, the force that resists the sliding motion of one surface against another, exists when walked on wet, smooth floors. It is primarily used by the tile industry to determine the appropriate applications for a flooring product. The results of DCOF tests help determine whether a tile surface is likely to cause someone to slip or fall. The dynamic coefficient of friction is an important consideration when selecting tiles for an area, particularly when selecting tiles for areas that may be exposed to water, oil or grease. The test method detailed in this standard is used to indicate the level of friction present on wet floors when walked on.
The smooth, non-porous nature of tiles, which is what makes them easy to clean, also means they are slippery underfoot. Polishing tiles and wet conditions make them even more slippery. So the DCOF test shows how tiles will perform under different conditions, so you can prevent dangerous slips before you buy them.
The “ANSI A137.1 Standard Specification for Ceramic Tiles” standard requires tile flooring products to have a DCOF value of 0,42 or greater if they are intended for use in a flat interior space intended to be walked on when wet. This standard is based on wet DCOF measurements performed in accordance with ANSI A326.3, the DCOF standard for hard surface flooring materials. The ANSI A326.3 standard is based on certain standard practices for wet DCOF measurements under controlled conditions. These measurements provide useful information for comparing product performance, but they should not be considered an indication of whether slippage will occur.
DCOF ratings are on a scale of 0,00 to 1,00 µ. The ANSI/NFSI B101.3 standard states that anything below a maximum DCOF of 0,30 requires professional intervention, anything between 0,30 and 0,44 DCOF should be monitored and tested regularly, and anything above 0,50 (slope) / 0,45 (flat surfaces) does not require any immediate action.
Some recommended DCOF ratings for tiles are:
Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has provided for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the standard “ANSI/NFSI B101.3 Test method for measuring the wet DCOF value of common hard surface floor materials” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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