Valid Floor Slip Resistance Test Methods

ASTM standards allow only test devices that do not involve patented or proprietary technology. For this reason the best test methods for floor slip resistance testing, except for the pendulum and the BOT-3000E (a non-proprietary device), are not and can not be specified by ASTM standards. The pendulum test has been endorsed by Ceramic Tile Institute of America since 2001 and is a national standard in at least 50 nations on five continents. It is the best available method of assessing pedestrian slip resistance for safety in the field. The newly-updated ASTM E303 slip resistance test method is now the most reliable way to assess the real-world slip resistance of a floor, based on 50 years of international research and accident investigations. Other reliable methods exist as well, such as the Tortus, SlipAlert and the BOT-3000E, but the pedulum test method is widely agreed upon by forensic experts around the world as the best portable slip resistance testing method available today. The BOT-3000E is used for slip tests ANSI A137.1 and ANSI A326.3. ANSI A137.1 is in the 2012 International Building Code for testing level indoor surfaces expected to get wet in use. Both are dynamic coefficient of friction tests, but both are not considered sufficient for assessing safety. The test methods state these tests "...can provide a useful comparison of surfaces, but does not predict the likelihood a person will or will not slip on a hard surface flooring material." Visit SafetyDirectAmerica.com for floor and tile slip resistance testing and for more information and video demonstrations of these various slip resistance test methods.