Floor Safety Science Presented at a meeting of the Thermoset Resin Formulators Association at the Hyatt Regency Montreal, September 11 through 12, This paper is presented by invitation of the TRFA. It is publicly distributed upon request by the TFRA to assist in the communication of information and viewpoints relevant to the thermoset industry. The paper and its contents have not been reviewed or evaluated by the TFRA and should not be construed as having been adopted or endorsed by the TFRA.

What is Coefficient of Friction? (CoF)

Myths Numerous myths exist surrounding the subject of floor safety & slip resistance of floors.

Facts The facts of floor safety as they relate to the epoxy & polyurethane floor coatings industry are profound.

Facts Only coated floors meeting ASTM D2047 have any numerical standard associated with them. Smooth floors are slippery when wet or contaminated. Keep them clean & dry!

Facts Facility owners/managers need to post adequate warnings if a spill or other potentially hazardous event occurs in their facility. Use wet floor signs & caution tape as needed. Floor coatings with a static CoF greater than 0.5 value are not “safer” than others that meet the 0.5 value.

Facts No Slip Resistance Standards exist for: –Uncoated floors –Stone –Terrazzo –Tile –Concrete –Carpet –Footwear –Wet or contaminated floors (coated or uncoated)

Floor Safety Equipment There are numerous testers for slip resistance & coefficient of friction. All give different results and most of them have no numerical standard associated with them.

ASTM D2047 Equipment

Portable Slip Tester Pendulum

Portable Slip Tester English XL

Portable Slip Tester Brungraber MkII

Portable Slip Tester UWT from NFSI

Recommendations for Floor Coatings Manufacturers Critically important: –Product labeling –Compliance with ASTM D2047