Coefficient of Friction explained...

Coefficient of friction is a mathematical term used to describe and measure the effect of dragging a shoe over a floor. But then there's Dynamic Coefficient of Friction, which relates to the traction of a floor when walked upon with weight or force.

It is every business's responsibility, with employees and/or customers, to maintain a DCOF of 0.5 on wet surfaces per OSHA. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) places the minimum DCOF requirement of wet surfaces at 0.42. The ADA has long focused on the Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) with a recommendation of 0.60 on level surfaces. SCOF represents the resistance to slipping before motion begins.

COF, DCOF, SCOF...what should I follow?

First we know that ANSI provides the following opinion on SCOF:

• Equal to or greater than 0.60 = Excellent friction

• Equal to or greater than 0.50 = Adequate friction

• Equal to or less than 0.40 = Caution necessary

A business owner can't control one's gait, balance, walking speed, or footwear. But they can proactively mitigate a slip and fall by raising the Coefficient of Friction of their surfaces. The most effective mitigation, and peace of mind, comes with a surface that exceeds 0.60 coefficient of friction, whether the standard COF definition, DCOF, or SCOF. Rest assured, a measurement of 0.60+ on a wet surface will greatly reduce the risk of slip and falls.

So what are one's options?

The Global Safety Network discourages against using coatings to raise the Coefficient of Friction, as they provide unsatisfactory slip resistance and will peel, blister, discolor, and mar, while creating a difficult surface to maintain.

The best options are solutions that treat the surface, raise the coefficient of friction above 0.60, all with no change to floor appearance or feel.

SureStep's innovative non-slip product is a treatment that is applied to surfaces and then subsequently removed once the appropriate friction is achieved. It is not a sealant, or an etching treatment. Independent laboratory tests on ceramic and porcelain tiles have proven SureStep's efficacy, with a Dynamic Coefficient of Friction on wet tiles of 0.71 - 0.76. This result not only exceeds OSHA's requirement, but was achieved utilizing the most demanding measurement in Dynamic Coefficient of Friction.

Further proof of efficacy, comes via Daltile who tested and has endorsed use of SureStep on their tiles.

A SureStep treatment:

• Exceeds all recommended and required standards.

• Provides peace of mind.

• Reduces the risk of slip and falls.

• Reduces the risk of liability and litigation.

• Reduces lost employee workdays.

• Will enhance a business's risk profile, which can help reduce insurance and workers compensation costs.