Portable Friction Testing Can
Prevent Slip and Fall Accidents
and Deter Costly Liability
Innovative portable friction testers enable quick, high volume, lab quality SCOF
testing by virtually anyone on a variety of surfaces
For facility managers ensuring safety and preventing slip and fall litigation can come down to documenting that
surfaces where people walk meet safe standards in terms of available traction, particularly when wet – when falls
are more likely.
When slip and fall liability can top 5 or 6 figures per incident due to negligence, medical expenses, lost wages/
future earnings, pain and suffering, and other factors, simply cleaning up spills on flooring is no longer an adequate
response.
Instead, a proactive plan is required that prevents clutter; speeds clean up, and routinely documents safe traction.
Today, this often entails measuring the Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF) on a range of materials to meet the
ANSI/NFSI B101.1-2009 Test Method for Measuring Wet SCOF of Common Hard-Surface Floor Materials.
In this regard, SCOF ≥ 0.60 equates with high traction (lower probability of slipping); 0.40 ≤ SCOF <0.60 equates
with moderate traction (increased probability of slipping); and SCOF < 0.40 equates with minimal available
traction (higher probability of slipping).
24 SZM Magazine • March ‘19