ASTM F489-96

Standard Test Method for Using a James Machine

SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers laboratory measurement of the dry static coefficient of friction of shoe sole and heel materials on controlled walking surfaces and under controlled conditions. It is recognized that certain contaminants and conditions may alter results. Note-See Test Method D2047 for information on measurement of the static coefficient of friction of floor surfaces for the James Machine.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-1995
• ICS: 61.060 - Footwear
• Technical Committee: F13 - Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear
• Drafting Committee: F13.10 - Traction

Relations

• Replaced By: ASTM F489-96e1 - Standard Test Method for Using a James Machine (Withdrawn 2005)
• Effective Date: 10-Feb-1996

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:F489–96
Standard Test Method for
1
Using a James Machine
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 489; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (ε) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.2 friction—the resisting force that arises when a surface
of one substance slides, or tends to slide, over an adjoining
1.1 This test method covers laboratory measurement of the
surface of itself or another substance. Between surfaces of
dry static coefficient of friction of shoe sole and heel materials
solids in contact there may be two kinds of friction: (1) the
on controlled walking surfaces and under controlled condi-
resistance opposing the force required to start to move one
tions. It is recognized that certain contaminants and conditions
surface over another, and (2) the resistance opposing the force
may alter results.
required to move one surface over another at a variable, fixed,
NOTE 1—See Test Method D 2047 for information on measurement of
or predetermined speed.
the static coefficient of friction of floor surfaces for the James Machine.
3.1.3 slip—a term denoting lubricity of two surfaces sliding
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
in contact with each other. In a sense, it is the antithesis of
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
friction in that high coefficient of friction denotes low slip and
information only.
low coefficient of friction high slip.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Significance and Use
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 The James Machine is a laboratory instrument intended
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to measure the slip resistance characteristics of shoe sole and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
heel materials. However, the tendency to slip may be influ-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
enced by foreign materials or lubricants on the shoe materials
2. Referenced Documents
or on the walking surfaces. Consequently, acceptable levels of
2.1 ASTM Standards:
slip resistance as determined by this test method may not
D 2047 Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of
predict an individual’s resistance to slipping while walking or
Polish-Coated Floor Surfaces as Measured by the James
running on various surfaces.
2
Machine
5. Apparatus
3. Terminology
3
5.1 James Machine (Fig. 1), with three weights of 25 lb
3.1 Definitions:
(11.4kg)each,plussupportingmembers(80lb(36.3kg)total).
3.1.1 coeffıcient of friction—the ratio of the frictional force
5.2 Shoe, faced with the specimen under test.
3.1.2) to the force, usually gravitational, acting perpendicular
6. Walking Surfaces
to the two surfaces in contact. This coefficient is a measure of
6.1 A12 by 12-in. (305 by 305-mm) square of surface shall
the relative difficulty with which the surface of one material
be used for testing.
will slide over an adjoining surface of itself, or of another
4
6.2 The surfaces to be used shall be OVCT tiles or a
material. The static or starting coefficient of friction (µ)is
s
surface agreed upon between laboratories.
related to the force measured to begin movement of the
surfacesrelativetoeachother.Thekineticorslidingcoefficient
of friction (µ ) is related to the force measured in sustaining
k
this movement.
3
This machine was developed by S. V. James of the Underwriters Laboratories,
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F-13 on Safety Inc. The machine is available from Quadra, Inc., 1833 Oakdale Ave., Racine, WI
andTraction for Footwearand is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F13.10on 53405. Phone [phone].
4
Traction. OVCT is official vinyl composition tile and is available from the Chemical
Current edition approved Feb. 10, 1996 Published April 1996. Originally Specialties Manufacturers Assn., 1901 I St., N.W., Washington, DC 20006. These
ε1
published as F 489 – 77. Last previous edition F 489 — 77 (1988) . tiles may be used and reused for testing. Tiles should be discarded when they show
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 15.04. excessive wear or when erratic results are obtained.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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F489
a—Weights h—Strut
b—Cushion i—Walking Surface
c—Chart j—Shoe and Specimen
d—Chart Board k—Test Table
e—Spring Clip l—Retaining Bar
f—Recording Pencil m—Back Plate
g—Set Screw n—Ball Bearing Rollers
FIG. 1 The James Machine
6.3 The surface
...