ASTM F2048-00(2017)

Standard Practice for Reporting Slip Resistance Test Results

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
2.1 This practice provides a basic approach for recording the preparation, parameters, and results of field slip resistance testing. It is intended to assist those performing such tests in documenting information gathered for further analysis, in preparation for writing a final report, or for record keeping purposes.  
2.2 Potential users include those performing slip resistance testing in the field, such as industrial and commercial safety professionals, facility management and maintenance personnel, forensic engineers, insurance company and broker loss control specialists, and research personnel.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice provides a framework for reporting the results of slip resistance tests.  
1.2 Application—This practice is intended for use as a suggested format for recording and reporting data obtained during slip resistance testing. It is recognized that it may not be necessary or possible to record all of the data for all types of tests; however, this practice is considered a basic approach for data collection.  
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, health and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jul-2017
• ICS: 19.020 - Test conditions and procedures in general
• Technical Committee: F13 - Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear
• Drafting Committee: F13.10 - Traction

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM F2048-00(2009) - Standard Practice for Reporting Slip Resistance Test Results
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017
• Referred By: ASTM F1694-21 - Standard Guide for Composing Walkway Surface Investigation, Evaluation and Incident Report Forms for Slips, Stumbles, Trips, and Falls
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2017

Overview

ASTM F2048-00(2017) - Standard Practice for Reporting Slip Resistance Test Results provides a standardized framework for documenting the preparation, parameters, and results of slip resistance testing conducted in the field. Developed by ASTM International, this practice supports consistency and transparency when reporting slip resistance data, which is essential for safety, analysis, and record keeping. It is particularly useful for professionals involved with pedestrian walkway safety, facility management, industrial environments, or insurance loss control.

Key Topics

• Structured Reporting: The standard outlines a suggested format for recording essential slip resistance test data, ensuring reports are comprehensive and reproducible.
• Test Preparation Details: Includes client information, location, date and time of testing, the specific ASTM test method used, and operator credentials.
• Test Parameters and Results: Covers details such as:
  • Test location and orientation
  • Type and condition of surface tested (material, finish, cleanliness)
  • Tribometer type, brand, model, and serial number
  • Test foot preparation and material
  • Surface conditions (wet/dry, contamination, temperature, humidity)
  • Tribometer readings and any pertinent observations
• Intended Users: Designed for industrial safety professionals, facility management teams, forensic engineers, insurance loss control experts, and research personnel.
• Adaptability: Recognizes that not all data may be recorded for every test scenario, offering flexibility while maintaining a consistent reporting framework.

Applications

ASTM F2048-00(2017) is valuable for a range of practical applications where accurate reporting of slip resistance is vital:

• Facility Safety Audits: Used by facility managers and safety officers to document walkway and flooring slip resistance, aiding compliance and hazard mitigation.
• Incident Investigation: Supports forensic engineers and insurance specialists in gathering and presenting data following slip-and-fall accidents, enabling thorough root-cause analysis.
• Routine Maintenance Documentation: Assists maintenance teams in consistently recording the effects of cleaning, finishing, or surface treatments on floor traction over time.
• Product and Material Research: Used by researchers and manufacturers to compare slip resistance characteristics of various flooring materials and finishes under controlled and real-world conditions.
• Insurance and Liability Assessments: Provides credible, standardized test reports that are useful for loss control, risk assessment, and claims management.

Related Standards

Professionals engaged in walkway safety and slip resistance testing may also reference these relevant standards:

• ASTM F1679 – Standard Test Method for Using a Variable Incidence Tribometer (VIT)
• ASTM F2508 – Standard Practice for Validation and Calibration of Walkway Tribometers Using Reference Surfaces
• ANSI/NFSI B101.1 – Test Method for Measuring Wet SCOF of Common Hard-Surface Floors
• ASTM E303 – Standard Test Method for Measuring Surface Frictional Properties Using the British Pendulum Tester

Conclusion

ASTM F2048-00(2017) enhances the reliability and comparability of slip resistance test reports by providing detailed guidelines for data collection and reporting. By following this standard, organizations can ensure their slip resistance testing is well-documented for safety analysis, regulatory compliance, and ongoing risk management. For further information or to acquire the full standard, visit ASTM International's website.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F2048 − 00 (Reapproved 2017) An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Reporting Slip Resistance Test Results
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2048; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope personnel, forensic engineers, insurance company and broker
loss control specialists, and research personnel.
1.1 This practice provides a framework for reporting the
results of slip resistance tests.
3. Report
1.2 Application—This practice is intended for use as a
3.1 Report the following information for test preparation
suggested format for recording and reporting data obtained
(see Fig. 1):
during slip resistance testing. It is recognized that it may not be
3.1.1 Client/customer.
necessary or possible to record all of the data for all types of
3.1.2 Location/address.
tests; however, this practice is considered a basic approach for
3.1.3 Date and time of test(s).
data collection.
3.1.4 ASTM test method used.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.5 Name of tribometer operator and employing company.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.6 Address and telephone number of tribometer operator.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.7 Type of tribometer (for example, brand and model)
priate safety, health and environmental practices and deter-
and serial number.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.8 Test foot preparation protocol.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.2 Report the following information for test parameters and
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
results:
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3.2.1 Specific floor location and orientation of the tribom-
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
eter where the test was performed.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.2.2 Type of test foot material (for example, Neolite test
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
liner, leather, or nitrile rubber).
2. Significance and Use
3.2.3 Slope of the surface being tested.
3.2.4 Floor material and texture.
2.1 This practice provides a basic approach for recording
3.2.5 FloorFinish—Indicate the type of finish (for example,
the preparation, parameters, and results of field slip resistance
type of wax, polish, or paint) applied, if any. Also indicate th
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