Full definition
Standard Test Method for Static Coefficient of Friction of Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces as Measured by the James Machine — the primary reference standard in the Americas for determining whether a floor surface is classified as non-slip. The James Machine applies a weighted test foot (leather pad simulating a shoe sole) to the flooring surface and measures the static friction coefficient (COF). Threshold: COF ≥ 0.5 is classified as non-slip and considered "reasonably safe" for pedestrian traffic per the American National Standards Institute. OSHA references this value for workplace safety compliance (29 CFR 1910.22). ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) uses the same 0.5 threshold for accessible routes. Testing conditions: flat, clean, dry surface at standard temperature. For wet conditions, additional testing per ANSI A326.3 (DCOF — dynamic coefficient of friction) with a threshold of ≥ 0.42 is increasingly specified. Rubber flooring with diamond, coin, or raised patterns typically achieves COF 0.6-0.9, well above the minimum threshold. Per ASTM D2047-17 (current revision).