Test Method D2047 establishes a compliance criterion relating static coefficient of friction measurements of flooring surfaces with human locomotion safety. The compliance criterion is based on extensive experiential data from residential, commercial, industrial and institutional walkway surfaces since 1942.

Polishes and other floor maintenance coatings having a static coefficient of friction of not less than 0.5, as measured by this test method, have been recognized as providing nonhazardous walkways.

Note 1—The value of 0.5 meets the requirements for compliance with Rule 5 on “The use of terms slip retardant, slip resistant, or terms of similar import,” of the Proposed Trade Practice Rules for the Floor Wax and Floor Polish Industry as issued by the Federal Trade Commission on March 17, 1953.

The 0.5 static coefficient of friction compliance criterion of this test method is only appropriate for polish-coated surfaces tested in accordance with this machine and test method. The use of this compliance criterion with other test methods, other test instruments, and other surfaces is improper, because they are not a part of the body of experiential data upon which the conformance criterion is based.

Note 2—The conformance criteria of this test method may be valid for other surfaces and surface coatings tested by this test method, but this has not been substantiated by correlation with experiential data.

1.1 This laboratory test method covers the use of the James Machine for the measurement of the static coefficient of friction of polish-coated flooring surfaces with respect to human locomotion safety. Further, this test method also establishes a compliance criterion to meet the requirement for a nonhazardous polished walkway surface. The test method is not intended for use on “wet” surfaces or on surfaces wherein the texture, projections, profile or clearance between the sculptured pattern of the surface does not permit adequate contact between the machine foot and the test surface.

1.2 This test method is the only method appropriate for testing polishes for specification compliance with the floor polish static coefficient of friction criterion.

1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.