OSHA, ANSI and ADA Regulations for Walkways and Surface

A customer called and asked, “I’m interested in how you attained OSHA approval of your safety surfaces, as you claim on your tread plates. Can you provide me documentation on this?”

This is a great question. I have reconstructed the process we went through to validate that claim. The OSHA Standard 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D is the standard that discusses non-slip walking surfaces. According to Slip, Trip, and Fall Prevention by Steven Di Pilla

“OSHA refers to four separate slip resistance standards, each promulgated at different times and with varying degrees of enforceability.”
Just like all governmental regulations these Standards are in a state of constant change and evolution, however we reviewed all of the references to nonslip and made sure that our nonslip products meet the intent of the Standards and the specific requirements discussed. The most specific “standard” cited by OSHA is in Appendix A to Subpart D — Compliance Guidelines which is called a “nonmandatory” appendix. In this appendix section 2. Slip Resistance. It states:

“2. Slip-resistance. A reasonable measure of slip-resistance is static coefficient of friction (COF). A COF of 0.5, which is based upon studies by the University of Michigan and reported in “Work Surface Friction: Definitions, Laboratory and Field Measurements, and a Comprehensive Bibliography,” is recommended as a guide to achieve proper slip-resistance. A COF of 0.5 is not intended to be an absolute standard value. A higher COF may be necessary for certain work tasks, such as carrying objects, pushing or pulling objects, or walking up or down ramps.”
Our surface has been tested by Consolidated Floor Safety an independent lab based in Henderson, Kentucky. The results of their tests were that our surface in dry conditions averaged a COF of .83 and in wet conditions our surface averaged a COF of .96. A signed copy of the letter detailing these test results can be found on our website at: www.handiramp.com/treads/COF Test results.pdf
In addition there are two other sources that are used when evaluating nonslip surfaces, these are ANSI/NFSI and the ADA. Here are the guidelines that each has issued. As you can see our nonslip surface exceeds the recommended guidelines for both ANSI and the ADA.
ANSI/NFSI (American National Standards Institute/National Floor Safety Institute)
NSFI – B101 and ANSI 1264 establish traction standards and methods for measuring the SCOF. The Standards are established as follows:

· High-Traction (SCOF of 0.6+)
· Moderate Traction (SCOF of 0.4 – 0.6)
· Low Traction (SCOF of <0.4)
Handi-Treads clearly fall into the high traction category based upon the tests performed by Consolidated Floor Safety.

ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)

The ADA discusses ground and floor surfaces in Section 4.5 where they say in general that:

“4.5.1* General. Ground and floor surfaces along accessible routes and in accessible rooms and spaces including floors, walks, ramps, stairs, and curb ramps, shall be stable, firm, slip-resistant, and shall comply with 4.5.”
Specifically the ADA discusses Coefficient of Friction requirements in Appendix A4.5.1:

“The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends that walking surfaces have a static coefficient of friction of 0.5. A research project sponsored by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (Access Board) conducted tests with persons with disabilities and concluded that a higher coefficient of friction was needed by such persons. A static coefficient of friction of 0.6 is recommended for accessible routes and 0.8 for ramps.”

As you can see from the independent testing, HandiTreads exceeds the standards established for the ADA in guidelines presented in ADAAG 4.5.

Please let me know if I have addressed you questions and provided you with enough information for your inquiry. I would also be very happy to help you with addressing a specific need that you may have to assist you in minimizing slip and fall risks at your company. Please call me at 847-247-2350 to discuss any needs that you may have.