In the years since John C Sotter updated the test method, the ASTM International standard ASTM E303-22 has played an important role in advancing slip resistance testing in the United States. It brought the pendulum test into broader acceptance and helped move the industry toward dynamic, real-world measurements of slip potential.
Now, a new standard—AFSA FS101-25, developed by the American Floor Safety Alliance—builds on that foundation and takes things a step further.
If you’re involved in floor safety, risk management, or slip-and-fall litigation, this is an important development worth understanding.
What This New Article Explains
The full technical comparison published here:
https://afsahub.com/technical-comparative-analysis-afsa-fs101-25-vs-astm-e303-22/
…walks through the differences between ASTM E303-22 and AFSA FS101-25 in a clear, side-by-side format.
At a high level, both standards rely on the pendulum test—widely regarded as the most reliable method for evaluating slip resistance under real-world conditions. That’s important: this is not about replacing a proven method, but refining how it’s applied, interpreted, and standardized.
Where ASTM E303 Has Served the Industry Well
ASTM E303 has provided:
- A recognized method for measuring dynamic friction
- A consistent procedure for pendulum testing in the U.S.
- Alignment with international practices using similar devices
It has helped move the conversation away from outdated static tests and toward more realistic assessments of pedestrian slip potential.
Where AFSA FS101-25 Improves on That Foundation
AFSA FS101-25 takes the next logical step by addressing areas where users of ASTM E303 have historically needed more clarity and guidance.
Some of the key advancements include:
1. Clearer Interpretation of Results
ASTM E303 provides a method—but not safety classifications.
AFSA FS101-25 bridges that gap by aligning results with internationally recognized slip potential categories, helping users better understand what the numbers actually mean in practice.
2. Stronger Alignment with Global Research
While ASTM E303 is widely respected, AFSA FS101-25 more closely harmonizes with established guidance from the UK, Australia, and other regions where pendulum testing has been deeply studied and standardized for decades.
3. Practical Guidance for Real-World Conditions
AFSA FS101-25 places greater emphasis on how surfaces perform in actual use—wet conditions, contamination, slope, and maintenance—rather than relying solely on raw test values.
4. Designed Specifically for Safety Decision-Making
The goal of AFSA FS101-25 is not just to measure slip resistance, but to help professionals make informed safety decisions—whether that’s for compliance, risk reduction, or litigation support.
Why This Matters
In the real world, slip resistance testing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about preventing injuries and understanding risk.
By combining the proven reliability of the pendulum test with clearer interpretation and globally aligned guidance, AFSA FS101-25 represents a meaningful step forward for:
- Property owners and facility managers
- Architects and specifiers
- Safety professionals
- Attorneys handling slip-and-fall cases
The American Floor Safety Alliance – Bringing Science to Floor Safety!
Learn More
To see the full technical breakdown and side-by-side comparison, read the complete article here:
👉 https://afsahub.com/technical-comparative-analysis-afsa-fs101-25-vs-astm-e303-22/
If you have questions about pendulum testing, ASTM E303, or the new AFSA FS101-25 standard, feel free to reach out. At Safety Direct America, we’ve spent decades helping clients understand slip resistance the right way—using reliable data and internationally supported methods.
Email john.sotter@safetydirectamerica.com or call 949-933-6971