With the iconic Griffith Observatory visible above the skyline of Los Angeles, this latest field demonstration showcases an AFSA FS101-26 pendulum slip resistance test being performed on a rooftop pedestrian surface under wet conditions.
This video is more than just a visual demonstration. It represents a broader effort to promote scientifically reliable, real-world floor safety testing methods that better reflect how people actually walk and interact with surfaces.
AFSA FS101-26 Pendulum Slip Resistance Test in Action
In this field test, the pendulum instrument is used to evaluate wet slip resistance on an elevated outdoor walkway surface overlooking Los Angeles.
The purpose of the demonstration is to show:
how dynamic slip resistance testing is performed in the field,
how wet pedestrian surfaces can be evaluated objectively,
and why repeatable, evidence-based methods matter when assessing real-world slip risk.
Why the Pendulum Test Matters
The pendulum test, including methods derived from ASTM E303, has decades of international use and research behind it. Unlike many static coefficient-of-friction devices, pendulum testing is designed to simulate dynamic heel-strike interaction during walking.
Rather than asking whether a floor is simply “slippery” or “not slippery,” the pendulum test helps quantify slip potential using a repeatable methodology that has been studied and applied worldwide.
This is especially important in:
wet environments,
outdoor walkways,
elevated surfaces,
rooftop pedestrian areas,
pool decks,
and other locations where traction can change significantly when contaminants are present.
Introducing AFSA FS101-26
The American Floor Safety Alliance (AFSA) was formed to help advance scientifically credible floor safety methodologies and improve understanding of pedestrian traction and slip resistance.
AFSA FS101-26 represents part of that effort by promoting practical, transparent, and evidence-based testing approaches that can be performed in real-world environments — not just controlled laboratory settings.
Real-World Testing Matters
Beautiful architecture and scenic environments do not eliminate slip hazards. In fact, modern rooftop surfaces, luxury installations, and decorative exterior materials can sometimes present significant traction challenges when wet.
That is why objective field testing matters.
Real-world slip resistance assessment helps:
identify potential hazards,
improve pedestrian safety,
reduce preventable accidents,
and support more informed decisions regarding flooring materials and maintenance practices.
Watch the Demonstration
This rooftop pendulum test overlooking Los Angeles offers a simple but powerful reminder:
Better science leads to safer walkways.
Watch the full video demonstration and learn more about the importance of reliable floor safety testing.