The September/October 2016 edition of SGIA Journal (Special Graphic Imaging Association), pp 89–92 has an article, “New Slip Resistance Specifications — Are You in Compliance?”, by the Marketing Manager of Mactac Distributor Products (“Technology that Sticks”, including indoor and outdoor floor graphics). He discusses the following about American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Standard B101.3:

     1. It measures DCOF [rather than SCOF]

     2. It’s based on traction ranges [low, acceptable, and high slip resistance potential]

     3. It’s Required Versus Recommended [no specific reference given for this]

ANSI B101.3 uses the BOT-3000E digital tribometer, which is recommended for indoor surfaces only. For outdoors, where people are more likely to run (especially when it starts raining), we at Safety Direct America recommend the pendulum test. For that test there are recommended safety standards for more than 30 indoor and outdoor situations.

Note that the only slip resistance test that has been included in the International Building Code is another ANSI test, A137.1. Safety Direct America can conduct all these slip resistance tests and more, in the field or at our laboratory. From our California headquarters we have tested as far as Canada, Mexico, Guam, and Bermuda. Testing can be one-time-only, or for better liability protection, periodic.

For new or renovated areas that have high foot traffic we recommend the McDonalds Restaurants Sustainable Slip Resistance Test, which is most beneficial if conducted in our laboratory before the flooring is specified or purchased. This can protect your investment in new flooring and prevent accidents for years to come. It’s been found particularly valuable for cruise ships, for which changing out flooring, when a mistake has been made, may take years waiting for the vessel to be in drydock.