ASTM F609-05

The Horizontal Pull Slipmeter³ is a laboratory and field instrument designed to provide information about the slip index characteristics between walkway surfaces and a test foot material under dry conditions only. The HPS can not be used on wet surfaces. Slip index can be affected by surface roughness, presence of water, contaminants such as grease and other foreign materials, and floor surface wear over time. Slip index, as determined by the HPS, most likely will not give useful information for evaluating liquid contaminated surfaces, and therefore, will not provide an effective assessment of a potential slipping hazard on a walkway surface under these conditions.

The value reported by the Horizontal Pull Slipmeter is called the slip index. Slip index is ten times the static coefficient of friction. For example, a static coefficient of friction of 0.4 is displayed by a slip index of 4.0 when measured by the Horizontal Pull Slipmeter.

The HPS can be used on inclined surfaces. No adjustment for slope is needed for measurements in the direction perpendicular to the slope and when averaging four measurements at one location taken according to step 10.14.

1.1 This test method covers measurement of the static slip resistance of footwear sole, heel, or related materials on walkway surfaces in the laboratory and in the field.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, 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.