National Floor Safety Institute
Is intended to provide product manufacturers with the means to have their products independently evaluated for slip resistance (Traction). The end result is to provide the end-user with relevant information to make a more informed buying decision.
The NFSI has spent more than twenty-five years researching various test methods by which products can be evaluated for their degree of slip resistance, which has resulted in the most comprehensive evaluation process to date.
Products with this logo met the following criteria based on the testing type:
B101.1 Wet SCOF: ≥0.60
B101.3 Wet DCOF: ≥0.45
B101.4 Wet DCOF: ≥0.60
B101.7 COF: ≥0.29
101-C Dry TCOF: ≥0.50
Products with this logo met the following criteria based on the testing type:
B101.1 Wet SCOF: 0.40 – 0.59
B101.3 Wet DCOF: 0.30 – 0.44
B101.4 Wet DCOF: 0.40 – 0.59
B101.7 COF: 0.15 – 0.29
101-C Dry TCOF: N/A
We utilize both the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF and NFSI B101.3 Wet DCOF standards. The standards can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). Copies of standards are not included in the cost of testing. Abrasive Tapes must first be tested in the NFSI laboratory (Phase 1 testing).
How much does Laboratory Phase 1 Testing cost? The cost is $895 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
How much material is required for Laboratory Phase 1 testing? 1 roll of abrasive tape.
How long does Laboratory Phase 1 testing take? Laboratory testing will be completed within 10 days of receipt of the product. After testing is completed, you will receive a report that states the average wet SCOF and DCOF value of the product submitted.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
What is the minimum SCOF and DCOF? According to the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF values of 0.40 – 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet SCOF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.30 – 0.44 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.45 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
What is the next step to get my abrasive tape NFSI Certified? If the product is Moderate to High-Traction after Laboratory Phase 1 testing, then the product is eligible for In-Situ Phase 2 certification testing.
How much does In-Situ Phase 2 Testing cost? The cost is $3,995 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
Where will In-Situ Phase 2 testing take place? The manufacturer is required to provide a test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Texas) for In-Situ Phase 2 testing.
How long does In-Situ Phase 2 testing take? Prior to the product being installed, a member of the NFSI team must inspect the testing location. After the product has been installed for a minimum of 30 days, a member of the NFSI team should be scheduled to return to the test site for testing in accordance with the NFSI standards. The applicant can expect that In-Situ Phase 2 testing will be completed within 60 days to account for delays.
How much material is required for In-Situ Phase 2 testing? The testing area must be a minimum of 9 square feet and located in a high foot traffic area.
What happens after In-Situ Phase 2 testing? If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable SCOF and DCOF values, it will become certified as either Slip Resistant or High-Traction based on the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products are listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the product has a major change or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Test ApplicationWe utilize both the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF and NFSI B101.3 Wet DCOF standards. The standards can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). Copies of standards are not included in the cost of testing. Auto scrubbers are tested In-Situ. This process is called Phase 2 testing.
How much does Auto Scrubber testing and certification cost? The cost is $3,995 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
Where will In-Situ Phase 2 testing take place? The manufacturer is required to provide a test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Texas) for In-Situ Phase 2 testing.
How long does In-Situ Phase 2 testing take? Prior to the product being installed, a member of the NFSI team must inspect the testing location. After the auto scrubber has been in use daily for a minimum of 30 days (or 30 cleanings if the auto scrubber is not used on a daily basis), a member of the NFSI team will be scheduled to return to the test site for testing in accordance with the NFSI standards. The applicant can expect that In-Situ Phase 2 testing will be completed within 60 days to account for delays.
How large of an area is required for Phase 2 testing? The testing area must be a minimum of 100 square feet (larger is great) and have moderate to high foot traffic during the testing period.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
What is the minimum SCOF and DCOF? According to the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF values of 0.40 – 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet SCOF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.30 – 0.44 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.45 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
What happens after In-Situ Phase 2 testing? If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable SCOF and DCOF values, it will become certified as either Slip Resistant or High-Traction based on the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products are listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the product has a major mechanical change or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Testing ApplicationThis procedure applies to bathroom shower floors, tubs, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, spas, sauna floors, steam room surfaces, whirlpools, splash parks, water spray/fountain areas, water slide standing entry launch pools, pool decks, patios, diving boards, and pool entry stairs, ramps and ladders, and lake, pond, beach and waterfront piers and docks. We utilize NFSI B101.4 standard. The standard can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). Copies of standards are not included in the cost of testing. Barefoot Condition of Walking and Bathing Surfaces must first be tested in the NFSI laboratory (Phase 1 testing).
How much does Laboratory Phase 1 Testing cost? The cost is $895 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
How much material is required for Phase 1 laboratory testing? This is based on the product type, please contact NFSI.
How long does Laboratory Phase 1 testing take? Laboratory testing will be completed within 10 days of receipt of the product. After testing is completed, you will receive a report that states the average wet DCOF value of the product submitted.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
What is the minimum DCOF? According to the NFSI B101.4 Wet DCOF values of 0.40 to 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
What is the next step to get my product NFSI Certified? If the product is Moderate to High-Traction after Laboratory Phase 1 testing, then the product is eligible for In-Situ Phase 2 certification testing.
How much does In-Situ Phase 2 Testing cost? The cost is $3,995 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
Where will In-Situ Phase 2 testing take place? The manufacturer is required to provide a test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Texas) for In-Situ Phase 2 testing.
How long does In-Situ Phase 2 testing take? Prior to the product being used, a member of the NFSI team must inspect the testing location. After the product has been in use daily for a minimum of 30 days, a member of the NFSI team will be scheduled to return to the test site for testing in accordance with the NFSI standards. The applicant can expect that In-Situ Phase 2 testing will be completed within 60 days to account for delays.
How much material is required for In-Situ Phase 2 testing? The testing area must be a minimum of 100 square feet and located in a moderate to high foot traffic area.
What happens after In-Situ Phase 2 testing? If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable DCOF values, it will become certified as either Slip Resistant or High-Traction based on the B101.4 standard.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products are listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.4 standard.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the product has a major change or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Testing ApplicationWe utilize both the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF and NFSI B101.3 Wet DCOF standards. The standards can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). Copies of standards are not included in the cost of testing. Cleaners, Coatings, Finishes or Treatments must first be tested in the NFSI laboratory (Phase 1 testing).
How much does Laboratory Phase 1 Testing cost? The cost is $895 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
How much material is required for Phase 1 laboratory testing? We require the manufacturer to submit the product already applied to four 12” tiles (or larger). The tiles can be any material that the product would be applied to in the real world, but all four tiles must be identical.
How long does Laboratory Phase 1 testing take? Laboratory testing will be completed within 10 days of receipt of the product. After testing is completed, you will receive a report that states the average wet SCOF and DCOF value of the product submitted.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
What is the minimum SCOF and DCOF? According to the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF values of 0.40 – 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet SCOF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.30 – 0.44 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.45 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
What is the next step to get my product NFSI Certified? If the product is Moderate to High-Traction after Laboratory Phase 1 testing, then the product is eligible for In-Situ Phase 2 certification testing.
How much does In-Situ Phase 2 Testing cost? The cost is $3,995 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
Where will In-Situ Phase 2 testing take place? The manufacturer is required to provide a test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Texas) for In-Situ Phase 2 testing.
How long does In-Situ Phase 2 testing take? Prior to the product being used, a member of the NFSI team must inspect the testing location. After the product has been in use daily for a minimum of 30 days (or 30 cleanings if the product is not used on a daily basis), a member of the NFSI team will be scheduled to return to the test site for testing in accordance with the NFSI standards. The applicant can expect that In-Situ Phase 2 testing will be completed within 60 days to account for delays.
How much material is required for In-Situ Phase 2 testing? The testing area must be a minimum of 100 square feet and located in a moderate to high foot traffic area.
What happens after In-Situ Phase 2 testing? If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable SCOF and DCOF values, it will become certified as either Slip Resistant or High-Traction based on the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products are listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the product has a major change or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Testing ApplicationConcrete testing and certification applies to unpolished, polished, and coated concrete.
We utilize both the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF and NFSI B101.3 Wet DCOF standards. The standards can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). Copies of standards are not included in the cost of testing. Concrete is tested In-Situ. This process is called Phase 2 testing.
How much does Concrete testing and certification cost? The cost is $3,995 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
Where will In-Situ Phase 2 testing take place? The manufacturer is required to provide a test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Texas) for In-Situ Phase 2 testing.
How long does In-Situ Phase 2 testing take? After the product has been installed, a member of the NFSI team must inspect the testing location. After the concrete has been in use daily for a minimum of 30 days (or 30 cleanings if the concrete is not maintained on a daily basis), a member of the NFSI team will be scheduled to return to the test site for testing in accordance with the NFSI standards. The applicant can expect that In-Situ Phase 2 testing will be completed within 60 days to account for delays.
How large of an area is required for Phase 2 testing? The testing area must be a minimum of 100 square feet (larger is great) and have moderate to high foot traffic during the testing period.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
What is the minimum SCOF and DCOF? According to the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF values of 0.40 – 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet SCOF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.30 – 0.44 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.45 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
What happens after In-Situ Phase 2 testing? If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable SCOF and DCOF values, it will become certified as either Slip Resistant or High-Traction based on the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products are listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the product has a major change or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Testing ApplicationFloor Care Systems must include a mop head, mop bucket and NFSI Certified floor cleaner.
We utilize both the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF and NFSI B101.3 Wet DCOF standards. The standards can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). Copies of standards are not included in the cost of testing. Floor Care Systems are tested In-Situ. This process is called Phase 2 testing. You must first identify which NFSI Certified Floor Cleaner will be used with the mop, mop head and bucket. If you wish to utilize a new floor cleaner, then the floor cleaner must first undergo floor cleaner testing (see floor cleaner testing).
How much does Floor Care System testing and certification cost? The cost is $3,995 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
Where will In-Situ Phase 2 testing take place? The manufacturer is required to provide a test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Texas) for In-Situ Phase 2 testing.
How long does In-Situ Phase 2 testing take? Prior to the product being installed, a member of the NFSI team must inspect the testing location. After the floor care system has been in use daily for a minimum of 30 days (or 30 cleanings if the floor care system is not used on a daily basis), a member of the NFSI team will be scheduled to return to the test site for testing in accordance with the NFSI standards. The applicant can expect that In-Situ Phase 2 testing will be completed within 60 days to account for delays.
How large of an area is required for Phase 2 testing? The testing area must be a minimum of 100 square feet (larger is great) and have moderate to high foot traffic during the testing period.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
What is the minimum SCOF and DCOF? According to the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF values of 0.40 – 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet SCOF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.30 – 0.44 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.45 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
What happens after In-Situ Phase 2 testing? If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable SCOF and DCOF values, it will become certified as either Slip Resistant or High-Traction based on the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products are listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the product has a major change, the NFSI certified floor cleaner is no longer certified or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Testing ApplicationWe utilize an internal test method titled NFSI 101-C Test Method for Measuring Dry TCOF of Floor Mat Backing Materials. The standard can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). A copy of the standard is not included in the cost of testing. Floor mat testing is conducted in the NFSI laboratory.
How much does floor mat testing and certification cost? The cost is $1,295 per product. Payment is due prior to the release of test results. Products with the same mat backing are classified as one product even if the mat comes in separate colors or different names.
What device is used for testing? This test procedure is conducted using the Brungraber Mark II or Mark III Portable Inclinable Articulated Strut Tester (PIAST).
What is the minimum TCOF? According to the NFSI 101-C Dry TCOF values of 0.50 or greater are those that demonstrate High-Traction characteristics and products that meet or exceed the 0.50 TCOF are then considered NFSI Certified. Floor mats whose TCOF is less than 0.50 are not eligible for NFSI certification. Transitional Coefficient of Friction or TCOF is the simultaneous application of the horizontal and vertical force components to a body at rest to overcome the bodies resistance to slipping along the vertical component or plane. This is also referred to as Impact Friction.
How large of a sample size needs to be submitted? A minimum of 2 feet x 2 feet of material is required (larger is okay).
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified floor mats will be listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI High-Traction? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the “NFSI High-Traction Certified” logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the mat backing has a change in composition or design or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
This procedure applies to common hard-surfaced walkway materials such as ceramic tile, porcelain tile, stone, vinyl, wood, laminate, and synthetic flooring. We utilize both the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF and NFSI B101.3 Wet DCOF standards. The standards can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). Copies of standards are not included in the cost of testing. Cleaners, Coatings, Finishes or Treatments must first be tested in the NFSI laboratory (Phase 1 testing).
How much does Laboratory Phase 1 Testing cost? The cost is $895 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
How much material is required for Phase 1 laboratory testing? We require the manufacturer to submit four identical 12” tiles (or larger).
How long does Laboratory Phase 1 testing take? Laboratory testing will be completed within 10 days of receipt of the product. After testing is completed, you will receive a report that states the average wet SCOF and DCOF values of the product submitted.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
What is the minimum SCOF and DCOF? According to the NFSI B101.1 Wet SCOF values of 0.40 – 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet SCOF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.30 – 0.44 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. Wet DCOF values greater than 0.45 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
What is the next step to get my product NFSI Certified? If the product is Moderate to High-Traction after Laboratory Phase 1 testing, then the product is eligible for In-Situ Phase 2 certification testing.
How much does In-Situ Phase 2 Testing cost? The cost is $3,995 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
Where will In-Situ Phase 2 testing take place? The manufacturer is required to provide a test site in the Dallas/Fort Worth Area (Texas) for In-Situ Phase 2 testing.
How long does In-Situ Phase 2 testing take? Prior to the product being used, a member of the NFSI team must inspect the testing location. After the product has been in use daily for a minimum of 30 days, a member of the NFSI team will be scheduled to return to the test site for testing in accordance with the NFSI standards. The applicant can expect that In-Situ Phase 2 testing will be completed within 60 days to account for delays.
How much material is required for In-Situ Phase 2 testing? The testing area must be a minimum of 100 square feet and located in a moderate to high foot traffic area.
What happens after In-Situ Phase 2 testing? If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable SCOF and DCOF values, it will become certified as either Slip Resistant or High-Traction based on the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products are listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.1 and B101.3 standards.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the product has a major change or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What is the cost to recertify my product? The cost is $695 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Testing ApplicationWe utilize the NFSI B101.7 Standard Test Method for Lab Measurement of Footwear Heel Outsole Material Coefficient of Friction on Liquid-Contaminated Floor Surfaces. The standards can be purchased on our website (https://nfsi.org/store/). A copy of the standard is not included in the cost of testing. Floor mat testing is conducted in the NFSI laboratory.
The process takes about 20 days from the time we receive the product to the time you receive the report of pass or fail. The first step is to complete a testing application. Shipping information will be provided once NFSI receives the completed application.
How much is footwear testing? The cost for shoe testing is $295 per footwear product or $395 per footwear/flooring combination product and is due before results are released. Products with the same outsole are classified as one product even if the shoe comes in separate colors, designs, etc. with different names.
What device is used for testing? This test procedure is conducted using the STEPS machine.
How many samples need to be submitted? We need one men’s size 9 shoes. If you are choosing the Footwear/flooring combination test, we will also need the 12”x12” flooring sample you would like tested with the shoe.
What is the minimum COF? According to the NFSI B101.7 COF values of 0.40 – 0.59 are considered Moderate Traction and will be labeled as Slip-Resistant. COF values greater than 0.60 are considered High-Traction and will be labeled High-Traction.
How will people know my product is NFSI Certified? NFSI Certified products will be listed on the NFSI website.
Can I use NFSI’s logo to advertise my product as NFSI Certified? An applicant is granted a limited right to use the Slip Resistant or High-Traction logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy and the B101.7 standard.
Will my product need to be recertified at a later date? Yes, manufacturers are required to apply for recertification every three (3) years. Product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). Retesting is only necessary if the outsole has a change in composition or design or was previously tested to an outdated NFSI standard.
What are the costs to re-certify my product? The cost is $95 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years.
Product Testing ApplicationSee Floor Care Systems
ANSI A326.3 Test Method for Measuring Dynamic Coefficient of Friction of Hard Surface Flooring Materials
How much does ANSI A326.3 Testing cost? The cost is $295 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
How much material is required for ANSI A326.3 testing? We require the manufacturer to submit four identical 12” tiles (or larger).
How long does ANSI A326.3 testing take? Laboratory testing will be completed within 10 days of receipt of the product. After testing is completed, you will receive a report that states the average DCOF values of the product submitted.
What device is used for testing? Testing is conducted using the TRACSCAN 2.0. The Tracscan 2.0 Is In Full Compliance With The Equivalency Requirement As Established Within The A326.3 Standard.
How much does the James Machine Method cost? The cost is $295 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
How much material is required for the James Machine Method testing? We require the manufacturer to submit four identical 12” tiles (or larger).
How long does the James Machine Method testing take? Laboratory testing will be completed within 10 days of receipt of the product. After testing is completed, you will receive a report that states the average SCOF values of the product submitted.
What device is used for testing? The James Machine Method programmed into the TRACSCAN 2.0, simulates the laboratory Standard Test Method (ASTM D2047-11) for Static Coefficient of Friction of Polish-Coated Flooring Surfaces as measured by the James Machine. While the James Machine Method as measured by the TRACSCAN 2.0 is not an exact replication of the ASTM D2047 Standard, it is an approximate translation that closely correlates to it. Translation is based on independent, third-party research from the US.
German Ramp Method
How much does German ramp method Testing cost? The cost is $295 per product. Testing will not begin until proper payment is received.
How much material is required for German ramp method testing? We require the manufacturer to submit four identical 12” tiles (or larger).
How long does German ramp method testing take? Laboratory testing will be completed within 10 days of receipt of the product. After testing is completed, you will receive a report that states the R-Values of the product submitted.
What device is used for testing? The German Ramp Method is programmed into the TRACSCAN 2.0. While the German Test Method as measured by the TRACSCAN 2.0 is not an exact replication of the DIN 51130 Standard, it is an approximate translation that correlates to it for field use outside of the industrial workplace. Translation is based on independent, third-party research from Germany, UK and Poland.
Product Testing ApplicationNFSI Approved Tribometers comply with the requirements set forth in the NFSI B101.1 SCOF and NFSI B101.3 DCOF standards. NFSI Approved Tribometers are precision instruments designed to measure the slip resistance of various surfaces. These tribometers are crucial for assessing the safety and compliance of flooring materials in different environments. The approval by a NFSI ILS signifies that these instruments meet stringent quality and accuracy standards, ensuring reliable measurements.
Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF)
ASM 925
GS-1
TRACSCAN
TRACSCAN 2.0
Universal Walkway Tester (UWT)
Static Coefficient of Friction (SCOF)
ASM 825B
GS-1
TRACSCAN
TRACSCAN 2.0
Universal Walkway Tester (UWT)
In the spring of 2014, Regan Scientific Instruments notified the NFSI that they had made an engineering revision of the BOT-3000 tribometer and that a newer version called the BOT-3000e would soon be released and will replace the BOT-3000. On August 26, 2014, Regan Scientific Instruments forwarded an engineering comparison study of the BOT-3000 and 3000e devices which was authored by Moore Engineering Services and Garrett Heilbrun Technology Partners, L.L.C. which concluded that the BOT-3000 and BOT-3000e devices were in compliance with the revision control provision as required in Section 2. of the NFSI’s 2011 Tribometer Selection Process (TSP). Based on the study on August 27, 2014, the BOT-3000e was granted provisional approval.
Although the Moore Engineering and Garrett Heilbrun Technology Partners, LLC study claimed that there was a high level of repeatability and reproducibility between the BOT-3000 and BOT-3000e devices, since 2014 the BOT-3000e has undergone multiple design changes, a revised sensor preparation procedure, as well as numerous software modifications which under the requirements of the NFSI’s TSP require the resubmission of an ILS. Regan Scientific Instruments failed to complete the resubmission process and therefore forfeited their status as an NFSI Approved Tribometer.
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