When choosing flooring for commercial spaces, safety is just as important as aesthetics. ANSI A326.3 is the recognized standard in the U.S. that defines how slip resistance is measured for hard surface flooring materials. Developed by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), this standard helps ensure floors meet safety thresholds under real-world conditions.
Whether you’re a facility manager, property owner, or architect, understanding this standard gives you the confidence to choose flooring that minimizes slip-and-fall risks and complies with modern safety expectations.
Why Slip Resistance Matters
Slips and falls are among the leading causes of workplace injuries and public liability claims. By following ANSI A326.3, you’re not just checking a compliance box, you’re actively protecting employees, guests, and your business.
This standard provides a reliable way to evaluate the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF), which indicates how slippery a floor is when walked on with a heel strike, particularly in wet conditions.
How the ANSI A326.3 Test Works
The slip resistance test is performed using a device called the BOT-3000E tribometer. This tool measures the DCOF by simulating how a person’s heel contacts the floor. The test uses a standard rubber sensor and a consistent wetting agent (usually water with a trace amount of surfactant) to mimic real-life wet conditions.
A DCOF rating of 0.42 or higher is generally considered acceptable for interior spaces that are likely to get wet. However, some areas like commercial kitchens or pool decks may require higher performance depending on use and traffic.
When and Where ANSI A326.3 Applies
This standard applies primarily to hard surface flooring materials, such as ceramic tiles, porcelain, stone, and concrete. It’s especially important in areas with frequent foot traffic or potential exposure to moisture.
Common use cases include:
- Hotel lobbies
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Airports and transit stations
- Restaurants and cafés
- Office building entrances
For exterior spaces or specialty flooring, other standards such as the ANSI B101 series or ASTM methods may be more appropriate, but ANSI A326.3 remains a widely accepted baseline for interior flooring safety.
Benefits of Using ANSI A326.3-Compliant Floors
1. Reduces Liability: Flooring that meets the standard lowers your risk in legal claims related to slip and fall injuries.
2. Supports Accessibility: Ensures safer walkways for individuals with mobility challenges.
3. Increases Consumer Confidence: Visitors and customers feel safer and more at ease in environments that prioritize safety.
4. Easy to Verify: The BOT-3000E test provides a clear, numeric value that’s easy to interpret and document.
5. Future-Proofing: Adopting ANSI A326.3 now prepares your facility for possible future regulations or insurance requirements.
Choosing the Right Slip-Resistant Flooring
When evaluating flooring options, ask the manufacturer or supplier if the product has been tested according to ANSI A326.3 and what the DCOF rating is. Always consider how the flooring will perform in its specific environment not just under lab conditions.
Additionally, on-site slip testing may be required after installation to confirm that the flooring still performs as expected, especially if cleaning methods or environmental factors change.
Compliance Starts with Knowledge
Understanding and applying the ANSI A326.3 standard is a proactive way to create safer, smarter environments. Whether you’re designing a new facility or upgrading an existing one, prioritizing slip resistance from the start can save you from headaches later.
Take Action Test Before Trouble
Looking to ensure your flooring is compliant with ANSI A326.3? Our team at Walkway Management Group can help with certified slip resistance testing using the BOT-3000E.
