Floor safety is more than just choosing the right material it’s about ongoing performance. At the heart of slip resistance is the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF), a metric used to assess how safe a flooring surface is under wet conditions. But here’s something many don’t realize: DCOF ratings change over time.
In this article, we’ll explore why that happens, what causes the changes, and when you should schedule a retest to ensure your floors remain compliant and safe.
What Is DCOF and Why Does It Matter?
DCOF stands for Dynamic Coefficient of Friction. It measures the friction between a person’s footwear and a floor surface while in motion, typically when walking. It is especially important for wet or transitional areas such as entrances, bathrooms, commercial kitchens, and hospitals. According to ANSI A326.3, the minimum DCOF value for interior wet surfaces is 0.42. Anything below that threshold can increase the risk of slips, resulting in potential injuries, lawsuits, or failed inspections.
Why Does the DCOF of a Floor Change Over Time?
Many assume that once a floor passes its initial DCOF test, it will remain safe forever. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Here are four key reasons why DCOF levels decline:
1. Surface Wear from Foot Traffic
Daily foot traffic causes natural wear and tear. Over time, the tiny textures and finishes that provide slip resistance may wear away, reducing the DCOF level of the floor.
2. Use of Cleaning Agents and Sealants
Cleaning chemicals and floor finishes can change the surface texture. Some products leave residues that reduce friction, especially those that add a shine or wax coating.
3. Environmental Contaminants
Grease, oil, dust, soap residue, and other contaminants can build up, creating a slick surface. This is especially common in high-use environments like restaurants and gyms.
4. Renovations or Surface Modifications
Even small changes like recoating, retiling, or regrouting can alter the floor’s original DCOF characteristics. These changes should trigger a fresh test.
When Should You Retest the DCOF?
Regular DCOF testing ensures that your floors are still performing safely. But how often is “regular”? Here are a few smart checkpoints:
- Biannually or Quarterly: Especially for high-traffic areas like malls, hospitals, or office buildings.
- After Deep Cleaning or Surface Treatments: Polishing, waxing, or stripping may affect surface friction.
- Post-Renovation: Any structural or material change in flooring should trigger a retest.
- Following a Slip or Fall Incident: This helps assess liability and determine if surface friction played a role.
Routine testing is not just a good practice, it’s part of a proactive safety and compliance strategy.
The Importance of Professional DCOF Testing
DCOF testing should be done using certified equipment such as the BOT-3000E Tribometer. This device is specifically designed for reliable, standardized testing in compliance with ANSI A326.3. Working with professionals ensures your results are accurate, documented, and defensible especially in case of insurance audits or legal matters.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Slips and falls can lead to serious injuries, lawsuits, and damaged reputations. Yet many of these incidents are preventable with proper floor testing and maintenance. The DCOF rating your floor had on day one is unlikely to stay the same. That’s why regular testing isn’t just for compliance, it’s for peace of mind.
Ready to Retest?
At Walkway Management Group, we specialize in on-site DCOF testing using the industry-standard BOT-3000E. Whether it’s a routine inspection or a follow-up after renovations, we’ll help you keep your environment safe, compliant, and well-documented.
