Since most slip and fall lawsuits allege that the facility such as ramps and roofs which are not level. The units
failed to provide a reasonably safe surface, periodic also do not distinguish between individual spots in a
documentation of safe SCOF measurements can help to larger area, but only give the average without variation
assure safety, deter lawsuits, and minimize liability. – which can leave some areas out of compliance.
While transportable manual strain gauges that are Another challenge with manual strain gauges is that the
pulled by hand have traditionally been used for such devices do not readily measure mixed surfaces. This
measurement, these do not provide a truly reliable can be a problem not only with water, wax, polish etc.
means of high-volume testing on varying surfaces residing on the surface of the material, but also with
in multiple locations as needed. The devices are certain shoe sole surfaces, such as leather or high heels,
also complicated to use, requiring calibration and which can significantly change the SCOF and make slip
specialized training. and fall incidents more likely.
Fortunately, a new generation of innovative, portable, Finally, using such instruments can require substantial
friction testers are now enabling fast, lab quality training. Even then, any variance in measuring
SCOF testing in volume by essentially anyone without technique between technicians can cause further
specialized training. With this capability, onsite differences in accuracy.
measurement is easily conducted on a variety of
surfaces, even at an angle or upside down. Portable Testing Benefits
Even stairs, ramps, and inclines such as roofs can now In contrast to complex, traditional transportable units
be readily measured. This can help to facilitate safety
on a host of materials, while documenting compliance
which can be larger than a microwave oven, easy to
use, portable friction analyzers about the size of a hand
and preventing slip and fall liability. mixer are now available. These can essentially be used
Traditional Testing Limitations ensure safe, compliant SCOF documentation that deters
For onsite measurement of existing surfaces, manual
anywhere onsite. As such, utilizing them can help to
slip and fall litigation and liability.
strain gauges are traditionally used to test the SCOF by Examples of this include two handheld, battery
facility managers. However, the problem with these operated models, the H94i and H37i by Kett. Both
bulky transportable units, pulled by an operator over are designed so virtually anyone can quickly use them
horizontal test surfaces, is that the devices introduce with minimal training, wherever SCOF measurement
human error. is needed. Operation is simple. The operator puts the
“With a manual strain gauge, the operator is trying to
measure very minute numbers, but cannot pull the
unit with a steadily increasing force until it starts to
unit on the surface to be tested, presses the measure
key, and obtains the SCOF value in seconds, with
accuracy comparable to lab models.
break free, and then stop exactly at that point to get an The units rely on an electric coil assembly and a magnet
accurate number,” says John Bogart, Managing Director to create an easily variable and precisely measureable
of Kett US, a manufacturer of a full range of SCOF and force. When the operator presses the measure key,
surface property analyzers for various industries. a voice coil motor increases the force exerted on a
Additionally, these units do not fit in narrow spaces
such as stairs, and do not accurately measure areas
26 SZM Magazine • March ‘19
fixed slider until it begins to move. An integrated
microprocessor measures the force vectors and
calculates the SCOF.