ASTM F609-05 (2013) PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM F609 − 05 (Reapproved 2013) — Standard Test Method for Using a Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS). This short test method describes the use of the Horizontal Pull Slipmeter to determine a slip index (ten times the static coefficient of friction) for footwear sole/heel materials on dry walkway surfaces; the method and instrument are intended for laboratory and limited field use under dry conditions only.

Abstract

This standard specifies the procedure, apparatus, and test foot details for the Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS) and defines the reported value as the slip index (slip index = 10 × static coefficient of friction). It documents instrument use, limitations (not suitable for wet or liquid-contaminated surfaces), significance, and notes on calibration and test foot materials. The edition was reapproved in 2013 and later withdrawn in 2022.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn (withdrawal announced January 13, 2022).
• Publication date: Reapproved 2013 (current edition approved September 1, 2013; published 2013).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 61.060 — Footwear / Pedestrian and walkway safety.
• Edition / version: F609‑05 (Reapproved 2013).
• Number of pages: 3 pages (short test method).

Scope

This test method covers measurement of the slip index of footwear sole, heel, or related materials on dry walkway surfaces using the Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS). The HPS provides information about slip characteristics under dry conditions only and is not intended for evaluating wet or liquid-contaminated surfaces; the slip index reported by the HPS is ten times the static coefficient of friction. The method includes apparatus description, the recommended test foot material, and procedural notes for laboratory and field measurements.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of slip index and its relation to static coefficient of friction (slip index = 10 × static COF).
• Description and operation of the Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS) instrument, including limitations (dry surfaces only).
• Specification of test foot (Neolite test liner or equivalent) and specimen preparation.
• Test procedure: mounting, applied normal force, pull direction and speed, and data reporting conventions.
• Calibration and care of the apparatus, and statement that results are most useful for comparative, not absolute, assessments of traction.
• Significance and use: intended for footwear/sole material and walkway surface evaluation under dry conditions; not suitable for assessing slip risk where liquid contaminants are present.

Typical use and users

Used by footwear manufacturers, sole material suppliers, floor‑covering and coating manufacturers, safety engineers, independent testing laboratories, and researchers evaluating dry-surface traction performance. It is applied for comparative testing of sole materials and for quality control when dry traction characteristics are of interest.

Related standards

Related ASTM standards and practices in the traction / walkway testing family include other tribometer and slip‑resistance test methods (for example, various F13 committee methods such as F1677, F1678, F1679 and practices for reporting and validation of walkway tribometry). Terminology referenced includes Terminology F1646; see the ASTM pedestrian/walkway safety and traction listings for context. Note: many HPS/drag‑type methods have been reexamined or withdrawn as newer practices and validation procedures evolved.

Keywords

Horizontal Pull Slipmeter; HPS; slip index; static coefficient of friction; footwear traction; walkway safety; slip resistance; F609; ASTM F609‑05; test method; Neolite test foot.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM F609‑05 (Reapproved 2013) is a short ASTM test method that describes the use of the Horizontal Pull Slipmeter (HPS) to measure a slip index for footwear sole/heel materials on dry walkway surfaces.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers apparatus description, the test foot specification, procedural steps to perform HPS tests, calculation and reporting of the slip index (ten times the static COF), and notes on significance and limitations — specifically that the method applies only to dry surfaces and is not suitable for liquid‑contaminated surfaces.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Footwear and sole manufacturers, floor/coating producers, safety and occupational health engineers, third‑party test laboratories, and researchers concerned with dry‑surface traction and comparative performance testing.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: This edition was reapproved in 2013 but the standard was withdrawn in January 2022 (withdrawn in accordance with ASTM committee regulations after reaching the eight‑year reapproval window without an update). Users should consult current ASTM guidance and newer tribometer validation/ reporting practices for up‑to‑date methods.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It falls under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F13 (Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear) and is one of several traction/tribometer test methods maintained by that committee; related methods and practices address other tribometer types, reporting, and validation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: HPS, Horizontal Pull Slipmeter, slip index, static coefficient of friction, traction, footwear, walkway safety, F609‑05.