1. Purpose

The American Floor Safety Alliance (AFSA) develops and publishes technical standards related to slip resistance, floor safety, and surface friction measurement.

The purpose of the AFSA standards development process is to ensure that standards are developed through a fair, transparent, and technically sound consensus process that allows participation from interested stakeholders.

These procedures establish the framework by which AFSA standards are proposed, reviewed, approved, revised, and maintained.

2. Scope

These procedures apply to all standards developed and published by the American Floor Safety Alliance, including but not limited to:

  • Test methods for measuring slip resistance

  • Test methods for monitoring surface friction over time

  • Equipment calibration procedures

  • Terminology related to floor safety and slip resistance

  • Recommended practices related to floor safety evaluation

3. Principles

AFSA standards are developed according to the following principles:

  • Openness – Participation in standards development is open to all materially affected parties.

  • Balance – Efforts are made to ensure balanced representation among stakeholders.

  • Transparency – Draft standards and revisions are subject to review and comment.

  • Due Process – Participants have the opportunity to express views, provide comments, and appeal decisions.

  • Consensus – Standards are approved through a voting process intended to achieve substantial agreement among participants.

4. Committees

AFSA standards are developed through technical committees.

Each committee is responsible for the development, revision, and maintenance of standards within its assigned technical scope.

Examples of AFSA committees may include:

  • Pendulum Slip Resistance Testing Committee

  • Surface Friction Monitoring Committee

  • Slip Resistance Research Committee

  • Calibration and Instrumentation Committee

Committees may establish subcommittees or task groups as needed.

Committee membership is open to individuals with relevant expertise or interest in floor safety and slip resistance testing.

5. Proposal of New Standards

Any interested party may propose a new AFSA standard.

Proposals should include:

  • Title of the proposed standard

  • Scope and purpose

  • Description of the proposed test method or practice

  • Supporting technical justification or research

The appropriate AFSA committee shall review the proposal and determine whether to proceed with development.

6. Draft Development

Once a proposal has been accepted, the responsible committee prepares a draft standard.

Drafts typically include the following sections:

  • Scope

  • Referenced documents

  • Terminology

  • Equipment specifications

  • Test procedures

  • Calibration requirements

  • Reporting requirements

  • Precision and bias (where applicable)

Drafts may be circulated among committee members for review and revision prior to formal balloting.

7. Public Review and Comment

Draft standards may be made available for public comment.

The comment period typically lasts 30 to 60 days, although longer periods may be provided when appropriate.

Comments must be submitted in writing and should include:

  • Specific reference to the section being commented on

  • Explanation of the concern

  • Suggested revision (if applicable)

All comments received will be reviewed by the responsible committee.

8. Voting and Approval

After review and revision, a draft standard is submitted for committee ballot.

Approval of a standard requires:

  • A minimum participation of voting members

  • A two-thirds affirmative vote of those voting

Negative votes must include written explanation.

The committee shall review all negative votes and attempt to resolve concerns through revision or discussion.

9. Appeals

Any participant who believes that due process has not been followed may file an appeal.

Appeals must be submitted in writing within 30 days of the contested action and must clearly state the basis for the appeal.

Appeals will be reviewed by the AFSA leadership or a designated appeals panel.

The decision of the appeals panel shall be final.

10. Publication of Standards

Approved standards are published by AFSA and made available through the AFSA website.

Each standard shall include:

  • A unique standard designation

  • Title

  • Date of publication

  • Revision history

Standards may be distributed electronically.

11. Maintenance and Revision

AFSA standards are subject to periodic review.

Each standard will be reviewed at least once every five years to determine whether it should be:

  • Reaffirmed

  • Revised

  • Withdrawn

Revisions follow the same procedures used for development of new standards.

12. Intellectual Property

Standards published by AFSA are the property of the American Floor Safety Alliance.

AFSA may permit reproduction or distribution of standards for educational or professional use as determined by AFSA policy.

13. Disclaimer

AFSA standards are intended to provide guidance for measuring and evaluating slip resistance and related safety conditions.

AFSA does not certify products or guarantee performance. Users of AFSA standards are responsible for ensuring proper application and interpretation of the methods described.

14. Effective Date

These Standards Development Procedures became effective upon adoption by the American Floor Safety Alliance and apply to all AFSA standards developed thereafter.