ASTM_F_1679_-_00.pdf

Designation:F 1679 00An American National StandardStandard Test Method forUsing a Variable Incidence Tribometer(VIT)1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F 1679;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon(e)indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the operational procedures forusing a variable incidence tribometer2(VIT)for determiningthe slip resistance of footwear sole,heel,or related materials(test feet)against planar walkway surfaces or walkway surro-gates(test surfaces)in either the laboratory or field under dry,wet,or contaminated conditions.This test method does notaddress all methodological issues(for example,test surfaceand test foot material selection and preparation,experimentaldesign,or report preparation).1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regardedas the standard.The values given in parentheses are forinformation only.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:F 1646 Terminology Relating to Safety and Traction forFootwear33.Terminology3.1 DefinitionsFor definitions of terms,refer to Terminol-ogy F 1646.4.Significance and Use4.1 The VIT is designed to determine the slip resistance offootwear materials,walkway surfaces,or surrogates under fieldor laboratory conditions so that their slip-resistant qualitiesmay be evaluated.4.2 The measurement made by this apparatus relates to slipresistance.Other factors can affect slip resistance.When thistest method is used in field tests,relevant factors shall bedescribed.5.Apparatus5.1 Mast AssemblyA rigid metal frame attached to thechassis with a hinge joint permitting its inclination to any anglefrom vertical to 45.5.2 HandleA round metal grip at the top of the mastassembly that can be used to lift and carry the tester and isgrasped by the operator to apply a downward force to the testerto hold it stationary while operating it.5.3 Actuating CylinderA pneumatic cylinder mounted tothe mast assembly by a hinged joint to permit swinging motionof the foot.5.4 Test Foot AssemblyThe test foot is affixed to the endof the actuating cylinder piston rod by means of a ball joint topermit application of the operating force of the test foot againstthe test surface.A coil spring brings the foot to approximateneutral alignment following each power stroke.5.5 StrutThe actuating cylinder and test foot assemblycomprise the strut.It is the angular displacement of thisassembly about its hinge pin at the top that permits the slippagemotion of the foot.5.6 Control ValveThe valve is actuated by pressing thepalm button.A pneumatic spindle valve attached to the mastwill actuate the cylinder,causing it to stroke.5.7 Pressure SystemThe pressure operation of the tester ispowered by a compressed gas source mounted on the rear ofthe chassis.This controlled pressure is piped to the controlvalve by tubing that flexes to accommodate mast inclinationvariations.The operating pressure may be regulated by thehex-key wrench adjustment.5.8 Hex-Key Wrench,316-in.(5-mm)size.6.Test Foot and Test Surface6.1 Test Foot:6.1.1 The test foot material on the bottom of the test foot isprepared by gluing a 1.25-in.(3.2-cm)diameter disk of the testfoot material,sheen side exposed,using a suitable adhesive,such as epoxy.6.1.2 If the test foot is removed from the ball joint forsanding,it is then screwed into the nut on the ball joint untilsnug and then backed off one-fourth turn to prevent binding.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F13 on Safetyand Traction for Footwear and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F13.10on Traction.Current edition approved March 10,2000.Published June 2000.Originallypublished as F 167996.Last previous edition F 167996.2The English XL is covered by a patent held by William English and is availablefrom William English,Inc.,20500 North River Rd.,Alva,FL 33920.It has beenfound suitable for this use.Interested parties are invited to submit informationregarding the identification of acceptable alternatives to this patented item to theCommittee on Standards,ASTM Headquarters,100 Barr Harbor Drive,WestConshohocken,PA 19428-2959.Your comments will receive careful considerationat a meeting of the responsible technical committee,which you may attend.3Annual Book of ASTM Standards,Vol 15.07.1Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959,United States.6.2 Test SurfaceThe test surface shall not be less than 2in.2(5 cm2)and should be surrounded by enough material ofsimilar