Product Certification
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NFSI Product Certification Testing Methodology
NFSI product certification is intended to provide product manufacturers the means to have their products independently evaluated for wet slip resistance. The end result is to provide the end-user relevant information to make a more informed buying decision. The NFSI has spent more than fifteen years researching various test methods by which materials can be evaluated for their degree of slip resistance, which has resulted in the most comprehensive evaluation process. For a product to achieve NFSI certification status, it must pass both the laboratory phase of evaluation (Phase 1 Testing) as well as a field test (Phase 2 Testing) except floor mat )see below). A description of each phase of testing follows:
Phase 1 - Laboratory Testing for Flooring Materials, Coatings, Cleaners and Treatments
Products seeking NFSI certification are tested in accordance with either the ANSI/NFSI B101.1-2009 (wet SCOF on flooring material or coating), ANSI/NFSI B101.3-2012 (west DCOF on flooring material or coating) or NFSI 101-B (chemical cleaners or treatments) and are tested using an NFSI Approved Tribometer. Each product is tested in its "as is " or "as applied" state. Upon completion of laboratory testing, the applicant receives a written report with the products SCOF or DCOF results. If the product produces a value equal or greater than our Minimum Acceptable Value it will qualify for Phase 2 testing. The cost for laboratory testing is $395 per product and is due with submission of a certification application. The applicant can expect that the laboratory testing will be completed approximately 20 days from receipt of the product by the testing laboratory. A minimum quantity of product is required for testing. For chemical cleaning agents or treatments, a minimum of one gallon is required, while for floor coverings, a minimum of three (3) square feet of material is required.
Phase 2 - Field Testing for Flooring Materials, Coatings, Cleaners, Treatments, and Auto- scrubbers
In order for a product to qualify for phase two testing it must have first satisfactory completed Phase 1 testing. Upon receipt of the product(s), an NFSI technician will install or apply the product in a real world application (Test Site) for a minimum of thirty days. The product will be maintained as specified by the manufacturer for the entire test period. After the minimum test period has expired, a member of the NFSI technical team will inspect and prepare the test site for testing in accordance with the ANSI/NFSI B101.1-2009, ANSI/NFSI B101.3-2012 or NFSI 101-B standards. If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable value it will become certified as "High Traction" by the NFSI. The cost of certification is $3,450 per product and is due upon receipt. The applicant can expect that the field testing will be completed in approximately 90 days. A sufficient amount of product or material is required for field testing. For chemical cleaning agents or treatments, a minimum 30-day supply is required, while for floor coverings, a minimum of nine (9) square feet of material is required.
NFSI Testing of Floor Mats
Upon receipt of the product(s), an NFSI technician will test in accordance with NFSI 101-C standard. If the product meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable value it will become certified as "High Traction" by the NFSI. The cost of certification on a floor mat is $795 per product and is due upon receipt. The applicant can expect that the testing will be completed in approximately 20 days. A minimum of 2 feet x 2 feet of material is required (larger is okay).
After NFSI Certification is Achieved
NFSI Certified products will be listed on the NFSI website unless the applicant explicitly instructs the NFSI not to do so. Products that are submitted, but do not meet the Minimum Accepted Value will not be certified and will not be listed on the NFSI's website. The certification period lasts three (3) years and products are required to apply for recertification at the end of the three-year period consistent with the NFSI certified product recertification policy. Specifically, product certification registrants are required to complete a Recertification Application and undergo retesting (if necessary). The cost to recertify an NFSI Certified product is $495 and will extend the certification period for an additional three years. An applicant is granted a limited right to use the "NFSI Certified" logo on the product as well as all materials (ie: brochures, packaging, etc.) for the period under which the product is certified. For more information regarding permissible logo use, please refer to the NFSI logo policy.
Click here to purchase NFSI Standards.
Click here to download a Product Certification Application.
Click here to download a Product Certification Application For Floor Mats.