ASTM WK24836 to Outline Specs for Active Area, Multipurpose Flooring
October 30, 2009 // Published as a news service by IHS
ASTM International Committee F06 on Resilient Floor Coverings is developing ASTM WK24836 - Specification for Active Area, Multipurpose Flooring.
Special considerations need to be made for flooring in multi-purpose rooms, particularly those in child care buildings, elementary schools and long-term care facilities, according to ASTM.
David Smith, F06 member, said ASTM WK24836 will validate a baseline performance standard for flooring designed to reduce the chance of injury from falls by participants of indoor activities.
This includes children in day care centers and schools, as well as elderly people in long-term care facilities.
"The goal of the task group in developing this proposed standard is to seek a minimum level of performance to primarily accommodate youth participants, as well as the elderly in the case of long-term care facilities," said Smith, who co-chairs the ASTM WK24836 task group with Catherine Evanetich.
"This is in order to provide a more comfortable and less hazardous environment in areas where physical activity will take place without compromising the multipurpose function of the designated space," Smith said.
He said flooring in the facilities covered by the proposed standard must not only be shock absorbent to reduce the likelihood of injuries during active play, but must also be firm enough to accommodate cafeteria tables, stages, pianos and myriad other heavy items that might damage softer surfaces.
"It's important that the floor have sufficient recovery properties to prevent indentations by furniture or equipment," said Smith.
Subcommittee F06.80 is looking for input on the proposed new standard from architects, designers, schools and the long-term care community.
Experts said there will also be a need to conduct studies on various types of resilient flooring such as vinyl composition tile, rubber, modular and foamed vinyl to determine which materials decrease the likelihood of injuries while providing the appropriate level of functionality.
Source: ASTM International.