ASTM F1637-21
(Practice)Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces
Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This practice addresses elements along and in walkways including floors and walkway surfaces, sidewalks, short flight stairs, gratings, wheel stops, and speed bumps. Swimming pools, bath tubs, showers, natural walks, and unimproved paths are beyond the scope of this practice.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers design and construction guidelines and minimum maintenance criteria for new and existing buildings and structures. This practice is intended to provide reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing ordinary footwear. These guidelines may not be adequate for those with certain mobility impairments.
1.2 Conformance with this practice will not alleviate all hazards; however, conformance will reduce certain pedestrian risks.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 28-Feb-2021
- Technical Committee
- F13 - Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear
- Drafting Committee
- F13.50 - Walkway Surfaces
Relations
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2016
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2005
- Effective Date
- 10-Aug-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Aug-2003
- Effective Date
- 10-Mar-2002
Overview
ASTM F1637-21: Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces is a widely recognized guideline developed by ASTM International that sets forth best practices for the design, construction, and maintenance of pedestrian walkways. This standard applies to both new and existing buildings and structures, focusing on creating reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing ordinary footwear. ASTM F1637-21 covers various elements along and within walkways, including floors, sidewalks, short flight stairs, gratings, wheel stops, and speed bumps, aiming to minimize hazards and reduce pedestrian risk.
Key Topics
Design and Construction Guidelines
Outlines requirements for stable, planar, and even walkways with proper transition methods for changes in surface level. Emphasizes slip resistance, structural soundness, and the elimination of trip hazards.Maintenance Criteria
Establishes the need for routine inspection and upkeep of carpets, mats, runners, and walkway hardware to prevent common hazards such as loose edges, wrinkles, and debris.Safety Features
Includes recommendations for adequate illumination of walkway areas, appropriate headroom clearance, and mitigation of protrusions or obstructions in pedestrian paths.Hazard Reduction
Provides specific instructions for managing common walkway hazards:- Changes in surface elevation
- Installation and maintenance of slip-resistant surfaces
- Visual cues and warnings for transitions (e.g., color contrast, lighting, signage)
Special Elements
Addresses safety and placement of gratings, speed bumps, wheel stops, and short flight stairs, including design recommendations and marking for visibility and hazard reduction.
Applications
Commercial Buildings
Ensures that offices, retail environments, and public spaces have safe floors, properly maintained carpeting, secure mats at entryways, and slip-resistant surfaces, reducing the risk of slip and fall accidents.Municipal and Public Infrastructure
Guides the design and maintenance of sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, parking lot pathways, and access ramps, ensuring they meet safety standards and accommodate regular pedestrian traffic.Industrial and Facility Management
Assists facility managers in maintaining walkways, stairways, gratings, and floor hardware in compliance with safety standards to protect employees and visitors.Property Management
Provides actionable maintenance and inspection practices to identify and address potential hazards in residential and commercial properties, supporting risk management and insurance compliance.
Related Standards
ASTM F1646
Terminology Relating to Walkway Safety and Footwear - offers definitions for terms used throughout ASTM F1637-21.Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) Recommendations
Referenced for best practices in walkway illumination to ensure adequate and glare-free lighting.Building Codes and Local Ordinances
ASTM F1637-21 supports compliance with applicable codes and may be referenced in risk assessments and safety audits.International Standardization Principles
Developed following World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) guidelines for consistency and global relevancy.
Keywords: safe walking surfaces, walkway safety, slip resistance, pedestrian walkways, floor hazards, ASTM F1637-21, building maintenance, public safety, commercial flooring, sidewalk safety, trip and fall prevention.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F1637-21 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice addresses elements along and in walkways including floors and walkway surfaces, sidewalks, short flight stairs, gratings, wheel stops, and speed bumps. Swimming pools, bath tubs, showers, natural walks, and unimproved paths are beyond the scope of this practice. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers design and construction guidelines and minimum maintenance criteria for new and existing buildings and structures. This practice is intended to provide reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing ordinary footwear. These guidelines may not be adequate for those with certain mobility impairments. 1.2 Conformance with this practice will not alleviate all hazards; however, conformance will reduce certain pedestrian risks. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This practice addresses elements along and in walkways including floors and walkway surfaces, sidewalks, short flight stairs, gratings, wheel stops, and speed bumps. Swimming pools, bath tubs, showers, natural walks, and unimproved paths are beyond the scope of this practice. SCOPE 1.1 This practice covers design and construction guidelines and minimum maintenance criteria for new and existing buildings and structures. This practice is intended to provide reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing ordinary footwear. These guidelines may not be adequate for those with certain mobility impairments. 1.2 Conformance with this practice will not alleviate all hazards; however, conformance will reduce certain pedestrian risks. 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM F1637-21 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.120.01 - Protection of and in buildings in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F1637-21 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F1646-16, ASTM F1646-13, ASTM F1646-12, ASTM F1646-05, ASTM F1646-05e1, ASTM F1646-03, ASTM F1646-03e1, ASTM F1646-00. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F1637-21 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1637 −21 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Safe Walking Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1637; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 Bollard,
3.1.2 Carpet,
1.1 This practice covers design and construction guidelines
3.1.3 Cross slope,
and minimum maintenance criteria for new and existing
3.1.4 Element,
buildings and structures. This practice is intended to provide
3.1.5 Fair,
reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing
3.1.6 Footwear,
ordinary footwear. These guidelines may not be adequate for
3.1.7 Foreseeable pedestrian path,
those with certain mobility impairments.
3.1.8 Planar,
1.2 Conformance with this practice will not alleviate all
3.1.9 Ramp,
hazards; however, conformance will reduce certain pedestrian
3.1.10 Sidewalk,
risks.
3.1.11 Slip resistance,
3.1.12 Slip resistant,
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical 3.1.13 Walkway.
3.1.14 Walkway surface hardware, and
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
and are not considered standard.
4. Significance and Use
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.1 This practice addresses elements along and in walkways
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
including floors and walkway surfaces, sidewalks, short flight
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
stairs, gratings, wheel stops, and speed bumps. Swimming
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
pools, bath tubs, showers, natural walks, and unimproved paths
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
are beyond the scope of this practice.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Walkway Surfaces
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 General:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
5.1.1 Walkways shall be stable, planar, flush, and even to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the extent possible.Where walkways cannot be made flush and
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
even, they shall conform to the requirements of 5.2 and 5.3.
2. Referenced Documents
5.1.2 Walkway surfaces for pedestrians shall be capable of
safely sustaining intended loads.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.1.3 Walkway surfaces shall be slip resistant under ex-
F1646 Terminology Relating to Walkway Safety and Foot-
pected environmental conditions and use. Painted walkways
wear
shall contain an abrasive additive, cross cut grooving, texturing
3. Terminology
or other appropriate means to render the surface slip resistant
where wet conditions may be reasonably foreseeable.
3.1 See Terminology F1646 for the following terms used in
5.1.4 Interior walkways that are not slip resistant when wet
this practice:
shall be maintained dry during periods of pedestrian use.
This practice is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee F13 on Pedestrian/
5.2 Walkway Changes in Level:
Walkway Safety and Footwear and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
5.2.1 Adjoining walkway surfaces shall be made flush and
F13.50 on Walkway Surfaces.
fair, whenever possible and for new construction and existing
Current edition approved March 1, 2021. Published March 2021. Originally
facilities to the extent practicable.
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as F1637 – 19. DOI:
10.1520/F1637-21.
5.2.2 Changes in levels up to ⁄4 in. (6 mm) may be vertical
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and without edge treatment. (See Fig. 1.)
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1 1
5.2.3 Changesinlevelsbetween ⁄4and ⁄2in.(6and12mm)
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2 (rise:run).
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1637 − 21
absence, by the recommendations set forth by the Illuminating
Engineering Society of North America (IES) (Application and
Reference Volumes).
5.5.2 Illumination shall be designed to be glare free.
5.5.3 Illumination shall be designed to avoid casting of
FIG. 1 Changes in Levels up to a Maximum of ⁄4in.(6mm)
obscuring shadows on walkways, including shadows on stairs
that may be cast by users.
5.5.4 Interior and exterior pedestrian use areas, including
parking lots, shall be properly illuminated during periods when
5.2.4 Changes in levels greater than ⁄2 in. (12 mm) shall be
pedestrians may be present.
transitioned by means of a ramp or stairway that complies with
applicable building codes, regulations, standards, or
5.6 Conditions Above and Alongside Walkways:
ordinances, or all of these.
5.6.1 Headroom—Aminimum headroom clearance of 6 ft 8
in. (2.03 m), measured from the walkway surface, shall be
5.3 Carpet:
provided above all parts of the walkway.Where such clearance
5.3.1 Carpet shall be maintained so as not to create pedes-
is not provided in existing structures, the low clearance
trian hazard. Carpet shall be firmly secured and seams tightly
portions of the walkway shall be safely padded, marked with
maintained. Carpet shall not have loose or frayed edges,
safety contrast color coding and posted with appropriate
unsecured seams, worn areas, holes, wrinkles or other hazards
warning signs.
that may cause trip occurrence.
5.6.2 Protrusions—Objects should not be placed which
5.3.2 Carpet on floor surfaces shall be routinely inspected.
obstruct or protrude into a walkway in a manner that creates a
Periodic restretching may become necessary. Periodic inspec-
tripping or contact hazard. Objects in or protruding into
tion is particularly important at step nosing edges.
walkways that are less than 3 ft high shall be made visually
5.3.3 Carpet and carpet trim (as measured when com-
prominent in accordance with Section 11.
pressed) shall meet the transition requirements of 5.2.
5.6.3 Edges—When walkways are adjacent to hazards or
5.3.4 Shag-type carpet shall not be used on stair treads.
hazardous areas, or where the elevation drop adjacent to the
Carpeting should be firmly secured onto the tread and around
edge of the walkway is vertical and exceeds 12 in., the edges
the nosing.
or limits of the walkways shall be made conspicuous or be
5.4 Mats and Runners:
guarded. This would not apply to walkways and curbs adjacent
5.4.1 Mats, runners, or other means of ensuring that build-
to roadways and parking lots where pedestrians are permitted
ing entrances and interior walkways are kept dry shall be
or expected, or both, to step off the walkway. In areas where
provided, as needed, during inclement weather. Replacement
pedestrians are permitted or expected, or both, to step off the
of mats or runners may be necessary when they become
walkway to a surface at a lower elevation, 5.2 shall apply.
saturated.
5.7 Exterior Walkways:
5.4.2 Building entrances shall be provided with mats or
runners, or other means to help remove foreign par
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: F1637 − 19 F1637 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Safe Walking Surfaces
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1637; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers design and construction guidelines and minimum maintenance criteria for new and existing buildings and
structures. This practice is intended to provide reasonably safe walking surfaces for pedestrians wearing ordinary footwear. These
guidelines may not be adequate for those with certain mobility impairments.
1.2 Conformance with this practice will not alleviate all hazards; however, conformance will reduce certain pedestrian risks.
1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
F1646 Terminology Relating to Walkway Safety and Footwear
3. Terminology
3.1 See Terminology F1646 for the following terms used in this practice:
3.1.1 Bollard,
3.1.2 Carpet,
3.1.3 Cross slope,
3.1.4 Element,
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F13 on Pedestrian/Walkway Safety and Footwear and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F13.50
on Walkway Surfaces.
Current edition approved Feb. 15, 2019March 1, 2021. Published February 2019March 2021. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20132019
as F1637 – 13.F1637 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/F1637-19.10.1520/F1637-21.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1637 − 21
3.1.5 Fair,
3.1.6 Footwear,
3.1.7 Foreseeable pedestrian path,
3.1.8 Planar,
3.1.9 Ramp,
3.1.10 Sidewalk,
3.1.11 Slip resistance,
3.1.12 Slip resistant,
3.1.13 Walkway.
3.1.14 Walkway surface hardware, and
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This practice addresses elements along and in walkways including floors and walkway surfaces, sidewalks, short flight stairs,
gratings, wheel stops, and speed bumps. Swimming pools, bath tubs, showers, natural walks, and unimproved paths are beyond
the scope of this practice.
5. Walkway Surfaces
5.1 General:
5.1.1 Walkways shall be stable, planar, flush, and even to the extent possible. Where walkways cannot be made flush and even,
they shall conform to the requirements of 5.2 and 5.3.
5.1.2 Walkway surfaces for pedestrians shall be capable of safely sustaining intended loads.
5.1.3 Walkway surfaces shall be slip resistant under expected environmental conditions and use. Painted walkways shall contain
an abrasive additive, cross cut grooving, texturing or other appropriate means to render the surface slip resistant where wet
conditions may be reasonably foreseeable.
5.1.4 Interior walkways that are not slip resistant when wet shall be maintained dry during periods of pedestrian use.
5.2 Walkway Changes in Level:
5.2.1 Adjoining walkway surfaces shall be made flush and fair, whenever possible and for new construction and existing facilities
to the extent practicable.
5.2.2 Changes in levels up to ⁄4 in. (6 mm) may be vertical and without edge treatment. (See Fig. 1.)
1 1
5.2.3 Changes in levels between ⁄4 and ⁄2 in. (6 and 12 mm) shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2 (rise:run).
FIG. 1 Changes in Levels up to a Maximum of ⁄4 in. (6 mm)
F1637 − 21
5.2.4 Changes in levels greater than ⁄2 in. (12 mm) shall be transitioned by means of a ramp or stairway that complies with
applicable building codes, regulations, standards, or ordinances, or all of these.
5.3 Carpet:
5.3.1 Carpet shall be maintained so as not to create pedestrian hazard. Carpet shall be firmly secured and seams tightly maintained.
Carpet shall not have loose or frayed edges, unsecured seams, worn areas, holes, wrinkles or other hazards that may cause trip
occurrence.
5.3.2 Carpet on floor surfaces shall be routinely inspected. Periodic restretching may become necessary. Periodic inspection is
particularly important at step nosing edges.
5.3.3 Carpet and carpet trim (as measured when compressed) shall meet the transition requirements of 5.2.
5.3.4 Shag-type carpet shall not be used on stair treads. Carpeting should be firmly secured onto the tread and around the nosing.
5.4 Mats and Runners:
5.4.1 Mats, runners, or other means of ensuring that building entrances and interior walkways are kept dry shall be provided, as
needed, during inclement weather. Replacement of mats or runners may be necessary when they become saturated.
5.4.2 Building entrances shall be provided with mats or runners, or other means to help remove foreign particles and other
contaminants from the bottom of pedestrian footwear. Mats should be provided to minimize foreign particles, that may become
dangerous to pedestrians particularly on hard smooth floors, from being tracked on floors.
5.4.3 Mats or runners should be provided at other wet or contaminated locations, particularly at known transitions from dry
locations. Mats at building entrances also may be used to control the spread of precipitation onto floor surfaces, reducing the
likelihood of the floors becoming slippery.
5.4.4 Mats shall be of sufficient design, area, and placement to control tracking of contaminants into buildings. Safe practice
requires that mats be installed and maintained to avoid tracking water off the last mat onto floor surfaces.
5.4.5 Mats, runners, and area rugs shall be provided with safe transition from adjacent surfaces and shall be fixed in place or
provided with slip resistant backing.
5.4.6 Mats, runners, and area rugs shall be maintained so as not to create pedestrian hazards. Mats, runners, and area rugs shall
not have loose or frayed edges, worn areas, holes, wrinkles, or other hazards that may cause trip occurrences.
5.5 Illumination:
5.5.1 Minimum walkway illumination shall be governed by the requirements of local codes and ordinances or, in their absence,
by the recommendations set forth by the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IES) (Application and Reference
Volumes).
5.5.2 Illumination shall be designed to be glare free.
5.5.3 Illumination shall be designed to avoid casting of obscuring shadows on walkways, including shadows on stairs that may
be cast by users.
5.5.4 Interior and exterior pedestrian use areas, including parking lots, shall be properly illuminated during periods when
pedestrians may be present.
5.6 Conditions Above and Alongside Walkways:
5.6.1 Headroom—A minimum headroom clearance of 6 ft 8 in. (2.03 m),
...
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