ANSI/ESD STM97.1-2025 uses different procedures for flooring evaluated before installation, new footwear evaluated on a previously qualified installed floor, and installed floors without prior evaluation or a known history.
The procedure also determines the test environment. Section 6.1 requires controlled low-humidity conditioning; sections 6.2 and 6.3 require testing at ambient temperature and humidity.
Select the procedure for your situation
Installation and qualification history determine the starting point
| Situation | Procedure and supporting guide | Required test environment |
|---|---|---|
| The flooring system has not yet been installed | Pre-installation testing under section 6.1. Evaluate representative flooring samples; using footwear intended for the completed floor is recommended. | After cleaning, condition the footwear and flooring samples for at least 72 hours at 12% ± 3% relative humidity and 23 °C ± 3 °C. Keep them in that environment until testing is complete. |
| A new footwear type will be used on a previously qualified installed floor | New-footwear testing under section 6.2. Test three pairs of the new footwear. | Ambient temperature and humidity for all tests. |
| A newly installed floor was not evaluated under section 6.1, or an existing static-control floor has an unknown history or manufacturer | Installed-floor evaluation under section 6.3. Test at the required floor locations using footwear intended for the flooring system. | Ambient temperature and humidity for all tests. |
The moisture and conditioning guidance explains why ambient testing still requires attention to cleaning moisture and material behavior.
Evaluate additional footwear after the initial floor evaluation
Move from section 6.3 to section 6.2
Once the first footwear set has been evaluated with the floor under section 6.3, additional footwear types can be evaluated using section 6.2.
Frequently Asked Questions
Section 6.2 addresses new footwear on a previously qualified installed flooring system. A newly installed floor not evaluated under section 6.1, or an existing static-control floor whose history or manufacturer is unknown, uses section 6.3.
For the section 6.1 pre-installation evaluation, STM97.1-2025 recommends using footwear intended for the completed floor. Section 6.3 requires using footwear intended for the installed flooring system. Section 6.2 evaluates the new footwear type being considered.