Matting Systems Uncovered -
Good quality mats are not just for entranceways.
 Wet and dirty floors are not only displeasing in appearance,
but are potentially dangerous.
When placed strategically throughout the facility, matting
systems are the first line of defence against slip-and-fall
accidents and tracked-in soil and debris.
According to an industry expert, an effective matting
system will help increase the life of a floor and present
a consistent, quality appearance. In addition, entrance
matting can help lower overall maintenance costs by decreasing
the amount of dirt tracked into the building and improve
safety by helping to reduce slip-and-fall accidents caused
by water collecting on hard floor surfaces.
There are varying types of mats, designed specifically
for certain surfaces in certain areas of a facility.
The most important and common type of matting is entrance
matting.
By choosing a high-quality entrance matting system, nearly
all dirt and water can be trapped, thereby reducing slip-and-fall
potential.
“Entrance matting should cover of an entrance, preventing
80 to 85 percent of dirt from coming into the facility”,
says David Freedman, director of sales for The General
Mat Company. According to David Freedman, there is also
a standard formula for entrance matting, the order of which
is important in ensuring a efficient matting system:
- MULTI-GUARD – This aggressive type of matting
should be placed in traffic entry points outside a building. “Scraper
mats are your first line of defence, and should remove
40 to 50 percent of dirt off shoes,” says Freedman.
- WATERHOG® CLASSIC – The second line of
defence, this indoor/outdoor matting is strategically
placed at entrance points. It is typically comprised
of heavy-duty
polypropylene and should be placed right inside the door. “This
matting will dust and dry shoes and should extend five
feet in,” says Freedman. :It is also responsible
for 60 to 65 percent of dirt removal.
- WATERHOG® FASHION – This
matting works to dust and dry shoes as well. Usually
constructed of polypropylene
fibres, this matting is the final line of defence.
Matting systems are not just for building, however.
“Most people think that mats are only for entrances,
but I believe that a mat should be placed anywhere that
the public and non-public places meet, from a kitchen to
a dining area, back halls to a lobby”, says Freedman. “Most
of these places are heavy traffic areas and have a change
in floor covering (tile to carpet.”
There are several types of non-entrance matting that are
used extensively in facilities:
Anti-fatigue – Available in a solid or sponge-like
form, these mats are designed for dry applications where
people stand for long periods of time. Hotel reception
areas, grocery stores, hospitals and manufacturing facilities
often use this matting to benefit workers’ health.
There are also drain-though anti-fatigue mats for kitchen/food
service areas, where grease or water is often present.
Hallway runners – Runner matting, usually in length,
has three basic functions:
1. Remove dirt/debris from shoes.
2. Protect the surface below the matting.
3. Protect floors from moisture during inclement weather.
“You have to take into consideration the traffic
levels and the environment,” says Freedman. “If
the matting is in the kitchen, is it going to be exposed
to greases” Or just water and soap? This all factors
in on what kind of matting you should choose. Think about
placement in regards to functionality.”
Slip-and-fall prevention.
Matting System work to reduce slip-and-fall accidents by
collecting water and soil and keeping interior floors
cleaner and drier.
However, mats that move or crumple up can be a hazard,
so special care needs to be taken to ensure that matting
remains stationary.
“Consider using a rubber pad under the mats to keep
them from moving,: says Freedman.
If matting is placed over carpeting, Velcro can help,
Freedman adds.
However, for overall safety, mats should be checked often,
to make sure that they’re clean, in place and therefore,
functional.
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