Safety underfoot - Getting a mat finish
October 1st 2004

Given the alarming number of slip-related accidents recorded each year, the necessity for improving and maintaining floor safety is an important issue for all employers and health and safety managers. Matting is one simple, yet effective solution to the problem. Its available in rolls, single mats, interlocking modules or tiles, with or without bevelled edging, and so on. But, with so many options available to buyers, selecting the right mat is not always an easy task. So, what makes one mat different from the other? Surely one mat with holes in is just like any other mat with holes in? Simply not true!

Specifiers should be aware of the differences in matting performance, wear and tear, oil and chemical resistance, flammability and environment suitability. And, it is sensible to seek the advice of a trained matting sales consultant, who will take all these factors into consideration when recommending a product. It is a good idea to make a thorough assessment of the area designated for matting installation. Heres a quick checklist of some of the questions that should be addressed. This list is long, but it is an important one nevertheless.

What is the matting to be used for? Slip Resistance? Anti-Fatigue? Other?

Where is it to be installed?

What is the size/shape of the floor area?

Is the matting for a wet or dry area?

Is chemical, grease or oil spillage likely?

How much wear and tear will the matting be subjected to?

What type of footwear will be used?

How much turning is involved?

Is it a high temperature or very low temperature environment?

Is it for a specific environment such as ESD areas or in front of electrical switchboards?

Is wheeled access required?

Generally, matting is installed to either help prevent slipping in wet or oily environments; reduce fatigue from prolonged standing, or to protect workers/components from injury/ damage. In some cases, a mat will perform more than one task.

Wet / Oily slippery conditions

For floor areas susceptible to liquid spillage, opt for matting with open holes rather than a solid surface, to allow liquid to drain through the mat rather than pooling on the mats surface. Open holed matting with a raised patterned top surface will provide an even better grip and give greater traction in slippery conditions. Some matting manufacturers commission slip-resistance tests, and these can be useful in gauging a mats anti-slip properties. If oils are present, especially aggressive machine oils or coolants, check the mats chemical resistance. Mats such as COBAs High Duty Mat made from a combination of natural SBR Rubber and Nitrile, resists most oils, grease and coolants and has a higher resistance than that of a 100% rubber mat.

Specific Environments

Care needs to be taken when installing matting in welding bays, areas with molten glass spatter or other high temperature environments. Rubber mats, or Rubber/Nitrile mats are usually the safest choice for this type of location. Look out for DIN 4102 B1 and B2 fire-tested products. In contrast, cold conditions prone to ice build-up require matting that can withstand low temperatures.

Specially developed matting to protect against electrical shocks is available for use in front of open switchboards and high voltage equipment. Look out for the maximum volt rating and BS safety standards as these vary. There are also numerous matting and accessory options for ESD areas where static build-up is a problem. Some mats protect operatives only, while others protect the workbench and components. Various kits can be purchased to offer more comprehensive protection from static electricity.

Matting for Fatigue Relief

Prolonged standing on hard surfaces on a regular basis can cause back and leg pain, sore feet, muscular pain and strain, as well as general discomfort and reduced concentration. Leg muscles are forced to work harder, more stress is applied to the spine, neck and shoulders. Veins are subjected to increased pressure and become less efficient in allowing blood to travel back to the heart. When we walk our foot and leg movement make the muscles and veins work together in an expanding and contracting action known as the Venous System. When we are standing in a static position, this system does not function as well. Hence, frequent movement is important.

Anti-fatigue matting encourages regular foot movement (the foot naturally moves to adapt to the surface) and also helps insulate feet from cold concrete floors. Bubbled surface matting manufactured from rubber compounds, or hard-wearing Polyurethane, encourages foot movement and stimulates blood circulation.

There are also numerous choices of Vinyl foam mats available offering varying degrees of comfort, and wear and tear. The Orthomat and Fatigue Fighter II products have been developed specifically for this purpose.

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