Commercial Floor Mats: A Comprehensive Guide to Types, Uses, and Benefits for Facility Management
Commercial floor mats are an important part of maintaining a safe and clean facility. They are placed both inside and outside of buildings to protect floors and occupants from slip, trip, and fall accidents and to prevent soil, liquids, and harsh chemical compounds from being tracked throughout the facility. A proper matting program can greatly impact cleaning procedures and costs within a facility and save money on labor and floor maintenance over time.
There are several types of commercial floor mats available, each with its own specific use and features.
Entrance mats are the first line of defense in a soil control program and are typically placed at the entryway of a facility. They are designed to remove dirt, moisture, and other debris from shoes and are commonly made from materials like nylon, polypropylene, olefin, or vinyl. Entrance mats may have a pattern such as a raised waffle or diamond ridge to improve dirt collection and a "water dam" border to retain moisture and keep floors dry. They also have either a vinyl or rubber backing to prevent mat movement on carpeted and hard floors and to provide resistance to grease, oils, abrasive soils, and other liquids. It is important to have a sufficient amount of entry matting, with about 15 feet placed outside and an additional 15 feet inside the building, so that visitors can take 8 to 10 steps on the mat before reaching the unprotected floor.
Scraper mats are heavy-duty mats made from rubber that are typically placed outside a facility's entrance. They have raised surfaces or "fingers" to help scrape dirt and moisture off of shoes and provide increased traction when wet to minimize the risk of falls. Scraper mats are resistant to grease and oil, making them useful in areas prone to spills. They may have a rubber or vinyl backing to provide added slip resistance and to prevent mat movement.
Anti-fatigue mats are designed to provide comfort and support to people who stand for long periods of time, such as in a kitchen or retail store. They are made from materials like foam or rubber and may have a textured surface to improve traction. Anti-fatigue mats can help reduce fatigue, discomfort, and the risk of slips and falls.
Logo mats are designed to display a company's logo or message and are often placed at the entrance of a facility. They are typically made from materials like nylon, rubber, or vinyl and may have a smooth or textured surface. Logo mats can be customized with different colors, fonts, and designs and can be used to promote a company's brand or to convey a specific message.
Waterhog mats are designed to absorb moisture and are typically made from rubber or a blend of materials. They have a raised surface pattern and a "water dam" border to retain moisture and keep floors dry. Waterhog mats are often used in areas prone to spills or high moisture, such as in a cafeteria or kitchen. They are resistant to staining and fading and can be easily cleaned by shaking or vacuuming.
It is important to choose the right type of mat for a specific location and application in a facility. Entrance mats should be placed at the entryway to prevent soil from entering the building, scraper mats should be used outside or in vestibules, anti-fatigue mats should be placed in areas where people stand for long periods of time, logo mats can be used to promote a company's brand or message, and waterhog mats should be used in areas prone to spills or high moisture. A proper matting program can greatly improve the safety and cleanliness of a facility and save money on labor and floor maintenance costs over time.
