Workplace Solutions For Wet Areas

Slip and fall prevention is usually the main concern in wet and oily working environments.  Slip and falls account for approximately 20 -30% of the accidents which cause long-tern interruption of work and loss of productivity.

The 4 main causes of slips and fall accidents are:

• Slippery/wet surfaces
• Slippery surfaces caused by dry floor contaminants such as sawdust
• Obstructions, both temporary and permanent
• Uneven surfaces and changes of level

Date from NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health) on reported workplace accidents also cited overexertion and repetitive work as contributing factor to long-term absenteeism.  Combined, these two factors are the largest cause of non-fatal injury and illness cases involving days away from work*.

We offer a wide variety of high-performance anti-fatigue and anti-slip floor matting products with very specific functionality designed to address slippery work environments and the varying causes of slip and fall accidents.

To see our Anti-Slip and Anti-Fatigue Products CLICK HERE.

Increased Traction

Floors can become dangerously slippery when they are wet, exposed to water, oil, grease, industrial chemicals, and even soap or cleaning solutions.  Floor matting elevates the worker out of the liquid providing a dryer work and walking surface.  In extreme cases, aggressive surface textures or materials such as the Silicon Carbide grit surface found on all NoTrax® Cushion-Ease® GSII™ products offers added traction in even the harshest slippery environments.  

Remove Debris & Liquids

Floors can also become slippery when there is an accumulation of liquids, dusty floor contamination such as sawdust, and other debris on the work area floor. Floor matting used in these areas typically has a large-hole drainage system that drains or removes the liquid or debris from the work area keep the surface clean and clear.

Anti-Fatigue

Standing on hard surfaces for extended periods can lead to several problems such as pain, discomfort, and fatigue, all of which have a direct negative impact on a worker's balance.  The use of anti-fatigue floor mats provides a cushioning effect that improves circulation and alleviates the symptoms that can lead to fatigue.  This enables proper balance for the worker lessening the possibility of a slip or fall due to muscle fatigue.

*Source: NIOSH

& Superior Manufacturing Group, Inc. NoTrax Catalog 47, page 20

What is the Importance of a Message Mat?

First you might ask... What is a Message Mat?  

A Message Mat is a pre-printed highly visible mat to warn employees who may be entering a hazardous area, may need special ear or eye protection, or just act as a reminder to think and act safely in work environments.  

Now why is this important to your company?  Having a message mat at proper locations in your facility will assist employees to be more aware of their surroundings.  This in turn should reduce the risk of accidents. 

FloorMatShop offers a variety of Message Mats from Wiper, Anti-Fatigue, and Scraper. Below you can see the difference of each style to see what will work best for you.

Waterhog Sign Message Mats 

To view Waterhog Sign Message Mats in our store click here.

• Perfect for high traffic areas where a message mat with scraper/wiper capability is needed
• 3/8" thick, 100% UV resistant polypropylene fabric for indoor and outdoor placements
• Molded rubber backing resists curling and cracking in all types of weather. Available in smooth and cleated backing types.
• Earth-Friendly rubber backing has 20% post-consumer recycled content
• Sign is molded into the rubber

Available in 3' x 5' and 4' x 6'

*Sizes are approximate. Sign Message Is placed in the lower right corner of the mat in either a horizontal or vertical direction.

Message Size: 7.5" x 13"

Hog Heaven Sign Message Mats

To view Hog Heaven Sign Message Mats in our store click here.

• Anti-fatigue mats that convey safety messages
• Nitrile rubber top surface has a 20% recycled content
• Closed cell Nitrile blended cushion is permanently molded (not glued) to the Nitrile rubber top surface
• Chemical Resistant, Grease & Oil Proof
• Static Dissipative and certified slip resistant by the National Floor Safety Institute
• 5/8" and 7/8" thickness
• Borders are beveled and are available in black or OSHA approved yellow

Available in 3' x 5' and 4' x 6'

*Sign Message is placed in the center of mat in either a horizontal or vertical direction

Message Size: 7" x 14"

Superscrape Sign Message Mats

To view Superscrape Sign Message Mats in our store click here.

• Sign images are produced by molding a digitally printed polymeric material into a durable Nitrile rubber mat
• Signs are UV resistant and perform well in all types of environments
• Superscrape Sign are perfect for any application where a message mat with scraper capability is needed.
• Superscrape Sign mats are available in either horizontal or vertical orientations

Available in 3' x 5' and 4' x 6'

*Sizes are approximate. Sign Message Is placed in the lower right corner of the mat in either a horizontal or vertical direction.

Message Size: 7.5" x 13"

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If you have any questions on our message mats you can email sales@floormatshop.com or call 888-226-2724.

VIEW ALL THE MESSAGE MATS

 IN OUR STORE! CLICK HERE

Mat Rental vs. Purchase - Do You Know The Facts?

There are benefits to owning your own mats.

You'll experience substantial cost savings and improved safety from better performance and no rental program costs. From our line of mats, you can choose color coordinated mats that compliment your interiors and are available in a variety of sizes to best suit commercial traffic patterns - all are performance engineered for the proper job.

After you have read the following facts about the savings of purchasing mats over renting mats, Download the Comparison Calculation Worksheet to calculate your own costs and savings.

Common Perception's & Facts

PERCEPTION:

Renting mats is more convenient than owning mats.

FACT:

The service intervals for mat rental ranges from weekly, bi-monthly or monthly. Based on need, most facilities have a contractor or their own staff clean their mats daily.

PERCEPTION:

One mat type and one size fits all applications.

FACT:

Mat rental programs offer small sizes that are not big enough to be effective, sometimes requiring multiple mats which causes safety issues. A truly effective mat program includes Scraper mats, Scraper/Wiper mats, Wiper Mats, Anti-fatigue mats and Anti-slip mats.

PERCEPTION:

Rental mats stop dirt and moisture.

FACT:

Over a brief period of time, the nylon face fiber on a rental mat crushes flat allowing dirt to track into the building. The construction of a rental mat, when saturated, allows water to flow off the mat and create a safety hazard.

High Performance mats have a permanent bi-level face to eliminate crushing, create a "door filter", and provide years of performance life. Also, the water dam border contains dirt and moisture on the mat.

PERCEPTION:

Rental mats are always delivered clean and attractive.

FACT:

The age of a rental mat may range from new to 8-10 years old. The quality and appearance may vary considerably from one service interval to the next.

Mats that are in disrepair may cause safety hazards and an inconsistent appearance negatively affects your facility's image.

PERCEPTION:

All rental mats are changed and cleaned regularly.

FACT:

Most outside scraper mats, anti-fatigue mats, and kitchen mats on a rental program are not changed at all. It is left up to the facility to take care of the mat themselves while still paying a rental charge.

PERCEPTION:

Rental mats are environmentally friendly.

FACT:

Rental mats require fuel for pickup and delivery, energy for washing and drying, and add chemicals to the waste water. Not only are High Performance mats constructed of recycled materials, they also perform for 5-10 years.

PERCEPTION:

Renting mats is economical.

FACT:

Rental mats are very expensive as a long term matting option. At an average of $.20 per square foot per week a single 3x5 rental mat costs a facility $780 over a five year period. In contrast, a purchased 3x5 High Performance mat costs the facility approximately $100.

Download the Comparison Calculation Worksheet to calculate your own costs and savings.

It Adds Up Over Time

If you use the correct type of entrance mats and floor mats, you will find that you do not need as many mats as you are currently using thereby saving money while improving the appearance of the building.

4 Benefits Of Having An Entrance Mat In Your Building...

Soil is everywhere. It is a part of the earth we live on and managing it is a vital part of our everyday existence.  85% of all soil enters a building on the feet of building occupants. Of this, at least 80% is dry soil and the rest is oily. The dry soil can range from large particles to powder-like dust.  The International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) has estimated that it costs 600 dollars to find and remove one pound of soil after it has been allowed to enter an average building. This cost is primarily labor and below we have listed the key benefits of why you should purchase an entrance mat today.

1) Stop Soil and Water at the Door

Most, if not all mats claim to do this.  The most effective mats provide a combination of scraping and wiping to stop the maximum amount of contaminants.

Shop Outdoor Scraper/Wiper Mats

2) Store Soil and Water For Removal

The most effective entrance mats are designed to provide a place for soil and water to go for storage.  It is important that the storage be designed for maximum storage and ease of removal when the mat is cleaned.  It is important that the mat provide a way for the contaminants to be contained so that water cannot spread to the surrounding floor creating a slip/fall hazard.  water that floors off the sides of the mat is referred to as seepage.  Mats with flat boarders allow water seep of the edges, thus increasing one's exposure to slip and fall.  Excessive floor damage is also created by the water seepage around the perimeter of the mat.  Higher performance mats provide a dam that will hold the water back from the floor surfaces and from reattaching to one's shoes

3) Minimize Tracking of Soil and Water

This capability is best accomplished by a BI-level construction that provides an upper surface for walking and a lower area where soil and water are stored until removed by cleaning. The amount of soil that a mat allows to be tracked back on to patrons’ shoes is commonly referred to as the performance threshold. The best mats on the market maintain this BI-level construction thereby trapping large quantities of moisture and dirt keeping not allowing it to reattach to peoples shoes and be tracked further into the facility. Low performance mats such as those with ribbed or square patterned face yarn alone will not hold up under foot pressure, thus allowing more water and dirt to reattach to shoes and be tracked into respective facilities. Look for a permanent rubber membrane that will support the face yarn throughout the mat’s productive life. High performance mats have a permanent rubber reinforcing membrane that will permanently support the textile face, increasing product unity and extending useful product life.

Here you can see the BI-level construction

4) Provide A Safe Surface

The mat should be slip-resistant to prevent slipping on the floor when it is walked on.  Also any water on the mat should be contained in a reservoir below the traffic surface to prevent slipping on flooring surface adjacent to the mat. Rubber-backed mats do not curl as vinyl mats thus reducing trip and fall exposure.  Some rubber-backed mats have cleated surfaces on the bottom that further enhances non-skid properties and allows moisture to dry from underneath the mat.

To view more entrance mats visit our online store FloorMatShop.

source: www.andersenco.com

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