Non Slip Mats Buying Guide

Non Slip mats are an important safety feature for most workplaces. If you have people walking around your business, non slip mats are probably a legal obligation.

That said, not all non slip mats are the same, so you need to make sure you have the right protection against slip accidents. Wet areas, for example, need non slip mats that will allow water to drain away.

In this guide, we will talk you through the most important factors you need to consider before investing in non slip mats. Everything you need to know is in this guide, but if you have any specific questions after reading, our team of matxperts are happy to chat!

 

In this Guide

1| Choosing for an area

    1.1 Wet

    1.2 Dry

    1.3 Traffic level

2| Choosing a material

    2.1 Rubber

    2.2 Nylon surface

    2.3 Polypropylene surface

    2.4 Aluminium

3| Sizing

    3.1 Standard sizing

    3.2 Custom sizing

4| Shape

5| Maintenance

6| Additional features

    6.1 Holes

    6.2 Grease and chemical resistance

    6.3 Bevelled edges

    6.4 Non slip backing

7| Product recommendations

    7.1 Standing Desks

    7.2 Commercial Kitchens

    7.3 Warehouse and Factories

8| Ordering process

 

1| Choosing for an area

The critical factor for choosing your non slip matting is where you want to install it. If you want to make an outside entrance safer, you need to make sure you get something completely waterproof that won’t compromise safety.

If you want to keep an inside area dry, you need a mat that will dry the feet that pass over its surface.

1.1 Wet

Non slip mats for wet areas must be designed to deal with high levels of water. While no mat is absorbent enough to deal with water that way, some are designed to allow water to pass without accumulating on the surface.

Wet area non slip mats often have holes and raised lungs underneath. The holes ensure no water remains on the mat’s surface, while the raised section allows water to run underneath.

1.2 Dry

You want to keep your dry areas dry, so you need something to catch the small amount of water that travels in on people’s feet. As customers, employees, friends and family walk through your entrance, they bring the elements from outside with them.

Non slip mats with an absorbent surface are crucial for the entrance of your building, or anywhere else that sees a small volume of water.

1.3 Traffic level

Your non slip mat needs to be able to deal with the level of traffic your area sees.

If your area has a very high level of traffic, you might want to fit your mats into a recess. A mat recess is the most effective way to keep an entrance mat in place and works to prevent trips as well as slips.

 

2| Choosing a material

2.1 Rubber

For loose laying non slip mats, a rubber backing is non-negotiable. For wet or non-client-facing areas (such as warehouse floors) you might even go for a full rubber mat. Rubber is completely waterproof and has anti fatigue benefits as well as preventing slips, trips and falls.

Rubber is the most common material for mats with holes, as it is robust and durable. It can also be treated to resist grease, oil and other chemicals.

2.2 Nylon surface

If you go for a rubber backing with an absorbent surface, nylon is a great option. Our nylon entrance mats are designed to scrape feet as they walk over the surface. Once the dirt is removed from the shoes, the mat pulls the debris into the structure of the mat, hiding it from sight until you clean it.

Nylon has a superior absorbency, which makes it great for inside entrances in wet climates. We can also print your logo onto a nylon-surfaced entrance mat to create an attractive, on-brand safety feature.

2.3 Polypropylene surface

Similar to nylon, polypropylene-surfaced mats have great absorbency and clean feet that pass overhead. Polypropylene is the superior carpet scraper as it can be designed in a unique bi-level construction that was once only seen in aluminium mats.

2.4 Aluminium

We do not recommend aluminium for non slip mats. For more information, please refer to this article on the problems with aluminium mats.

 

3| Sizing

Depending on your application, you can choose between a range of standard sizes.

If there are no custom sizes to suit your needs, we also offer custom-sized options and entire floor fittings. Get in touch with your measurements for a custom quote or reach out to one of the team to ask about a measuring service.

3.1 Standard sizing

Standard sizes of non slip mats depend on the product. Browse non slip mats online or get in touch with a matxpert for your options.

3.2 Custom sizing

We offer non slip mats in your custom sizes, just let us know your measurements! A lower-cost option is to pick a non slip runner in a standard width.

Non slip runners come in the following widths that can be cut to your required length:

• 90cm
• 120cm
• 180cm

 

4| Shape

Non slip mats come in standard doormat shapes or custom sizes. For large entrances, walkways or entire areas, we offer by-the-metre or fully custom-sized options. Choose your mat and let us know your measurements for a custom quote.

 

5| Maintainance

Non slip mats require very little maintenance unless you go for a scraper entrance mat. Carpet surfaces are easy to clean with a vacuum and/or hose. Just make sure you dry them completely before replacing them!

Full rubber mats can be wiped or hosed. If your non slip mats have holes, you will also need to clean the floor regularly, as dirt and debris can accumulate on the floor below the holes.

None of our mats require particularly complicated maintenance, but it is something you should consider when buying.

 

6| Additional features

6.1 Holes

Holes are important for wet areas or areas that are likely to see some spillage. Holes allow water to run through, rather than pool on the surface of the mat. If water is allowed to pool on the mat, it can cause an additional slip hazard and a big mess to clean up.

6.2 Grease and chemical resistance

Commercial kitchens, laboratories and barbacks are among some workplaces that need their non slip mats to resist grease, oil

and chemicals. We have one product that has been treated with chemicals to ensure that chemicals and oil do not degrade the rubber.

If you are not sure whether your area needs this type of material, reach out to the team who will be happy to offer a recommendation.

6.3 Bevelled edges

You are installing non slip mats as a safety feature, so it is important not to create additional hazards. Loose laying non slip mats create an additional obstacle for people to trip over, and it is not always possible to set them into a recess.

Where you must have your non slip mats laid loose, bevelled or ramped edges can prevent them from becoming a trip hazard. Ramped edges provide a seamless step up from the ground, while also allowing light wheeled traffic to pass over the surface.

6.4 Anti fatigue

As well as keeping your employees safe, you want to keep them comfortable. Employees that stand continuously while at work are prone to multiple health problems and discomfort.

Anti fatigue mats have been proven to reduce pain and muscle fatigue and increase comfort and productivity in workers that stand for their job. Non slip anti fatigue mats are high comfort, durable rubber mats that are perfect for warehouses, retail stations and production lines.

 

7| Product Recommendations

To help you choose the best chair mat for your application, here are some general recommendations. For a personalised recommendation,custom-sized chair mat quote or information about any of our products, get in touch with the team.

7.1 Commercial entrances

Commercial entrances need to be safe, dry and smart. Carpet surfaces entrance mats with a rubber backing are perfect for keeping everyone that walks over the threshold of your building safe.

Adding your logo to the nylon surface offers a little something extra to brighten the reception area and increase brand awareness.

For commercial entrances, the best option is:

Durable Nylon Twist Pile Welcome Mat with RubberBacking Black Mat With Grey Text

7.2 Commercial Kitchens

Commercial kitchens need something grease-resistant that will drain water as needed. Suction cups on the underside of heavy-duty rubber mats provide additional slip resistance while raising the mat to allow water to flow underneath.

Rubber is naturally waterproof, but kitchens and bars need something treated to be additionally durable against oil and boiling water.

For commercial kitchens, the best option is:

Grease Resistant Rubber Safety Mat with Holes

7.3 Warehouse and Factories

Warehouses and factories can be hazardous places to work, so adding a yellow safety border is always a great idea. You need something anti fatigue, as people are likely to be on their feet all day, and something non slip (obviously).

For warehouses and factories, the best option is:

Grid Surface Moulded Rubber Anti Fatigue Comfort MatYellow Safety Border

 

8| Ordering process

Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide which non slip mat suits your needs. To get your order started, you can contact the team directly or order online.

• Phone: 1300 628 746
• Email: [email protected]
• Online: https://matshop.com.au/chair-mats