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According to HSE, slips, trips and falls on the same level are the most common form of workplace injury, these accidents are responsible for around 30% of non-fatal workplace injuries reported in the UK.
The importance of commercial entrance mats is easily overlooked, but they’re a crucial part of workplace hygiene and safety.
Entrance mats help keep buildings cleaner, safer and more hygienic by trapping dirt and moisture before they can be carried indoors. This reduces the risk of slips and falls while creating a better environment for staff and visitors. In this blog, we'll look at the benefits of entrance matting and how phs can help you maintain high standards of cleanliness and safety.
Benefits of commercial entrance mats
Health and safety should be a priority in any building, business or organisation. Commercial entrance mats provide a safe, durable solution for busy entrances, helping to reduce slip risks, protect flooring and create a professional first impression.
Prevent slips and falls
Slips and trips cost UK employers approximately £512 million per year according to HSE data. Entrance mats help remove water and debris from footwear, reducing the risk of slippery floors and helping to create a safer environment for staff and visitors.
Reduce dirt, germs and maintenance costs
Entrance mats trap dirt and moisture before they are tracked through a building, helping to improve cleanliness and protect internal flooring. By reducing the amount of dirt entering the premises, they can also help lower cleaning and maintenance requirements.
Create a professional first impression
The entrance is often the first thing visitors see. Well-maintained entrance mats help create a clean, welcoming appearance and can be customised with logos or messaging to reinforce your brand.
Choosing the best entrance matting for your space
Choosing the right entrance matting for your office or commercial space is essential to make sure it can provide the safety, hygiene and aesthetic qualities necessary. Entrance matting should be:
- Functional and fit for purpose
- Safe and seamlessly serviced by experienced phs professionals
- Durable and easy to maintain, such as carpet tiles, which can be easily replaced individually if stained, adding to their practicality in high-traffic areas
- Implemented as part of an effective overall solution and strategy for your building
Heavy duty door mats are also beneficial in various weather conditions and foot traffic levels, enhancing safety by reducing slip hazards and improving aesthetic appeal.
The following steps should be taken to ensure you choose the best entrance door mats for your space:
1. Assess your needs – the first step in selecting the right entrance mat is to assess the specific needs of your space. Consider factors such as the volume of foot traffic, the types of contaminants likely to be brought in, and the aesthetic look you want to achieve. Accommodating various entrance hall dimensions with custom-sized mats is crucial to ensure that the mat fits wide entrances and busy areas such as hotel lobbies and reception spaces.
2. Consider the material – entrance mats come in various materials, each with its own benefits. For high-traffic areas, mats made from durable materials like rubber or heavy duty nylon are ideal. These materials are not only tough but also effective at scraping dirt and absorbing moisture.
3. Size and placement – the size of your heavy-duty floor mat is also crucial. It should be large enough for people to take several steps on it before entering the building, allowing the mat to effectively clean and dry their shoes. Additionally, placing mats both outside and inside the entrance can further enhance their effectiveness.
Types of Entrance Mats
There’s a huge range of entrance mats available, made from various types of material, each designed to meet specific needs and requirements. The two main types of entrance mat are:
Fitted entrance mats
These mats are built into matwell frames to increase dirt capture and durability. They’re normally the most heavy-duty options available and designed for extremely high footfall and to increase dirt capture and durability.
Loose lay entrance mats
Loose lay mats are not permanent or built into a frame but can be moved if needed.
Safety Considerations for Entrance Mats
When selecting entrance mats, it’s essential to consider safety factors to ensure they provide a safe and secure surface for users. Some key safety considerations include:
- Slip resistance: They should have a slip resistant surface to prevent slips and falls.
- Durability: Entrance mats should be made from durable materials that can withstand heavy foot traffic
- Maintenance: They should be easy to clean and maintain to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris
- Installation: Installed correctly to prevent tripping hazards and ensure a secure fit
Cleaning and maintenance of entrance mats
As well as choosing the best heavy duty floor mats for your premises, it’s important to ensure they are also well maintained. This means:
Regular cleaning
To maintain their effectiveness, your entrance mats must be cleaned regularly. Vacuuming daily can remove surface dirt and debris, while deeper cleaning such as hosing down or using a carpet cleaner – should be done weekly or as needed, depending on foot traffic levels.
Inspection and replacement
Regularly inspect your mats for signs of wear and tear. Frayed edges or worn-out surfaces can reduce their effectiveness and even create tripping hazards. Replacing mats when they start to show signs of wear is crucial to maintaining a safe and clean environment.
Employing professional services
Partnering with a professional service like phs ensures that your entrance mats are always in top condition. phs offers mat rental services where mats are regularly replaced and cleaned, taking the burden off your staff and ensuring a consistently high level of hygiene and safety.
Industry standards and regulations for entrance mats
While there are no specific industry standards or regulations that apply specifically to entrance mats, there are general regulations and standards that apply to flooring and matting in the workplace. Some examples of these regulations and standards include:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
- British Standards for flooring and matting
It’s essential to familiarise yourself with any relevant regulations and standards that may apply to your use of entrance mats. Always consult with a qualified professional if you are unsure about any aspect of entrance matting.
How phs can help
At phs, we provide a wide range of indoor and outdoor entrance mats, including loose lay, fitted, logo and high-performance absorbent options. Whatever your industry or requirements, our team can recommend the most suitable solution for your premises.
We also take mat maintenance off your hands with a fully managed service, including collection, laundering and replacement to keep mats clean, effective and looking their best.
phs can also offer pendulum slip testing providing you with a detailed analysis with recommendations for improvements.
phs commercial entrance mat services
As one of the UK's leading providers of workplace services, phs supplies and maintains entrance matting for schools, hospitals, offices, government buildings and other commercial environments.
Our mats are also made as sustainably as possible. Branded logo mats are made from rPet textile which is made from recycled plastic bottles. Our plain mat range is made from Econyl, a regenerated nylon fabric made from abandoned fishing nets. If left in the ocean, these nets take 600 years to decompose.
Our nationwide network ensures regular servicing with minimal disruption to your operations. To learn more about our range of commercial entrance mats, contact us today.
