WAXIE Blog | floor matting (2)

Posted by Briana Smith on Feb 7, 2013 12:29:00 PM

Ask Sadie: The Benefits of Matting Programs

A Cleaning Q&A Column | February 7, 2013

Q: Hey Sadie- How do I know what kind of mat(s) I need for my facility? - Steven

A: Hello Steven, Having a matting program is the best way of adding mats to a facility. Not only are mats a great way to protect your floors, especially in inclement weather, but they can add traction for feet near pools (in gyms, schools, etc.), help prevent worker fatigue where people stand all day (such as in commercial kitchens, manufacturing facilities, etc.), and many other various applications.

Often it’s best to have different types of mats that are specific to the needs of the various areas in your building or facility. For instance, one would not use an anti-fatigue mat for an entryway, as you'd want it in an area that someone would be standing all day, as opposed to people wiping their feet of debris when entering a building. And that's why having a matting program is the optimal solution.

Understanding matting terms is important to figuring out what you need...wiper mats vs. scraper mats vs. wiper/scraper mats. CleanLink.com has published an article defining various mat-related terms that often need clarifying (read below for "Ten Terms Everyone Should Know About Mats").

Topics: Indoor Air Quality, Ask Sadie, floor matting

Posted by Trent Fitzgerald on Mar 21, 2012 10:31:00 AM

Matting's Role in Proper Floor Maintenance

Controlling dirt and debris will help maintain the look of floors

By Corinne Zudonyi, Editor, Trade Press Media - Housekeeping Solutions magazine and CleanLink.com

Topics: cleaning equipment, carpet, Hard Floor Care, floor matting

Posted by Trent Fitzgerald on Aug 3, 2011 2:46:00 PM

When Is Floor Matting Essential?

Every facility, no matter the weather, should have a matting program. When planning a mat program, high-traffic areas should be pinpointed and consideration should be given to environmental exposure. Strategic placement of mats is essential for maximum effectiveness.

Entrance matting can improve air quality, protect floors and carpets, prevent slips and falls, and save you money and time. Each mat is designed to stop dirt and moisture by performing a specific job to keep your facility clean. A scraper mat that has aggressive scraping action should be placed outside the entrance to remove heavy soil. A wiper/scraper mat combining scraper bristles with softer, more absorbent wiping fibers should be placed inside the entrance to begin to dry the shoe. Lastly, a wiper mat to absorb moisture from shoes and reduce slips and falls should be placed further into the entrance. These three different mats should total 30 linear feet of matting in order to remove nearly 100% of incoming dirt and moisture.

Nearly 70-80% of the dirt, grime and dust in your facility comes in through entrance doors damaging your floors and carpets. One square yard of carpet can accumulate one pound of dirt in a week, and twice that in inclement weather. It is estimated that the cost to remove a single pound of dirt from a facility is in excess of $750. Approximately 42% of a floor’s finish can be removed within the first six feet of an entrance after only 1,500 people have entered.

You can capture, hold and hide incoming dirt with an effective entrance matting program. Your floors and carpets will look better and be protected from damage due to tracked-in soil and other debris. Maintenance time, labor costs, and slips and falls can be reduced and your facility will be cleaner with an enhanced appearance.

It is reported that 83% of industrial workers suffer from foot, leg and back pain at one time or another. Anti-fatigue matting has been proven to actually change the chemistry of the lower body, reducing lactic acid buildup by keeping muscles active. This translates into less strain and pain, better employee morale and attendance, and lower workers’ compensation claims.

Slips and falls are the #1 cause of injury in almost every setting. Slip-resistant surfaces, bright colors, beveled edges and static dissipation improve safety, saving you money and trouble.

Mat Placement Guide

WAXIE stocks a large variety of different styles and colors of mats including WAXIE-Green Eco-Mats. A WAXIE Sanitary Maintenance Consultant can help you put together a matting system. Contact us today (800) 995-4466.

Topics: carpet, Indoor Air Quality, workplace safety, floor matting

Posted by Trent Fitzgerald on Jul 7, 2011 3:48:00 PM