Choosing The Right Matting For Oily Floors
However, not all mats are up to the task, with some just becoming extra trip hazards for the workers to deal with. Therefore, before purchasing mats, checking whether they will suit their intended environment is essential.
“Rubber is the most common material for industrial floor mats,” states First Mats director Richard O’Connor, “But natural rubber will perish quickly if exposed to oil regularly.” Two of the most important considerations are material and texture.
When working in oily areas, mats made from Nitrile Rubber are a must. These are widely available and often coloured red or blue to make them easier to distinguish from any Natural Rubber mats on site. Secondly, the more textured the mat’s surface, the more grip it will provide to those standing on it. A good option is the honeycomb or swarf mat, popular in machine shops thanks to their ability to scrape flakes of metal, wood and other debris off the workers’ boots.
For the ultimate oil-safe floor mat, First Mats recommends the Grit-Top. The 100% Nitrile build makes for excellent resistance to grease, oils, fats and detergents, making it ideal for use on greasy floors and manufacturing areas. The Grit-Top mat is also coated with carbide silicone, creating a coarse grit-textured surface, which offers exceptional grip levels even in oily and greasy environments.
So if you’re looking for an oil-resistant mat that will keep you safe and comfortable in even the most challenging environments, then look no further than the Heavy-Duty Grit Top Floor Mat, available from First Mats in size 90cm x 150cm with delivery in 3 to 5 working days.