Commercial entrance mats are something that are easy to overlook for the everyday visitor to a workplace or organisation, but they are, in fact, a crucial part of workplace hygiene and safety. Entrance mats prevent foot-borne dirt and grime from being brought into your building, thereby acting as a first line of defence against germs and contaminants and improving health and hygiene for staff and visitors. Entrance door mats also contribute to general safety by absorbing moisture brought in from outside and reducing the likelihood of slips and falls. Absorbent mats play a significant role in trapping water and moisture, preventing it from spreading. These mats help keep floors clean and dry, thereby reducing the risk of slip accidents, especially in areas prone to heavy rain or snow.
In this blog, we’ll explore the positive impact of entrance matting, and how phs can support your business to ensure the highest standard of hygiene and safety when it comes to commercial entrance mats.
What are Entrance Mats and Their Importance
Entrance mats, also known as entrance door mats, are designed to be placed at the entrance of a building to provide a surface for people to walk on when entering. These mats play a crucial role in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of a building’s interior. By effectively removing dirt, debris, and moisture from shoes, entrance door mats help to prevent slips and falls, reduce the risk of accidents, and protect the flooring from damage. Whether in commercial, industrial, or residential settings, entrance mats are essential for creating a safe and welcoming environment.
Understanding the importance of heavy duty entrance matting in commercial spaces
Health and safety should be the priority in any building, business or organisation. Commercial floor mats are essential in high traffic areas like entrances and lobbies, providing durability and slip-resistance to handle heavy foot traffic. Additionally, commercial matting offers benefits such as durable construction and custom branding options, enhancing both safety and professional appeal. The vast majority of people take commercial entrance mats for granted or even have no idea what purpose they serve, but they need to be in place anywhere that footfall can be expected. There is also the added benefit of promoting your image or welcome message if required.
Entrance door mats can help to:
1. Prevent slips and falls (over 40% of all workplace injuries)
One of the primary functions of heavy duty floor mats is to prevent slips and falls, which are a leading cause of workplace injuries. Scraper mats are particularly effective in removing debris and water from footwear, making them essential for high traffic areas like schools and commercial entrances. When water or mud is tracked indoors, it can create hazardous conditions on smooth surfaces like tiles or linoleum. Heavy duty entrance mats are designed to absorb moisture and provide a non-slip surface, reducing the likelihood of accidents and making the workplace safer for everyone.
2. Reduce internal grime and floor cleaning costs (85% of all indoor soil comes from people’s feet)
In commercial environments, maintaining high levels of hygiene is crucial, not only for the wellbeing of employees but also for visitors and clients. Heavy duty entrance mats play a significant role in trapping dirt, moisture, and even bacteria brought in from outside. By stopping these contaminants at the door, these mats reduce the spread of germs within the building, contributing to a healthier workplace. This is especially important in settings like healthcare facilities and schools, where cleanliness is paramount.
3. Provide a welcoming and professional environment
First impressions count, and the entrance to your building is the first thing visitors see. Well chosen entrance mats can enhance the overall appearance of your space, giving it a professional and welcoming look. Mats can also be customised with your company’s logo or messaging, reinforcing your brand identity from the moment someone steps through the door.
Benefits of Using Entrance Mats
Using entrance mats can bring numerous benefits to a building or space. Some of the most significant advantages include:
· Reduced dirt and debris: Entrance mats trap dirt, dust, and other debris, preventing them from entering the building and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
· Improved safety: By providing a slip-resistant surface and removing moisture from shoes, entrance mats help to prevent slips and falls.
· Protection of flooring: Entrance mats protect the flooring from damage caused by heavy foot traffic, dirt, and debris.
· Enhanced appearance: Entrance mats add a touch of style and professionalism to a building’s entrance, creating a welcoming atmosphere for visitors.
· Reduced maintenance: Entrance mats reduce the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance of the flooring, saving time and resources.
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 (creating 3 separate zones has been found to be the most effective)
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 are various types of entrance mats available, each designed to meet specific needs and requirements. Some of the most common types of entrance mats include:
· Heavy duty entrance mats: Designed for high traffic areas, these mats are made from durable materials and are ideal for commercial and industrial buildings.
· Commercial entrance mats: These mats are designed for use in commercial buildings and are available in a range of styles and materials.
· Barrier entrance matting: This type of matting provides a barrier against dirt, debris, and moisture, and is often used in high traffic areas.
· Rubber mats: Made from durable rubber, these mats are ideal for use in wet or dirty environments.
· Outdoor mats: Designed for use outside, these mats are made from weather resistant materials and are ideal for use in outdoor areas.
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: Entrance mats 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: Entrance mats should be easy to clean and maintain to prevent the buildup of dirt and debris.
· Installation: Entrance mats should be 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 familiarize yourself with any relevant regulations and standards that may apply to your use of entrance mats and to consult with a qualified professional if you are unsure about any aspect of entrance matting.
What can phs do for you?
At phs, we have a full range of heavy duty entrance mats in both fitted and loose lay options. They are designed with cleanliness, hygiene and preventing floor damage in mind. The product that will best suit your environment depends on your industry and what you would like to achieve, but we are happy to discuss this and find your best solution. Our range includes Standard mats, high performance absorption mats, special colour mats, Logo and message mats, Outdoor mats and Fitted mats for any area...
We’re able to completely remove entrance mats from your workload, offering regular services and a laundry process that ensure the mat remains effective, and a Royal Warrant seal of approval. We also offer additional benefits including custom entrance mats with your logo or message, and custom designed fitted mats such as in situations where clearance is needed for the entrance doors. Logo mats are an excellent way to enhance the first impression for visitors, especially in high-traffic areas like schools and airports, where durability and branding are crucial.
phs commercial entrance mat services
phs is the UK’s leading supplier of cleaning, maintenance and related services in commercial settings. The importance of commercial matting in high-traffic areas like schools and airports cannot be overstated, as it enhances safety and durability. We are a favourite among schools, hospitals, government buildings and offices alike. We aren’t just able to professionally fit your mats, our professional maintenance staff are also able to enter your premises, lift mats, launder them and refit without any interruption to your daily operations or routine.
We clean six mats per minute, all day every day. We have operations centres covering every town and city across the UK, making us your leading local supplier regardless of your location.
To learn more about our range of heavy duty floor mats, feel free to contact us now or take a look at our commercial entrance mat services!
