The First Step
Best practice dictates that the first area of focus should be good entrance matting. After all, first impressions count and the careful specification of these mats can drastically reduce the level of tracked in dirt and moisture from outside, keeping high footfall areas, such as doorways, corridors and reception areas clean.
Entrance matting usually consists of two zones – external and internal. These mats should be carefully selected to account for a building’s individual requirements – including location, weather and footfall levels. For example, a rural setting may be more susceptible to carrying moisture and larger dirt particles than a city centre location.
As general best practice, management teams should look to install a durable weatherproof option that is greater than 1.2m in length, so that visitors make contact with both feet when entering the building, to remove the highest possible levels of dirt and moisture.
For wheelchair traffic, the dimensions of the matting should be large enough for the wheels to turn twice before making contact with the flooring installed underneath. It’s also crucial to ensure the matting is compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and BS 8300: 2009+A1:2010, which includes having a slip-resistant surface and firm top layer.
“With colder weather comes the
increased chance of snow, sleet and ice, which can be easily transported inside a facility.”
Solid rubber-backed mats, such as Kleen-Tex’s Water- Horse, provides the most effective option, as the 100% Polypropylene surface can hold up to 4.5L of water per square metre for the highest standards of performance and functionality.
Scraper style matting is a good choice too, as in most cases people will see it and automatically wipe their feet, further aiding overall dirt control. A popular option is Kleen- Tex’s Kleen-Scrape multi-purpose mat, which is available in two different surface patterns designed to scrape dirt – including snow and grit – off shoes outside front entryways.
The next consideration is the indoor entrance. This is especially important in commercial buildings, which often feature granite, marble, hardwood and ceramic tile flooring – all of which are susceptible to scuff marks, scratches and staining. The correct choice of matting can alleviate this risk by removing dirt from shoes before the occupants step inside.
This is important for safety, too. Most floors in commercial buildings are smooth and can be lethal when wet, therefore the choice of matting must seek to alleviate the risk of slips.
Again, careful specification is key. Not all internal matting is made the same, with some options offering better resistance
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to moisture or inherent quick drying properties, while others may use heavy duty fibres for optimum durability.
For high stress areas like the entrances of production facilities, Facilities Managers should consider mats that have a high capacity for dirt capture, while also offering significant water holding capabilities.
For heavy duty areas, the Kleen-Tex’s Iron Horse XL range comprises a superior pile for an extraordinary dirty catching performance and water holding capability, combined with a nitrile rubber backing for ultimate slip resistance.
Modular matting is another popular system in commercial locations, enabling facilities the flexibility to fit any area, size or shaped recess, while also being able to easily scale up according to changing requirements. Key modular choices from Kleen-Tex include Concourse Tile, a durable rubber mat for extreme toughness, and Matrix Tile which features a solid rubber base with solution-dyed nylon wiper pads – both of which offer superior dirt control properties, slip resistance and unlimited modular sizing.
According to a recent study, without an effective entrance mat, 42% of a floor’s finish in the first 1.8m of the entrance can be worn away by just 1500 people walking across it. Taking this into account, along with the improvement to safety and the huge reductions in dusting, mopping and vacuuming– and the argument for entrance matting is surely conclusive. However, there is still more that can be done.
A Whole-Building Approach
Whilst entrance matting may be the primary focus for Facilities Managers when creating winterisation plans, it’s a common misconception that floor matting is not required throughout additional areas of a building. By installing floor matting throughout the reception area and additional spaces that present themselves as key transfer zones, such as communal spaces and landings where visitors frequently use the lift or stairs, all areas of the building are adequately protected.
Here Facilities Managers should consider mats that have a high capacity for dirt capture, whilst also offering enhanced levels of aesthetics. Asides from smart good looks, the Kleen-Tex Super-Mat features a unique combination of heavy- duty and high-twist fibres in order to perform the dual tasks of scraping and wiping away dirt at the same time, for the ultimate in dirt control. Equally popular, the standard Iron Horse range features high-twist nylon fibres for superior functional benefits, and is available in a range of colours.
With winter bringing a range of floor maintenance challenges which can eat into the commercial cleaning budget, the recommendation is for Facilities Managers to take heed and adopt an effective matting plan ahead of time. With benefits including significantly reduced cleaning, optimised safety and flooring longevity, in this way facilities can put a best foot forward in cutting costs and improving standards this winter, and all year long.
For further information about Kleen-Tex’s extensive range of high quality external and internal floor matting, please visit the website below or call 01204 705070.
www.kleen-tex.co.uk FLOORCARE AND MAINTENANCE | 41
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