SPECIFYING A THREE-ZONE ENTRANCE MATTING SYSTEM

Preventing slips and trips is one of the main priorities when it comes to specifying entrance matting systems in public buildings. A three-zone entrance matting system, which combines the most effective material with the right mat sizes, is the most effective way of removing dirt and moisture from shoes and wheels, as well as achieving a number of lasting benefits:

 

• minimising the risk of slips and trips
• protecting adjacent floors
• keeping the entrance area clean
• reducing cleaning costs
• preserving the value of the building

 

This three-zone approach (illustrated above) works not only for entrance areas but can also work in other areas of the building.

 

Zone 1: Outdoor Area

Rubber and brush insert combination.

Zone 2: Intermediate Area

Ribbed carpet and scraper combination.

Zone 3: Indoor Area

Heavy duty ribbed carpet insert

 

As a guide, we recommend:

A combined 3 to 5 metre mat length for normal dirt pick-up.

6 to 7 metres for medium dirt pick-up.

And 8+ metres for high dirt pick-up with heavy traffic.

 

Entrance mats are also often referred to as barrier mats. This reflects the fact that they are not only used in entrance areas, but also in other interior areas where there is a risk of soilage or spillage  - such as washrooms, external break rooms and smoking areas.

In areas where three zones aren’t possible, we would recommend a two-zone system, or a combination mat, for example pairing our ribbed carpet and grooved rubber.   

Wet slip signs are usually an indication of poor entrance mat specification, where either the mat length is too short, or the materials are inadequate (these inferior mats are often found in smaller supermarkets and fast-food outlets, which experience very high footfalls over short time periods).