The Facility Manager’s Guide to Matting Strategy

Why matting is a contamination control system—not a decorative afterthought

1. The “Hidden” Asset: Why Matting Is a Strategic Control

Research consistently shows that up to 80% of dirt in a building is carried in on footwear. For Facility Managers, this is a cost and liability problem more than simply an aesthetic issue. Dirt increases cleaning frequency, accelerates floor wear, and dramatically raises the risk of slip-and-fall incidents.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment. Wet, contaminated floors are a foreseeable risk, and FMs are often the first line of accountability.

The solution recommended by First Mats is not buying “a mat.” It is implementing a contamination control system based on zoning. A single mat cannot scrape, wipe, and dry shoes effectively, which is why British Standard BS 7953:1999 (Entrance Flooring Systems) explicitly defines entrance matting as a system that must scrape, wipe, and retain soil.

2. The Entrance Defence System (The 3-Zone Strategy)

The most effective matting strategies follow the “Rule of 15”: it takes approximately 15–20 feet (4.5–6 metres) of walking on matting to remove close to 100% of dirt and moisture. This distance is achieved through zoning, not a single oversized mat. At First Mats, we often advise customers that the bigger the mat, the better it will perform.

Zone 1: Exterior — The Heavy Scrapers

Goal: Stop heavy mud, grit, and snow before it enters the building.

Exterior mats must be aggressive and durable. The most important design feature is flow-through drainage, using holes or channels that allow water to drain away rather than pooling on the surface.

Zone 2: Vestibule — The Hybrid Scrape & Wipe

Goal: Remove finer particles and begin moisture absorption.

This is where bi-level construction is critical. The upper surface wipes the shoe clean while the lower level traps and stores dirt so it cannot be re-tracked. At First Mats, we recommend looking for Heavy-Duty Polypropylene Entrance Mats designed for commercial entrances.

Zone 3: Internal Reception — The Final Polish

Goal: Eliminate residual moisture to prevent slips on polished or tiled floors.

At this stage, scraping is secondary. The priority is high face weight, dense nylon or plush fibres that absorb moisture quickly and retain it until cleaning. As mentioned earlier, the bigger the mat, the better it will perform, so look for Large Commercial Entrance Mats as these will keep your floors looking cleaner for longer.

3. Safety & Compliance Beyond the Entrance

Ergonomics & Worker Welfare

Prolonged standing on concrete restricts blood flow and contributes to fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. Anti-fatigue mats create a micro-instability that encourages subtle leg movement, acting as a “pump” to promote circulation.

High-Risk Areas: Kitchens & Wet Zones

Not all “grease-resistant” mats are suitable for kitchens. Only grease-proof (100% nitrile) matting withstands prolonged exposure to oils without cracking or breaking down. 

Electrical Safety

In front of high-voltage switchboards, electrical insulating matting is not optional. These mats reduce grounding risk and must meet relevant BS/IEC ratings. First Mats suggest looking specifically for Switchboard Electrical Insulating Matting.

4. Buy Right: Custom vs. Standard Mats

One of the most common FM mistakes is buying mats that are simply too small. Undersized mats drift, curl, and create trip hazards, particularly in high-traffic entrances.

Wherever possible, specify wall-to-wall or recessed well-filling matting. This aligns with accessibility guidance under BS 8300-2:2018, which recommends that entrance matting be flush with surrounding floor surfaces.

Material science matters. Nitrile rubber backing is the industry gold standard. Unlike PVC/vinyl, nitrile resists oil, temperature change, and shrinkage, meaning it stays flat and secure for years.

The Facility Manager’s Matting Audit (Copy-Paste)

At First Mats, we suggest using the checklist below to audit your current floor matting, so you can decide if you need to use mats or if existing mats need to be replaced.

Compliance References

• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
• Equality Act 2010
• BS 7953:1999 — Entrance Flooring Systems
• BS 8300-2:2018 — Accessible and Inclusive Built Environment
• HSE: Slips and Trips Statistics