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It’s common knowledge that one of the most important features needed for a commercial space is safety flooring, in order to reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls. Industries such as hospitality, healthcare, and education all require a slip-resistant flooring. With the wide range available in the market, it can be quite confusing and overwhelming, which is why we’ve produced this small guide all about safety flooring. Below, we take you through exactly what safety flooring is, and some of the brands to look out for.
What is Safety Flooring?
Safety flooring is made of materials that have a high coefficient of friction, which means they provide traction and prevent slips. The surface of safety flooring is also designed to be non-slip, even when wet or greasy. This is achieved through the use of surface textures or coatings. Safety flooring can be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, rubber, and linoleum. Each material has its own unique properties, such as durability, flexibility, and ease of maintenance.
The type of safety flooring that is best for a particular application depends on factors such as the type of activity that will take place, the amount of foot traffic, and the risk of spills or other hazards. Additionally, most, if not all safety flooring must attain a minimum of R10 on the slip-resistance test.This is a health and safety standard set to ensure the welfare of everyone in the commercial space. There are many different types of safety flooring, so it is important you invest in the correct type of flooring to reduce slips and falls in the workplace.
What Are the Benefits of Safety Flooring?
As suggested above, safety flooring is specifically designed to provide a safe and durable surface for areas that require high levels of slip resistance. Additionally, safety flooring should be impact resistant and be able to withstand frequent cleaning. We go through these in further detail below:
Slip-resistant
Safety flooring is slip-resistant, which means it can reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents. This is particularly important in areas that are frequently wet, such as bathrooms, swimming pools, and commercial kitchens.
Impact-resistant
Safety flooring is also designed to be impact-resistant, which means it can withstand heavy foot traffic and impacts from objects. This makes it ideal for areas with high levels of foot traffic, such as schools, hospitals, and airports.
Hygienic
Safety flooring is easy to clean and maintain, which makes it a hygienic flooring option. It is also resistant to chemicals and stains, which makes it ideal for use in healthcare facilities, laboratories, and commercial kitchens.
Durability
Safety flooring is designed to be durable and long-lasting. It is made from high-quality materials that can withstand heavy use and foot traffic, making it a cost-effective flooring option in the long run.
Wide Range of Design options
Safety flooring comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and textures, which means you can choose a design that suits your space and style while not having to compromise on functionality. Luxury vinyl tiles would be a great choice if you’re wanting a sleek, professional look as they mimic the appearance of natural materials such as hardwood and stone.
What Brands Provide Safety Flooring?
There are many brands that provide safety flooring solutions. Here are some popular brands that we stock here at FW Direct:
Altro
Altro is a UK-based company that specialises in safety flooring solutions for commercial and industrial settings. They offer a range of products, including slip-resistant, hygienic, and impact-resistant flooring options. Please click through to see our collection of Altro flooring.
Tarkett
Tarkett is a global flooring company that offers a range of safety flooring solutions for commercial, healthcare, and education environments. Their safety flooring products are slip-resistant, hygienic, and durable. Click here to view Tarkett flooring.
Forbo
Forbo is a Swiss flooring company that offers safety flooring solutions for healthcare, education, and commercial settings. Their safety flooring products are slip-resistant, hygienic, and impact-resistant. We stock a wide range of Forbo safety flooring, click here to view the full range.
Polyflor
A UK-based company, Polyflor specialises in safety flooring solutions for healthcare, education, and commercial settings. Their safety flooring products are slip-resistant, hygienic, and durable. Please click through to see our collection of Polyflor safety flooring.
These are just a few examples of brands that provide safety flooring solutions. It’s important to research and compare different brands to find the one that best suits your needs and budget.
FW Direct
Here at FW Direct, we have over 40 years of experience working within the flooring industry, specialising in safety flooring for commercial spaces. For more information and advice on safety flooring, we’d be more than happy to help! We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality of customer service, making the process of choosing commercial flooring as stress-free as possible. Please give us a call today on03333 660119. Alternatively, you can complete our online enquiry form where a member of our team will be in contact shortly.
