Fremont, Ohio—While entry and floor mats provide facilities with many benefits, care is required to make sure they are working properly, promoting safety and protecting the indoor environment.

The following are some guidelines you should consider when dealing with mats:

Placement. Mats must be placed where they are most needed. In some cases that will be at building entries, in other situations it may be within the facility. Mats in building entries must fit flush against the entry.

System. Entry mats are typically part of a system of three different mat types—scraper, wiper/scraper and wiper mats. They work together to keep moisture and soil from entering a facility.

Edges. Mats should be tapered so they lay flat and allow for a smooth transition to the next mat or floor covering. This helps prevent slips, trips or falls.

Weight. Less expensive or rental mats tend to be light and typically are not as effective as heavier mats that have been purchased. Heavier mats are recommended because they are more stable, lay flat and are more effective.

Size. The Rule of 15 says 15 feet of matting should be installed at all building entries (five feet each of scraper, wiper/scraper and wiper mats).

Cleaning and care. Mats should be vacuumed regularly and inspected for damage. During inclement weather, they should be stored indoors so they do not become saturated. Soiled mats should be cleaned with a carpet extractor.

Storage. Mats should be stored flat. Rolling up or folding a mat can damage the backing and cause it to buckle or the edges to become raised.

If mats do have to be brought in during inclement weather, re-install them in building lobbies if possible. This way they can still help remove soil and moisture from shoe bottoms.

 Dennis Knapp, is the national sales director for Crown Mats and Matting, the oldest and one of the largest manufacturers of mats in the world, beginning with the invention of walk-off matting by the company's founder, R.P. Johnson. The company now has one of the most diverse matting product lines offered in the industry. For more information, contact Knapp at (419) 332-5531 x 2323 or dknapp@crown-mats.com, or visit crown-mats.com.