Various regulations apply to entrance mats, and it’s important to comply with them.

Regulations like the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 emphasise the need for safe flooring. Employers have a legal duty to ensure their workplace is safe, including floors. This means taking measures to reduce slip and trip hazards, and floor mats can be a key part of that.

The Equality Act 2010 and part M of the Building Regulations are particularly relevant for Businesses.

When purchasing mats, businesses must ensure that they are suitable for wheelchairs and other wheeled traffic. This means that they should allow for safe and easy transitions onto, over, and off the mat. In case of an emergency, a wheelchair should be able to turn on the mat without difficulty during an evacuation.

Some types of entrance mats do not meet these regulations. It’s recommended that you take this into account when deciding which mat to use.

Most Coir / Coconut mats have a deep pile that is difficult for wheelchairs to move over or turn around on. See our Commercial Compliant Coir Matting which overcomes the issue.
Ribbed and metal entrance matting systems need to have ridges narrow enough so as not to create a rut in which the wheels can become lodged.
Mats with high, non-bevelled edges make it difficult for a wheelchair to move smoothly onto the mat.
Wells and recesses need to be flush with the surrounding floor, so there is no ridge for wheelchairs to overcome.

Worn edges and poorly fitted mats in recesses can create ruts in which wheelchairs may become stuck

The Building Safety Act 2022 does not specifically mention floor mats, but it does address the importance of maintaining safe and accessible communal areas, which can indirectly impact floor mats. The Act, particularly Part 5, places obligations on relevant landlords to maintain the safety of “relevant buildings” (at least 11m high or with at least five storeys). This includes ensuring communal areas are safe, accessible, and free from hazards like obstructions or fire risks.

Mats that meet the rigorous European Fire Safety requirements Cfl-S1 to EN 13501-1 and hold a wear classification of Class 32 to BS EN 1307 for General Commercial Use, include our Shades Custom Heavy Duty Mats and Commercial Compliant Coir.