Industrial Rubber Matting UK | Factory, Warehouse & Workshop | Rubberco
Last updated: | Written by Rubberco Flooring Specialists | Burnley, Lancashire, UK
Industrial Rubber Matting UK
Industrial rubber matting is specified where standard flooring cannot cope with heavy loads, chemical exposure, electrical hazards or continuous standing. It protects workers, surfaces and equipment in factories, warehouses, workshops, food production facilities and substations.
Industrial Matting by Application
| Application | Recommended Grade | Key Standard |
|---|---|---|
| General factory floor | SBR ribbed or studded, 6mm to 10mm | R9 to R11 slip rating |
| Oil-risk areas | Nitrile (NBR), 6mm to 12mm | EN 13552 |
| Standing workstations | Anti-fatigue, 12mm to 20mm | HSE ergonomic guidance |
| Electrical switchrooms | EPDM electrical safety mat | IEC 61111 / BS EN 61111 |
| Food production | Food-safe nitrile, drainage holes | HACCP / EC 1935/2004 |
| Forklift areas | Heavy duty SBR, 10mm to 15mm | R11 to R13 |
HSE Compliance
The Health and Safety Executive requires employers to maintain floors that are suitable, stable and not slippery under the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Industrial rubber matting helps meet this obligation in areas where floor surfaces are inherently slippery due to oil, water, chemicals or smooth concrete. All Rubberco industrial mats are supplied with slip resistance ratings.
What rubber matting is required in a food factory?
Food factories require matting that is food-contact safe (EC Regulation 1935/2004 compliant), easy to clean, resistant to food acids and cleaning chemicals, and anti-slip when wet. Nitrile rubber matting with drainage holes or an open grid pattern is the industry standard. It resists cooking oils and fats, supports HACCP hygiene plans and can be removed for deep cleaning. SBR is not recommended in food zones as it can leach into food contact surfaces.
What is the best anti-fatigue matting for factory workers?
The best anti-fatigue matting for factory environments combines a cushioned closed-cell foam or sponge rubber core (typically 15mm to 20mm thick) with a durable solid rubber or nitrile top surface that resists oil, chemicals and abrasion. Look for bevelled edges to prevent trip hazards and a non-slip base. Research shows anti-fatigue matting reduces lower back fatigue by up to 47% in workers who stand for more than 4 hours continuously.
