Industrial Matting Glossary
Definitions for ESD, anti-slip, drainage, fire-resistant, and testing standards.
Use this glossary to align HSE, maintenance, and procurement teams on matting terminology. Each entry links to relevant M5 guidance or documentation.
A
Terms starting with A
- Anti-fatigue matting Type
- Cushioned matting designed to reduce leg and lower back strain for people standing for long periods. The surface encourages subtle muscle movement to keep circulation active.
- Anti-slip matting Type
- Matting engineered for higher friction underfoot in wet or oily areas. Textured surfaces, grit, or raised patterns improve traction.
- Anti-static Performance
- Materials that reduce static build-up, lowering the chance of sudden discharge. Anti-static does not always provide a controlled path to ground.
Also: ergonomic matting
Also: slip-resistant matting
B
Terms starting with B
- BS EN 13501-1 Standard
- European fire classification standard for construction products, including flooring. It defines how materials perform for flame spread and smoke release.
D
Terms starting with D
- DIN 51130 Standard
- Ramp test standard that rates slip resistance of floor surfaces when contaminated with oil.
- Drainage matting Type
- Matting with channels or holes that allow liquids and debris to pass through, keeping the walking surface drier.
E
Terms starting with E
- EPA (Electrostatic Protected Area) Performance
- A controlled zone where ESD protection measures are in place, including grounded flooring, benches, and handling procedures.
- ESD (Electrostatic Discharge) Performance
- The sudden flow of static electricity between objects at different electrical potentials. It can damage sensitive electronics or cause process faults.
- ESD matting Type
- Flooring designed to dissipate static electricity through a controlled resistance path to ground. Used in EPAs and electronics assembly areas.
Also: static-dissipative matting
F
Terms starting with F
- Fire-resistant matting Type
- Matting formulated to resist ignition and slow flame spread in areas exposed to heat, sparks, or hot work.
G
Terms starting with G
- Grounding Performance
- Connecting matting to a verified earth point so static charge can discharge safely and consistently.
H
Terms starting with H
- Hot works Performance
- Processes such as welding, cutting, or grinding that create heat or sparks and require elevated fire safety controls.
I
Terms starting with I
- IEC 61340-5-1 Standard
- International standard for ESD control in electronics manufacturing and handling. It defines requirements for protected areas, including resistance limits.
- Industrial matting Type
- Specialist flooring used in factories and warehouses to manage slip risk, fatigue, static control, and contamination.
- Interlocking tiles Construction
- Tiles with edge profiles that lock together to create a continuous surface without adhesives. Individual tiles can be replaced if damaged.
M
Terms starting with M
- Modular matting Construction
- A system made from repeatable tiles or modules, allowing fast installation and easy expansion.
N
Terms starting with N
- Nitrile rubber Material
- Oil-resistant rubber compound often used where fuels, oils, or chemicals are present.
O
Terms starting with O
- Open-grid matting Type
- Lattice or hole-pattern matting that allows spillages to drain through while maintaining grip.
P
Terms starting with P
- Pendulum Test Value (PTV) Testing
- UK slip test that measures the friction of a surface using a swinging pendulum. Higher values indicate lower slip risk.
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) Material
- Durable, chemical-resistant plastic used in many industrial mats. It can be molded into solid or open-grid formats.
R
Terms starting with R
- R rating Testing
- Slip resistance classification from DIN 51130, reported as R9 to R13. Higher ratings indicate better traction on oily ramps.
- R13 Testing
- The highest DIN 51130 slip resistance rating, indicating strong performance in contaminated conditions.
- Ramped edging Construction
- Beveled edge pieces that transition from floor to matting, reducing trip hazards and easing trolley access.
- Recycled polymer Material
- Matting material made from recycled compounds, often recycled PVC, used to reduce environmental impact.
S
Terms starting with S
- Static-dissipative Performance
- Material that allows static charge to bleed off at a controlled rate, typically within a defined resistance range.
Match the glossary to your site hazards and compliance needs.
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