Deploy and Secure Floor Safety Mats

What happens in this clip

With the floor clean and dry, carefully lay down the chosen mats in their pre-determined locations. Ensure each mat lies completely flat on the surface without any curled edges, bumps, or wrinkles, as these can instantly become new tripping hazards. The speaker specifically warns against mats becoming 'their own tripping hazard.' For mats that are prone to shifting, especially in very high-traffic areas or where heavy equipment may pass over them, consider securing them. This can be achieved by using specialized anti-slip tape applied to the mat's edges and adhered to the floor, applying a mat-to-floor adhesive for a more semi-permanent installation, or ensuring the mats have a heavy-duty, integrated non-slip backing. If using interlocking mats, ensure all sections are firmly connected to form a seamless, stable surface.

Goal: Carefully place the selected mats in their designated locations and implement measures to prevent them from shifting or becoming tripping hazards.

What's used

Tools

• Anti-slip Tape
• Floor Safety Mats
• Mat-to-Floor Adhesive
• Utility Knife

About the full video

This guide provides expert advice on enhancing safety by strategically deploying floor safety mats in high-traffic areas. It covers hazard identification, mat selection, proper placement, floor preparation, securing mats, and ongoing maintenance to minimize slip and fall risks efficiently.

Step 5 of 5: Maintain Protective Measures

Periodically clean the mats, runners, or floor protection by vacuuming or spot cleaning as needed. For installed protection like peel-and-stick tiles or sealants, wipe up spills immediately and follow manufacturer recommendations for cleaning. Check for any signs of wear, damage, or lifting and repair or replace as necessary.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Protect Stairs and Entry Floors from Winter Salt and Slush

1. Step 1: Clean Entryway and Stairs

   • 0:30–2:29 Clean the Entryway Floor
   • 3:48–4:50 Sweep Stairs and Entryway
   • 0:25–0:39 Mop Entryway and Hallway Floors

2. Step 2: Apply Temporary Mats or Runners

   • 0:04–0:09 Place Footmats at Entrances
   • 0:09–0:16 Install Footmats in High-Traffic Areas
   • 7:27–8:00 Strategically Place Entryway Rugs and Mats

3. Step 3: Install Peel-and-Stick Floor Protection

   • 0:09–0:15 Install New Stair Treads
   • 1:09–2:26 Install First Rounded Stair Tread
   • 0:02–0:06 Apply Anti-Slip Strip

4. Step 4: Apply a Protective Coating or Sealant

   • 1:13–1:15 Apply Protective Sealer
   • 8:31–9:28 Applying Water-Based Sealer and Acrylic Floor Finish
   • 1:11–1:14 Apply Protective Sealer

5. Step 5: Maintain Protective Measures

   • 1:55–2:11 Establish a Mat Maintenance Routine
   • 1:40–1:55 Deploy and Secure Floor Safety Mats (this video)
   • 0:58–1:29 Vacuum Loose Debris