Busy Facilities Need the Most Effective Matting Systems Available

According to Statista, a research organization, there are more than 5,100 public airports in the U.S. As of 2017, the five busiest in the country – Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, Los Angeles International, O'Hare International, Dallas/Fort Worth International, and Denver International - are used by more than 16 million people every year.

Plus, this traffic is increasing. Of the 30 largest "hub" airports in the country, passenger traffic is growing at about 2.5 percent each year. At some hubs, the increase is closer to five percent per year.

This means airports are some of the busiest - if not the busiest – facilities in the country. Keeping them clean is a 24/7/365 job, so cleaning professionals, as well as airport administrators, need all the help they can get.

One way they are accomplishing this is by installing super-efficient, innovative, and highly durable "wiper" mats.

For those that need a quick course on mat terminology, wiper mats are placed inside the entry doors at airports as well as all types of buildings. They are often referred to as the "final defense" in the ongoing war of keeping soils outside a facility. This helps keep airports cleaner and ensures better air quality, helping to keep these busy locations healthier.

However, not all wiper mats are the same. As we have mentioned in other blog postings, administrators are advised to do their due diligence, especially when the health and safety of millions of people are involved.

Among the things to look for are the following:

• NFSI Certified. The National Floor Safety Institute certifies floor mats that can help reduce slip and fall accidents. These mats are referred to as "high traction" mats, because of their enhanced safety features and benefits.

• Microfiber/Olefin blend. Technicians have tested different types of fibers and materials to determine which can help improve dust retention. Mats made with a microfiber/Olefin blend are some of the most effective.

• Positively charged. Everything is made up of tiny structures called atoms. These are either positively charged, have no charge, or have a negative charge. Microfibers have a positive charge which enables them to attract and hold hair, lint, dust, and other contaminants that can become airborne and harm indoor air quality. This is one more reason to look for entry mats that have a microfiber/Olefin blend.

• Moisture holding. Because airports are used year-round in all types of weather, mats are needed to help absorb and hold this moisture. Some mats are far more effective at doing this than others. Airport administrators have no choice when it comes to holding moisture. They need to select the most effective wiper mats possible. Some wipers can hold as much as three times more liquid than others. These should be selected.

Finally, administrators are advised to select floor mats that protect airport floors. Some vinyl and rubber backings will cause the floor under the mat to fade or darken. To prevent this, look for mats made with ThermoGrip

This is a trademarked vinyl backing found on some Crown mats, specifically designed to protect floor surfaces in airports and many other types of facilities.

For more information on the value of floor mats in airports and all other types of facilities, contact a Crown Matting Specialist.