Most people don’t think twice about the entryway when they step into a building, but should they?
Entryways are among the highest-risk areas in any facility, affecting safety, maintenance costs, and long-term durability. Each year, over one million slip and fall injuries require emergency medical attention, with many occurring at entryways. Wet, hard flooring surfaces become particularly hazardous, significantly raising the risk of falls. Beyond safety, poor entryway maintenance leads to frequent cleaning demands and accelerates floor wear, resulting in costly repairs.
The solution lies in the strategic placement of entrance mats and grids, which effectively reduce these risks by improving traction, managing moisture, and minimizing dirt buildup.
The Hidden Hazards of Poor Entryway Management
Facility entryways experience heavy foot traffic, making them prime areas for moisture and debris buildup. Employees, visitors, and customers unknowingly bring in rain, snow, and dirt, creating hazardous conditions that increase the risk of workplace injuries.
Beyond safety concerns, neglecting entryway maintenance results in inefficiencies and increased long-term costs. Wet and dirty floors require more frequent cleaning, while trapped moisture speeds up floor wear, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Given these risks, businesses should rethink how they manage their entryways, focusing on mat and grid systems that increase safety and prolong the lifespan of their facilities.
The Essential Role of Entrance Mats and Grids
Many think of entrance mats as just a place to wipe their feet, but they serve a much greater purpose in facility safety and maintenance. Entrance mats and grids act as the first line of defense against tracked-in moisture and debris, helping to reduce slip hazards and minimize maintenance costs. They are essential components of a well-planned entryway management strategy.
However, not all entryway solutions are the same. Understanding the differences between entrance mats and grids allows businesses to make informed decisions tailored to their facility’s specific needs:
- Entrance Mats: Designed to absorb moisture and trap dirt while providing a high-traction walking surface. They can be surface-mounted or recessed for easy installation and maintenance. Mats are ideal for capturing initial moisture and debris to prevent it from spreading further into the facility.
- Entrance Grids: A structured, recessed solution that collects large volumes of dirt and moisture beneath the walking surface. These grids are particularly beneficial for high-traffic areas, entrances exposed to the elements, and spaces requiring long-term durability with minimal upkeep. When dealing with heavy foot traffic and significant tracked-in dirt, grids provide a more durable and long-lasting solution.
The most effective approach? A combination of mats and grids strategically placed to ensure maximum moisture control, safety, and floor protection. A layered approach, starting with grids outside or in high-traffic entryways and transitioning to mats inside, offers the best protection.
Reducing Liability and Meeting Compliance Standards
Neglecting entryway safety, and specifically, the proper use of mats and grids, can have legal and financial consequences. Facilities should ensure their entrance mats and grids comply with:
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) Guidelines: Products must provide a slip-resistant surface and be level with the floor to prevent tripping hazards and ensure accessibility.
- LEED® Certification Contributions: Many entrance systems contribute to sustainability goals by improving indoor air quality and reducing the spread of contaminants.
- Industry-Specific Safety Standards: Depending on the facility type, businesses may need to comply with other regulations and local building codes regarding slip resistance and workplace safety.
Balco’s Smart Solutions for Safer, Cleaner Entryways
Balco provides entrance mats and grids designed to help businesses strike the right balance between safety, durability, and ease of maintenance. All products meet ADA slip-resistant entry flooring guidelines and contribute to LEED® credits, ensuring both compliance and sustainability.
Balco’s Entrance Mat and Grid Options
- Surface and Recessed Roll-Up Entrance Mats – Easy to install and roll up for sub-surface cleaning, requiring no heavy lifting or special tools.
- Shallow Pit Grids – Designed for flush floor installations, providing a seamless walking surface while capturing dirt and moisture. Made from rigid aluminum for long-term durability and easy cleaning access.
- Deep Pit Grids – Ideal for high-traffic areas, these grids collect large volumes of dirt and water, making them perfect for entrances exposed to harsh weather conditions.
- Heavy-Duty Low Profile Grids – Recessed floor grids with a vinyl hinge system allow for easy roll-up access to sub-surface cleaning, making maintenance quick and hassle-free. Designed for long-term durability, they’re ideal for high-traffic environments.
With customizable options, including various metal finishes, carpet colors, and sizing configurations, Balco’s solutions provide businesses with long-lasting entryway protection that reduces maintenance needs and enhances safety.
Conclusion
A clean, polished entrance creates a positive first impression, but true entryway management goes beyond aesthetics. Effective use of the right mats and grids prevents accidents, reduces maintenance costs, and ensures compliance with safety regulations, making them a smart investment for any facility.
Check out Balco’s Mats & Grids Collection for all the details. You can even download color charts and load data sheets to help you choose the perfect solution.