Choosing the Best Safety Mat for Your Needs
1. Durability
Safety mats come in all levels of durability, from those that will withstand frequent forklift traffic and extremely wet environments to those that can only be used in dry, pedestrian applications. When looking for a mat, consider your machine environment. Do you have frequent forklift traffic in the area? Is it a wet environment? Ask your mat sales representative how the product will last in your machine environment and examine product literature for clues. Another clue to the mat's durability can be found in the manufacturer's warranty. Look for mats guaranteed from factory defects with a warranty that stands the test of time.
2. Mat Construction
The manufacturing methods and materials used in material construction can have the single greatest effect on safety mat longevity. Check to see if the outer protective shell of the mat is molded as a solid single piece, making it impervious to fluids. Ask for samples of actual production pieces and examine the point of entry of the mat cord. This is often a place where fluid can infiltrate the mat's interior causing a failure. The material used to create the internal electrical contacts is another critical point. In Larco's 45-plus years of experience manufacturing mats, we've found that full hard sheet steel contacts offer the greatest balance of sensitivity, impact resistance, loading capacity and the long life required in the abusive industrial environment of the factory floor. Look at more than one manufacturer and take the time to compare products. You can learn a lot about proper construction techniques by making comparisons and not just accepting the literature at face value and the cheapest price.
3. Adaptability
Look for mat products that can be easily customized to fit into a specific area around your machine. Although not necessary, you may also consider a mat with different colors, logos or caution statements.
4. Control Products
Check into the availability of complimentary control devices for your mat. Some safety mats can only be used with their own brand of controller. Ensure that your entire system works together properly by investigating what control options you have and choose the one that best fits your needs.
5. Safety
That last factor to consider, but certainly not least, is the mat manufacturer's reputation for safety. It is important to work with a supplier that has a complete knowledge of safety standards, and their mats should conform to those standards.
By considering these factors, you can be confident that you will make the best possible choice of safety mat products for your application. For more information on how to choose a safety mat or for information on how Larco safety mats compare to others on the market, contact Larco today.