Safety & Compliance · SOP
Anti Fatigue Matting Selection And Placement
Standardize the selection, cutting, and installation of anti-fatigue matting at standing workstations to reduce operator fatigue, prevent slips, trip, and fall injuries, and meet WorkSafeBC ergonomic guidelines.
Estimated Time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Regulation
CSA Z432 · WorkSafeBC
Version
1.0
Purpose
To establish a uniform process for selecting the correct anti-fatigue matting material (foam, rubber, or nitrile), measuring and cutting it to fit individual workstations, and installing it without creating trip hazards or hygiene issues. Proper matting reduces standing fatigue, improves productivity, and lowers workers’ compensation claims related to lower‑extremity discomfort and slip‑and‑fall incidents.
Scope
This SOP applies to all production, assembly, packaging, and inspection stations where operators stand for two or more consecutive hours. It covers matting for dry, wet, and oily environments. It does not cover vehicle‑bridge mats or anti‑fatigue flooring installed by third‑party specialty contractors. All installations shall be performed by a trained maintenance technician or lead hand.
Safety Precautions
- Perform lockout/tagout on any machinery in the mat installation zone before cutting or removing old matting. Ensure the area is de‑energized and isolated.
- Wear cut‑resistant gloves (ANSI A4 or higher) and safety glasses when cutting matting with a utility knife. Use hearing protection if operating power saws for internal cutouts.
- When using adhesives or citrus solvents to remove old adhesive, ensure the area is well‑ventilated. Use a NIOSH‑approved organic vapour respirator if ventilation is insufficient.
- After installation, all mat edges must lie flat and not exceed 6 mm height differential. Bevel or ramped edges must be used at all transition points where foot traffic crosses the mat.
Required Tools & Materials
- Anti‑fatigue matting (closed‑cell foam, rubber, or nitrile) – thickness 12–18 mm standard; 6–10 mm for cart traffic
- Measuring tape (3 m / 10 ft minimum)
- Straightedge (1.2 m / 4 ft aluminium rule or level)
- Utility knife with sharp hook‑blade (multiple blades)
- Chalk line or carpenter's pencil
- Anti‑slip double‑sided tape (e.g., 3M™ 411 or equivalent)
- Floor cleaner & degreaser (pH‑neutral, non‑residue)
- Tack cloth or lint‑free rags
- Scraper and citrus solvent (for old adhesive removal)
- Jab saw or fine‑tooth hand saw (for internal cutouts)
Procedure: Step-by-Step
1
Assess work station layout and operator positions. Observe the operator’s typical standing footprint. Mark with chalk the area where the operator stands most frequently, including zones for reaching and leaning. Account for machine controls, workbenches, and conveyor infeed/outfeed.
2
Measure floor area and identify high‑traffic zones. Using a measuring tape, record length and width of the marked zone. Add 150 mm to each side for comfortable margin. Note any obstacles (machine legs, columns, drains) that require cutouts. Sketch the shape on the matting surface.
3
Select matting material based on environment. For dry, clean areas: closed‑cell foam or vinyl. For wet or oily environments (coolant splash, grease): nitrile rubber or PVC‑backed matting with diamond‑plate texture. Confirm slip‑resistance rating (coefficient of friction ≥ 0.6 wet). Verify chemical compatibility if the mat contacts cutting fluids.
4
Choose appropriate thickness and anti‑fatigue rating. For standing stations, select 12–18 mm thickness. If a cart or pallet jack crosses the mat, choose 6–10 mm to avoid tipping. Ensure compression set ≤ 15 % per ASTM D395. Verify the mat manufacturer’s fatigue‑reduction claim (e.g., “Gold” level per ANSI/ASSE A1264.2).
5
Prepare the floor surface. Sweep and mop the area with heavy‑duty degreaser. Allow to dry completely. Remove any adhesive residue from previous mats using a scraper and citrus solvent. Wipe with a tack cloth to remove all dust. The subfloor must be clean, dry, and free of cracks or loose tiles.
6
Lay out and cut the matting. Unroll the matting on a clean, flat surface (or directly on the prepared floor). Mark cut lines with chalk using the straightedge as a guide. Cut with a sharp hook‑blade utility knife in multiple shallow passes—never force the blade. For cutouts around legs, measure offset from reference walls and transfer to mat. Use a jab saw for internal cutouts.
7
Install matting and secure edges. Position the cut mat in place. Check all edges: they must lie flat and not curl upward. If the mat will be walked on from multiple directions, apply anti‑slip double‑sided tape along the perimeter and at high‑traffic lead‑in edges. For beveled edges, ensure the bevel faces the direction of foot traffic.
8
Test for stability, comfort, and trip hazards. Ask the operator to stand on the mat, shift weight, and walk on/off several times. The mat must not shift more than 5 mm. Confirm that no edge exceeds 6 mm in height above the finished floor. Check for fluid pooling — the mat should drain (if perforated) or have a raised pattern. Make final adjustments.
9
Document placement and schedule visual inspections. Record the mat location, size, material, and date installed in the shift log or digital inspection system (e.g., SafeDesk). Flag for quarterly inspection: look for curled corners, torn edges, compression marks, and chemical degradation. Replace matting when any of these conditions appear.