How do I care for fall protection mats?

The maintenance of safety mats is essential to ensure their safety, functionality, and longevity. Regular cleaning and inspection help retain their shock-absorbing properties and maintain an appealing appearance. The required care depends on the application (indoor or outdoor), usage frequency, and material of the mats.

1. Regular Cleaning

Cleaning safety mats prevents dirt, leaves, or debris from impairing their functionality. Cleaning methods vary depending on the level of dirt and application area.

Daily to Weekly Cleaning:

  • Broom or sweeper: Remove dust, dirt, and leaves using a broom or sweeper. This is especially important outdoors, where leaves and branches can quickly accumulate and become slippery.
  • Vacuum cleaner (indoors): Ideal for gyms or playrooms to remove small debris.

Monthly Cleaning:

  • Water and mild detergent: Clean the mat surface using a damp cloth, soft brush, or sponge. Use a mild detergent that won’t damage the material.
  • Pressure washer: For outdoor areas, a pressure washer is effective for removing stubborn dirt. Use a moderate pressure setting to avoid damaging the surface.

Annual Deep Cleaning:

  • Cleaning joints: Thoroughly clean connection points or seams where dirt and debris often accumulate.
  • Moss or algae removal: For outdoor, water-permeable mats, check for moss or algae growth caused by moisture and use a specialized cleaning agent to remove them.

2. Inspection and Maintenance

In addition to cleaning, regular inspections are necessary to ensure the safety of safety mats.

Check for Damage:

  • Cracks or holes: Inspect the surface for cracks, holes, or other damage that could reduce shock absorption.
  • Deformations: Look for mats that have warped under heavy use, as they may pose tripping hazards and should be replaced.

Check Connections:

  • Shifting: Realign mats that have moved if they are not permanently fixed. Secure them again if necessary.
  • Loose connections: Mats fixed with clips or connectors should be checked for stability.

Inspect the Substrate:

  • Uneven or sunken bases can affect mat performance. Ensure the foundation is stable and level, particularly for outdoor applications.

3. Protection Against Weather Conditions

Outdoor safety mats are exposed to weather conditions such as UV rays, rain, snow, and frost, which can affect their performance over time.

  • UV protection: EPDM rubber mats are typically UV-resistant, but ensure that brightly colored mats are not exposed to intense sunlight for prolonged periods.
  • Snow and ice removal: Remove snow gently with a plastic shovel to avoid damaging the surface. Avoid using salt, as it may degrade the material.
  • Maintain water permeability: Check that drainage pores or channels in water-permeable mats remain clear.

4. Extending the Lifespan

Proper care and regular maintenance significantly extend the lifespan of safety mats.

Prevent Excessive Wear:

  • Reduce concentrated wear: In high-use areas (e.g., under swings or slides), consider using reinforcement mats to prevent premature wear.
  • Rotate mats: Periodically swap mats in high-use areas with those in less frequented zones to ensure even wear.

Store unused mats:

  • Store mats that are not permanently installed in a cool, dry place. Stack them flat to prevent warping.

Protect against chemicals:

  • Avoid contact with harsh chemicals such as solvents or strong alkaline cleaning agents, as they can damage the material.

5. Common Mistakes in Maintenance

  • Using sharp objects: Avoid cleaning with sharp brushes or tools that could damage the surface.
  • Wrong cleaning agents: Do not use acidic or highly alkaline cleaners, as they can degrade the material.
  • Neglecting maintenance: Irregular cleaning or inspections can significantly reduce functionality and lifespan.

6. When to Replace Safety Mats

Despite proper care, safety mats have a limited lifespan and should be replaced if:

  • The surface is heavily worn or damaged.
  • The mats have lost their shock-absorbing capacity (this can be verified with a HIC measurement).
  • Cracks or holes pose a safety risk.

Conclusion

Maintaining safety mats is straightforward but critical to their performance and durability. Regular cleaning, inspections, and preventative measures ensure that the mats retain their shock-absorbing properties and remain safe and visually appealing. With proper care, safety mats can last 10 to 15 years.