ANTI-SLIP MATTING · INDUSTRIAL SAFETY · UK GUIDE 2025
Anti-Slip Matting UK: Industrial Anti Slip Mats, R13 Traction & Suppliers
A complete guide to specifying anti-slip matting for UK factories, warehouses, and workshops. Compare surface profiles, drainage vs solid-deck formats, and R-rating targets to reduce slips in oily or wet environments.
Understanding anti-slip matting
What is anti-slip matting and why is it specified?
Anti-slip matting is designed to maintain traction on hard industrial floors where liquids, oils, or debris increase slip risk. Textured surfaces channel contamination away from contact points, helping reduce accidents and downtime.
Industrial sites often specify slip ratings, surface profiles, and ramped edges to meet HSE requirements while keeping walkways and workstations safe under heavy foot traffic.
Key benefits
- ✓ Higher traction: Textured surfaces reduce slip incidents.
- ✓ Safer walkways: Ramped edges help prevent trips.
- ✓ Compliance-ready: Slip data supports audits and insurers.
- ✓ Modular repair: Swap worn tiles without full replacement.
- ✓ Cleaner zones: Drainage formats help shed liquids.
Slip ratings explained
R-ratings and PTV: how slip performance is measured
Anti-slip matting is commonly specified using DIN 51130 R-ratings and pendulum test values (PTV). Higher ratings indicate improved traction for oily or wet conditions.
| Rating | Typical use | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| R9–R10 | Lower contamination risk | Dry walkways, light-duty areas |
| R11–R12 | Moderate contamination | Production floors, wet entrances |
| R13 | High contamination risk | Oily machining bays, coolant exposure |
Surface profiles
Surface profiles and formats for anti-slip matting
Different profiles are designed for different contaminants and cleaning routines. Match the profile to your site conditions for reliable traction.
Diamond plate
Heavy-duty raised pattern for strong traction in oily and coolant-prone areas. Commonly specified for R13 environments.
Best for
Machining bays, fabrication, heavy foot traffic
Chevron or grit
Directional grip or abrasive finishes for walkways, entrances, and low-profile zones where drainage is not required.
Best for
Walkways, entrances, dry production zones
Drainage formats
Open-grid surfaces let liquids and debris fall through, keeping the top surface clearer in wet or oily conditions.
Best for
Wet process areas, washdown zones, heavy coolant exposure
Buying guide
How to choose anti-slip matting for UK workplaces
Follow this step-by-step guide to specify the right traction, format, and edge protection for your floor conditions.
Identify contaminants
Oils, coolant mist, water, dust, or swarf will define the traction and cleaning needs.
Select surface profile
Choose diamond plate, chevron, grit, or drainage based on slip risk and debris.
Set slip targets
Align on R-rating or PTV requirements with your safety or insurance team.
Plan edges and transitions
Add ramped edging for pedestrian zones and forklift paths to reduce trip risk.
Confirm cleaning routine
Match cleaning frequency and methods to solid-deck or drainage formats.
Order samples
Test sample tiles on-site to verify traction and cleaning performance.
Industrial applications
Where anti-slip matting is used in the UK
Machining and CNC
Oil, coolant, and swarf around machines
Production lines
High traffic with intermittent spills
Warehousing
Goods-in, packing stations, loading bays
Washdown zones
Wet processing, hygiene areas, drainage needs
Walkways and entrances
Footfall management and debris control
Maintenance bays
Vehicle fluids and heavy-duty traffic
UK supplier
Anti-slip matting from Maximum Matting
Safe-Flex anti-slip tiles are pressed in the West Midlands from 100% recycled PVC. Request samples, slip test data, and layout support for walkways or production zones.
112x112x2.5cm
Safe-Flex Anti-Slip Workstation Mat
Safe-Flex Anti-Slip Workstation Mat; 112x112x2.5cm
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158x112x2.5cm
Safe-Flex Anti-Slip Workstation Mat
Safe-Flex Anti-Slip Workstation Mat; 158x112x2.5cm
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249x112x2.5cm
Safe-Flex Anti-Slip Workstation Mat
Safe-Flex Anti-Slip Workstation Mat; 249x112x2.5cm
View product →
Frequently asked questions
Anti-slip matting FAQs
What is anti-slip matting?
Anti-slip matting is flooring with textured or abrasive surfaces that increase traction underfoot, especially where oils, coolants, water, or dust create slip risk. Industrial anti-slip mats help reduce accidents and improve safety compliance in production and warehouse environments.
What does R13 slip rating mean?
R13 is the highest slip resistance rating under DIN 51130. It indicates strong traction on contaminated slopes and is commonly specified for oily or wet industrial areas such as machining bays and processing lines.
Solid-deck or drainage anti-slip matting?
Solid-deck mats are best for dry or lightly contaminated areas and are easier to sweep. Drainage mats allow liquids and debris to fall through, keeping the surface clearer in wet or oily zones. Choose based on contamination level and cleaning routines.
Can anti-slip matting handle forklift traffic?
Yes. Heavy-duty anti-slip tiles can support MHE and forklift traffic when installed with ramped edging and protected transitions. Share traffic patterns so the correct format and edge protection can be specified.
Are anti-slip mats oil and chemical resistant?
Most industrial anti-slip mats are produced from PVC or rubber compounds designed to resist oils, coolants, and standard cleaning chemicals. Always check resistance data if you have aggressive chemicals or solvents on site.
How do you clean anti-slip matting?
Solid-deck mats can be swept and degreased. Drainage formats can be lifted and washed down. Consistent cleaning protects traction performance and keeps contaminants from polishing the surface.
How long does anti-slip matting last?
Quality industrial anti-slip matting typically lasts 8+ years. Lifespan depends on traffic levels, contaminant exposure, and cleaning schedules. Modular tiles allow individual replacement if a section wears faster.
Do you provide slip resistance documentation?
Yes. Specification packs typically include R-rating slip test data and PTV values where relevant, alongside fire and RAMS documentation needed for HSE and insurer reviews.
Other UK anti-slip matting suppliers
The UK has a range of anti-slip mat suppliers. If you are comparing options, request slip data, material resistance, and sample tiles before specifying.
Ergo Advantage
UK manufacturer with industrial safety matting and anti-slip options.
First Mats
Roll and cut-to-size anti-slip matting for walkways and entrances.
COBA Europe
Large catalogue including GripGuard and industrial safety matting ranges.
Everymat (Kumfi)
Industrial floor mat manufacturer with anti-slip and ergonomic options.
QSMats
Anti-slip matting for heavy wheeled traffic and industrial walkways.
Aldea Group
Workplace matting distributor with anti-slip and safety mat options.
Looking for UK-made modular anti-slip tiles with fast samples and slip data?
View Maximum Matting range →Request your Safe-Flex plan
Need British-made matting with guaranteed compliance and sustainability?
Share site measurements or CAD drawings and we will return a costed layout, recycled content statement, and RAMS pack within 48 hours—backed by our 30-day returns guarantee.
Speak to our project team
Tell us about your matting project and we will design a Safe-Flex or Stand-Safe solution made in Britain.
Our industrial specialists respond within one business day. We support multi-site roll-outs, maintenance shutdowns, and urgent replacements—all with 100% recycled compound and a 30-day returns guarantee.
Operating hours
Monday - Friday: 07:30-18:00
Response time
Replies within one working day via email.