Start by avoiding the wrong phrase: “fireproof”

Searchers often type fire resistant matting when they really need matting that can survive sparks, hot swarf and grinding debris in a controlled way. “Fireproof” is rarely a meaningful specification term for real industrial environments.

Instead, build your brief around:

  • the processes in the bay (welding, grinding, cutting)
  • where sparks land and how often
  • what contaminants exist as well (oils, coolants, metal fines)
  • the documentation required for RAMS, insurers and audits

If you’re looking for a starting point for hot-work environments, use: /matting/hot-works-welding/

The hot-works matting checklist

1) Define the zone boundaries

Mark the spark fallout area, operator standing positions, and high-traffic paths. Most premature failures happen at the edges of the zone where traffic concentrates.

2) Combine hazards, don’t treat them separately

Welding bays often have:

  • sparks and hot debris
  • oils and coolant
  • heavy footfall and trolley traffic

That means your matting choice must balance traction, durability, and documentation, not just one property.

3) Specify transitions and crossings

If people or carts cross the matting boundary, include ramping/edging in the brief. This is a common compliance failure in post-incident reviews.

4) Ask for documentation up front

A useful specification pack typically includes:

  • application guidance for the environment
  • relevant performance documentation for your governance process
  • cleaning and maintenance guidance that matches the bay routine

Request a pack here: /contact#contact-form

Where anti-slip fits into hot works

If oils and coolants are part of the bay, anti-slip selection becomes a key part of the solution. Start with: /matting/anti-slip/