To the untrained eye, the flooring of an industrial structure can be an element that is easily overlooked. However, failing to select the correct material and design of industrial flooring can lead to serious health and safety concerns, and may result in accidents or major project faults.

In this piece, the team at Guardrail, a company specialising in industrial railings and purpose-built flooring with a focus on durability and safety, explain a little more about the different types of flooring that are available and why their facets may prove useful for the purposes of your project or structure.

What should I consider?

The British Standard for Industrial walkways/flooring & stair treads recommends certain criteria regarding the considerations when designing/specifying a product. Quite rightly the main concern is safety. (below is an extract from the BS 4592-0:2006+A1:2012  

• Unsuitable for wet conditions Less than 0.4 (Cof) or PTV40

Therefore, all external uncovered walkways should have a slip resistant coefficient (Cof) of 0.4 (or PTV of 40) or higher.

The standard also recommends restrictions on aperture sizes subject to location etc.

• 35mm ball proof – normal walkways
• 20mm ball proof – if situated over an area with people working below  

Types

There are many different types of industrial flooring used within the industry. The most common and popular by far is the “Open Mesh or Open Steel Flooring” type. (Which comprises of flat bearing bars in one direction and twisted square bars perpendicular to these at set centres of 50-100mm.) Mainly as these items are mass manufactured and distributed throughout various steel stockholders and has been used/specified for nearly 100 years. 

There are other variations of “Open Mesh or Open Steel Flooring” (which comprise of flat bars both directions and with a multitude of aperture sizes and depths/thicknesses). These we made in Europe, typically Germany, Poland & Denmark and offer more customised solutions and less waste.

Then we have a different solution: – A perforated plank or tray (Manufactured from 2mm – 3mm thick material) providing a better strength to weight ratio compared to the “Open Mesh” variety.

These planks have both raised holes providing the grip and depressed holes providing drainage. (hole sizes vary subject to the application / requirement).  

• All the plank products we offer exceed the minimum Cof of 0.4 (in the wet)
• All but one complies to both ball proof categories. However, this one still complying to the 35mm ball proof.

Which Type?

Q – Which type should I use?

A – The one that complies to the standards and offers the safest solution

For further information about the types of industrial flooring available from Guardrail, please contact our team today via our handy online contact form, or by calling 01902 871208. Our knowledgeable team will be very happy to answer all queries and provide any assistance you may require. If you wish to contact us regarding a specific project, please provide as much detail as you can to ensure we are able to help you to the best of our ability.