Let’s start by imagining two separate scenes quickly. A Bollywood set- the main actor is about to give a powerful shot, set coordinators running here and there, and electricians preparing to amplify the scene with high-voltage current. Next, a construction site with cranes moving bulk materials and workers operating powerful tools.
Did you find the common link here? Yes, electricity. Electricity runs the entire operation in both cases. They also have a common safety vulnerability: electrical accidents.
Floor safety, specifically using electrical floor mats, plays a critical yet most ignored role. Why so? Keep on reading to know.
Get an overview of this piece using these navigators:
- Why floor safety matters across different industries?
- Why are insulating floor mats reliable?
- Selecting the right insulated floor mats for your industry
- Beyond electrical safety: Additional benefits of electrical floor mats
Why floor safety matters across different industries?
From Bollywood to construction sites and mines to commercial places, the floor is the base- that is why it needs to be protected the most.
Table of Contents
Electrical Safety at Construction Sites:
Electrical accidents are comparatively more common in the non-construction industries, but the construction industries report the highest number of deaths. On construction sites, the main threat is temporary electrical connections. These makeshift electrical connections are used to power up the site for a short span, then are removed. Since they are used for a few days, the need for using protective measures around them is not taken into account.
Insulating floor mats are used in these places on a construction site:
- Generators and temporary power sources, like switchboards
- Electrical panels
The Building and Other Construction Workers Act (BOCW Act) in India is one of the most common regulations that highlights the need for floor safety in construction sites.
Electrical Safety in the Entertainment Industry:
Bollywood sets have far less risky areas than construction sites, but electrical dangers prevail there as well. A Bollywood set typically has:
- High voltage lighting is set up with a complex cable network
- Camera and sound equipment with multiple power sources
- High-traffic working conditions with performers, crew, and equipment trying to squeeze in
Furthermore, movie sets also have temporary electrical connections. Insulating floor mats in such cases protect the crew members from sudden current leakage or electrical surcharge.
Electrical Safety in Other Industries:
The Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSHA) emphasizes equally safe measures for all types of industries- especially manufacturing, mining, automobile, etc. Insulating floor mats in the industrial facilities are also used around control panels, transformer units, switchboards, maintenance bays, LT-HT panels, bus bars, and similar.
On the other hand, electrical floor mats are used avidly in the F&B industries. In commercial kitchens and food processing facilities, customized insulated floor mats not only provide electrical insulation but also offer other added benefits.
Why are insulating floor mats reliable?
Insulating floor mats are considered reliable safety equipment, but why?
The reason lies in the composition of insulating floor mats. Electrical floor mats, also known as electrical safety mats and insulating floor mats, are made of elastomer. Elastomer is a rubber compound with dielectric properties. Elastomer is further mixed with other polymers to make it chemical, Ozone, and UV resistant.
The structure of insulating floor mats acts as a barrier between the conductive human body and current leaking from live wires. Without an insulating mat, the human body will enable the completion of a full electrical circuit, causing a devastating accident.
Sudden electric shock electrocutes the victim immediately, may further cause burns, fall from a height, and even death. Sometimes, the trauma of a small electrical accident lingers further, resulting in a deep psychological impact on the victim.
To make them safe and dependable, electrical floor mats are manufactured following any of these popularly accepted safety standards:
- IS 15652: Indian Standard
- IEC 61111:2009: Globally accepted, mainly formed in Europe
- ASTM D178: Regional acceptance in the USA and North America
- AS/NZS Mats: Regional acceptance in Australia and New Zealand; Similar to IEC 61111
Insulating mats are further tested for their dielectric strength, volume, and surface resistance, and their capacity to sustain UV, Ozone, Oil, Chemicals, and Water.
Selecting the right insulated floor mats for your industry
Not every electrical insulating mat has all the properties. Therefore, you cannot use the same electrical mat everywhere. While selecting insulated mats for your industry, get a clear answer to these questions:
What is the maximum voltage at my industrial facility?
-Working voltage determines the class of electrical insulating mat you need to select.
Is there any extreme environmental condition?
-Dry, humid, or chemical exposure requires special selection.
How is the traffic?
-The heavier the traffic, the more durable the mat is needed.
Are there any other specialized conditions?
-Identify if you need slip resistance, anti-fatigue properties, or static dissipation
What is the dimension of the space of installation?
-Customize the floor mat dimension if the place is narrow or uneven
Beyond electrical safety: Additional benefits of electrical floor mats
Electrical floor mats offer more benefits than just electric insulation, such as:
Slip resistance: Some electrical floor mats have a corrugated, ribbed, or dotted surface to offer slip resistance. According to the WHO, falls are the second leading cause of injury deaths.
Fatigue prevention: Lower leg fatigue and injuries remain a serious concern among workers who have to stand for long periods at work. Electrical floor mats create an even surface for standing, reducing discomfort.
Floor protection: The Factory floor gets chipped away by heavy machinery and mechanical impact. Electrical floor mats offer optimum protection.
Hazard communication: Electrical floor mats are available in bright colors like red, yellow, or blue, helping in hazard communication.
Summing up,
As long as the world is empowered by electricity, the risk of electricity-induced accidents will remain. From energetic Bollywood sets to construction sites, workers expose themselves to a series of risks every day. Electrical floor mats help create a safe base where the workers can stand and work safely.
Here are some FAQs for an extended read:
1. Are there any laws compelling the use of electrical mats?
Yes, labour organizations worldwide highlight the use of accident preventive measures at work.
2. What are the other types of electrical protective gear apart from an electrical mat?
Although an electrical floor mat is one of the most crucial electrical protective gears, others include rubber gloves, dielectric boots, arc flash jackets, helmets, etc.
3. What is the maximum voltage an electrical mat can withstand?
An IS 15652 electrical mat can withstand 33 kV of voltage, and IEC 61111 and ASTM D178 mats can withstand 36 kV of voltage.
Want to know more about electrical safety mats? Join the conversation in the comments below. You can reach out to us directly for more information on selecting the right safety equipment for your specific needs.
