The ADA Guide to Commercial Mat Rentals
For those of you who do not know, the Americans with Disabilities Act, created in 1992, has an impact on the use of mats in public places, where hazards may be present. It is important to be aware of how this bill impacts your professional mat services. We outline the relevant standards and how commercial mat rentals comply with ADA guidelines.
ADA Standards
Section 4.5.1
Flooring along accessible routes and rooms, including floors, walks, ramps, stairs, and curb ramps, should be stable, firm, and slip resistant.
Section 4.5.2
“Changes in level between ¼ inch and ½ inch shall be beveled with a slope no greater than 1:2”
Section 4.5.3
The maximum pile thickness should be ½ inch, when carpet is used on a flooring surface. Any exposed edges of carpet should be secured to the floor and have trim along the exposed edges.
According to the former Assistant Attorney General W. Lee Rawls, commercial rental mats are not categorized as carpeting, thus, they are not subject to this guideline. The common consensus among textile rental associations is that rental mats do not have to be permanently secured to a floor surface.
Types of Mats that Are Incompliant
- Carpet Remnants
- Matting without bevels or backings
- Rippled, Vinyl backed mats
- Scatter rugs
How Are Rental Mats ADA Compliant?
Slip Resistant Surface & Static Coefficient of Friction Standards
Commercial mats under these guidelines must feature a slip-resistant surface and certain charge in levels, pile heights, and static coefficient of friction requirements. Our rental mats abide by the ADA guidelines, having slip-resistant backings, meets the pile height and static coefficient of friction standards. Our mats also meet the static coefficient of friction standard requirements of OSHA and the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (ATBC). These durable rental mats also collect dirt and moisture that could potentially cause slip and fall accidents.
Enhanced Accessibility
Rubber Thickness
Although not directly specified in the ADA guidelines, the thickness of rubber mats can also enhance the accessibility for those with disabilities. The thickness of the rubber is important as it makes the mat lay flat, versus rippling. If the mats lay flat, trip and fall injuries can be avoided. Our rubber mats are always made of nitrile and neoprene is never used.
Are you looking to protect your staff and visitors from injuries and remain compliant with ADA standards?