Everything you need to know about choosing non-slip access mats for beaches, pools and hospitals

Though pools and changing areas benefit from solid underfoot surfaces like tiles or decking, they’re incredibly slippery when wet, and hot to walk on when exposed to direct sunlight.

Heavy duty access mats and floor mats for wheelchairs improve safety for wheelchair users, patients recovering from surgery, and pedestrians by reducing slips and falls at facilities and venues with lots of water present.

Access mats don’t just make water-prone environments safer; the right wheelchair access mat will bring stability to muddy or sandy environments, as well as gravel pathways, and help prevent slipping or skidding in leisure environments that may become slippery with sunscreen, spilled drinks, and dropped foods.

Our access mats not only help provide stability for mobility aids, they create a safer transition environment for people with accessibility needs to go from their wheelchair to a disability lift or chair.

A non-slip access mat underfoot provides carers and staff with peace of mind that they can safely support the wheelchair user while helping with the transition.

When installed at leisure centres and pools, access mats provide comfort and heat protection for swimmers sitting or standing around the edge of the pool.

When used at the beach, access mats protect bare feet from hot sand, decking, tiles or paving.

A hard-wearing access mat with antifungal and antimicrobial properties will deliver long lasting hygiene, and help to repel mould and bacterial growth – even in wet or humid conditions.

When a venue or organisation chooses to invest in our high performance, fit-for-purpose wheelchair access mats, both wheelchair users and carers will benefit from supportive and slip-resistant surfaces for many years to come – even in the most demanding environments.

Our access mats can simply be rolled out and cut to fit on site, quickly moved where and when they’re needed, and easily adapted for accessibility requirements. The lightweight, non-porous construction makes cleaning a breeze for staff and contractors.

Ask your salesperson these three key questions:

• Is it easy to install?

Leisure areas, bathing facilities and hospitals are often unable to close for contractors to fix surface solutions, so it’s vital to look for access mats that staff can easily install. By choosing a flexible, lightweight material, walkways for wheelchairs can be rolled out and cut to fit on site without any special skills or tools.

• How long will it last?

Floor mats for wheelchairs should be able to withstand challenging environments both indoors and outside without fading or cracking. It’s important to consider the mat’s surrounds, and find one made from a durable material that’s resistant to harsh elements like direct sunlight, pool chemicals, and cleaning chemicals – and don’t forget to ask your supplier about the mat’s warranty.

• Will it get hot being out in the sun?

If your access mat will be exposed to direct sunlight at a pier, by a pool or at a beach, it’s crucial to consider heat absorption. A raised structure will help keep feet off hot sand, boards or tiles by acting as a thermal barrier. This kind of access mat is also safer for children and students to sit on at swimming classes, training, or competitions.