Oil and Chemical Resistant Workplace Mats Guide

All mats with slip resistance according to DIN 51130 are suitable to use as anti-slip mats. The test according to this standard, measures the slip resistance after application of engine oil. Therefore, mats tested according to DIN 51130 are also suitable as anti-slip mats for working environments where oil and lubricants are handled.

Anti-fatigue mats and workplace matting offer many advantages. However, when it comes to working environments where oils, lubricants and other chemicals are used, workplace mats must have special properties to be effective.

Historically, safety matting is used at workplaces where oil, lubricants, or other liquids are used, as they allow good drainage and offer good slip resistance due to their surfaces. These industrial mats should be flexible so that they can be easily moved for cleaning, the industrial mat itself, and the floor beneath. See our tips for how to choose mats for oily work stations.

More than 40 years ago, COBA Europe was one of the first manufacturers in Europe to start producing safety matting with COBAmat. A simple but effective industrial mat that has distinguished itself from the beginning with its high quality. Many manufacturers still offer mats of this type, but COBA Europe have always aimed to offer the highest quality. The struts of this workplace mat are still hand-woven and not welded, which is the case with other mats in the market. This, albeit labour-intensive process, increases the flexibility and durability of the mat, creating a superior product.

Workplace mats such as those from the COBAmat range are ideal for environments where oil or other liquids are used. However, industrial mats of this type offer little comfort from standing and are therefore less suitable as anti-fatigue mats.

When choosing an oil-resistant workplace mat, it is not only the resistance to oil that should be considered. Due to the cleaning agents used in these working environments, such as petroleum ether, a good level of resistance to a range of chemicals beneficial.

Workplace mats made of PVC offer good resistance to oil and other chemicals. Most classic industrial mats are made of this material.

Workplace matting and anti-fatigue mats made with NBR rubber (nitrile rubber) also offer good resistance to oil, grease, and many chemicals such as acids or alkalis. The use of NBR rubber also makes it possible to produce workplace mats with very good ergonomic properties, i.e. anti-fatigue mats.