Implementing slip resistance in production halls with rubber

Slippery floors are among the most common causes of accidents in production halls. Oil, water, dust or production residues quickly lead to dangerous situations. Even small amounts of liquids or fine particles significantly reduce grip and increase the risk of slips and falls.

In many operations, these risks arise during ongoing operation – through machines, cleaning processes or material movements. This creates constantly changing conditions on the floor, which require a permanent and reliable solution.

Targeted slip resistance increases safety, reduces downtime and stabilises processes. Rubber offers a practical, durable and flexibly applicable solution for this, for different requirements in production.

Why slip resistance in production halls is critical

In industrial environments, different loads meet the floor. Liquids, mechanical stress and continuous operation significantly increase the risk. Even small slippery areas lead to falls, production interruptions and increased costs.

Areas with regular contact with oil, emulsions or cleaning agents are particularly critical. Here the surface condition changes permanently, which quickly pushes conventional floor coverings to their limits.

In addition to the direct risk of accidents, there are further effects: downtime due to injuries, interruptions in the production flow as well as increasing requirements for maintenance and cleaning.

In addition, clear requirements apply to occupational safety. Slip resistance classes and internal safety guidelines define which properties the floor must fulfil. Companies are therefore faced with the task of combining functional solutions with standards-compliant implementation.

Advantages of rubber as a slip-resistant material

Practical recommendation: For oil-exposed areas, preferably use NBR, for weather and moisture EPDM, for high mechanical load thick, structured SBR/NBR blends.

Rubber has a natural grip and remains stable even when wet. This creates a secure footing, even in demanding production environments.

• High friction values: The surface remains grippy even with oil or water.
• Elasticity: Rubber has a shock-absorbing effect and relieves joints during standing activities.
• Resistance: Depending on the material, resistant to chemicals, oils and mechanical load.
• Durability: Rubber solutions last over long periods even under intensive use.

Which rubber solutions are available

Quick selection guide:

Area of use	Recommended solution	Material	Note
Individual workstation	Rubber mat (studded/ribbed)	SBR / NBR	ready to use immediately
Oil-containing environment	structured mats/sheets	NBR	oil-resistant
Large hall area	roll goods / bonded sheets	SBR / EPDM	uniform surface
Outdoor / moisture	sheets / roll goods	EPDM	weather-resistant
Forklift traffic	thick rubber sheets	SBR / NBR	high load capacity

For specific products see e.g. Rubber mats or Rubber sheets.

Depending on the area of use, different solutions are used.

• Rubber mats: Quick to use, flexible and ideal for individual workstations.
• Rubber sheets: Permanent solution for larger areas or heavily stressed areas.
• Workstation mats: Ergonomically designed for standing activities.
• Roll goods: Suitable for large-area installation in halls or walkways.

Selection criteria for the right solution

The selection depends on real loads and the specific area of use. In oil-exposed production zones, NBR proves its worth, as the material keeps its structure and slip resistance stable. In damp or temperature-critical areas, EPDM is suitable due to its resistance to water, ozone and weather.

Under mechanical load from machines or forklifts, the material thickness is decisive. Thin solutions lose stability, while thicker sheets absorb forces and distribute them evenly. At the same time, the surface structure influences the slip resistance class and thus safety in everyday use.

Cleaning processes, temperature ranges and usage intensity determine long-term performance. A coordinated combination of these factors ensures a robust and economical solution.

For permanent oil or chemical contact, special materials such as NBR or EPDM are suitable, as they retain their properties even under load. In areas with forklift traffic or high point load, material thickness and pressure distribution play a central role.

The required slip resistance class also influences the selection. Depending on the hazard situation, different surface structures are used, which must be specifically matched to the respective area.

Temperatures, cleaning processes and maintenance intervals also affect the choice of material. A clean coordination of these factors ensures a durable and functional solution.

Typical areas of use

Rubber solutions are used in many areas:

• Machine workstations
• Assembly areas
• Storage and logistics areas
• Wet areas and cleaning zones

Practical example: In a production line with oil mist, studded NBR mats are often used. These provide constant grip and at the same time reduce fatigue during standing activities.

Wherever safety and stability are required, solutions can be integrated in a targeted manner.

Rubber solutions are used in many areas:

• Machine workstations
• Assembly areas
• Storage and logistics areas
• Wet areas and cleaning zones

Wherever safety and stability are required, solutions can be integrated in a targeted manner.

Installation and integration

Depending on the requirement, installation is loose or firmly bonded. Loosely laid mats offer flexibility and are suitable for changing workstations or temporary solutions. In heavily stressed areas, bonding ensures permanent stability and even load distribution.

Transitions between different floor areas are particularly relevant. Cleanly executed edges, adapted transition profiles and clear demarcations reduce additional risks in everyday use.

Integration into existing floor structures also plays a central role. The substrate must be level, clean and load-bearing. Unevenness leads to unstable supports and reduces the effect of slip resistance.

For large areas, a combination of bonded areas and modular mats is recommended. This allows heavily stressed zones to be secured permanently, while flexible areas remain adaptable.

Transitions between different floor areas are particularly relevant. Cleanly executed edges and adapted transition profiles ensure continuous safety and prevent additional danger points.

Integration into existing floor structures also plays a role. Rubber solutions can generally be applied to existing floors without problems, provided the substrate is level, clean and load-bearing. Unevenness or damaged areas should be levelled out before installation.

Common mistakes during implementation

• Wrong material: Standard rubber in oil-exposed areas quickly loses its effect.
• Insufficient thickness: Thin mats shift or wear out more quickly.
• Missing fixation: Loose mats lead to additional risks.
• Incomplete coverage: Partial areas remain danger points.
• Wrong slip resistance class: Surface does not match the actual load.
• Unsuitable substrate: Unevenness reduces the effect.
• Wrong material: Standard rubber in oil-exposed areas quickly loses its effect.
• Insufficient thickness: Thin mats shift or wear out more quickly.
• Missing fixation: Loose mats lead to additional risks.
• Incomplete coverage: Partial areas without protection remain danger points.

Cost-effectiveness and benefits

Slip resistance with rubber has a direct effect on operations. Fewer accidents, lower downtime and stable work processes lead to measurable advantages.

In addition, ergonomics at workstations improves, which reduces strain and increases productivity.

Even targeted measures at critical points lead to a clear effect in operations.

Slip resistance with rubber has a direct effect on operations. Fewer accidents, lower downtime and stable work processes lead to measurable advantages.

Even small measures at critical points significantly increase safety and ensure long-term efficiency.

Frequently asked questions

Which slip resistance class is sensible in production halls?

The suitable class depends on the area of use. In dry areas, R9 or R10 is often sufficient, while with moisture or oil R11 to R13 are required.

Which rubber is suitable for oil and chemicals?

NBR is suitable for oil- and chemical-exposed areas. This material remains dimensionally stable and retains its slip-resistant properties.

Are rubber mats suitable for forklift traffic?

Yes, with sufficient material thickness and high density. For intensive use, firm bonding or the use of rubber sheets is recommended.

How is the right material thickness chosen?

The thickness depends on the load. Light workstations manage with thinner mats, while thicker sheets are necessary for machines or vehicle traffic.

How often must rubber mats be cleaned?

Regular cleaning maintains slip resistance. In heavily stressed areas, daily cleaning is recommended.

Can rubber sheets be installed on existing floors?

Yes, provided the substrate is level, clean and load-bearing. Unevenness should be levelled out before installation.

How long do rubber solutions last in production?

The service life depends on material and load. High-quality solutions often last several years even under intensive use.

When is bonding worthwhile instead of loose installation?

For permanently high loads, forklift traffic or safety-critical areas, bonding ensures maximum stability.

Our rubber sheets

For industry and trade, we offer a wide variety of rubber sheets.

SBR rubber sheet

Our high-quality SBR rubber sheet (styrene-butadiene rubber) is the solution for numerous industrial and commercial applications. This rubber sheet is manufactured from first-class styrene-butadiene rubber and is characterised by its outstanding physical properties.

EPDM rubber sheet

Discover the versatility and reliability of our EPDM rubber sheet, which is made from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). This high-quality elastomer solution has been specially developed to meet the most demanding industrial and commercial applications.

NBR rubber sheet

The NBR rubber sheet is a high-quality industrial product that has been specially developed for applications where excellent resistance to oils, greases and various chemicals is required.

Viton rubber sheet

The Viton rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is used for a wide range of industrial applications. Made from fluoro rubber (FKM), it offers outstanding properties that make it the ideal choice for extreme conditions.

FKM rubber sheet

The FKM rubber sheet is a high-quality technical product that is ideal for use in demanding industrial applications. Manufactured from fluoro rubber (FKM), it is characterised by a wide range of outstanding properties that make it the optimal choice for extreme operating conditions.

Silicone rubber sheet

The silicone rubber sheet is a first-class technical product that has been specially developed for applications that place high demands on temperature resistance and flexibility.

PUR rubber sheet

The PUR rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality polyurethane, is a technically advanced product that has been developed for applications that place the highest demands on abrasion resistance and mechanical load capacity.

Neoprene rubber sheet

The neoprene rubber sheet, manufactured from high-quality chloroprene rubber (CR), is a versatile technical product that is ideal for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.