There’s nothing more important than job safety. Whether you’re moving into a new home, at a musical festival or working on a construction site, you need a Ground Protection Mat. These heavy-duty platforms keep you, your equipment and the environment safe. In this article, we’ll discuss just how important Ground Protection Mats are on a job.
What Are Ground Protection Mats?
By definition, Ground Protection Mats are designed to protect whatever surface they’re applied to. They can even withstand just about any weather condition, even harsh UV rays from the sun. Thanks to their high-density polyethylene material, Ground Protection Mats are almost impenetrable.
Not only that, but these mats have a lifespan that goes beyond plywood. Their long-lasting quality makes them capable of handling any job, especially in the construction, industrial and tree removal industries. In today’s job market, they’re a hot-ticket item.
Why Use Ground Protection Mats?
As previously mentioned, these heavy-duty mats can be used in any situation. For instance, they act as temporary access pathways for workers to traverse on. Their diamond tread pattern provides a high level of traction that’ll prevent you from falling. Additionally, you can transport your materials and supplies back and forth from a worksite without any accidents.
Construction workers won’t even have to worry about their machinery getting destroyed. Also, these mats evenly distribute the weight of your equipment and vehicles over the ground. This prevents them from sinking into the ground and damaging the soil. These HDPE mats even shield grass and lawns from your heavy equipment, hence the reason why they’re sometimes referred to as “Ground Protection Mats for heavy equipment.” They prevent instances like rutting, soil compaction and erosion from occurring. Who knew a Ground Protection Mat could be so versatile?
The Key Features Of A High-Quality Ground Protection Mat
A Ground Protection Mat also comes with a number of key features that’ll make you want to buy one today. They have a durable construction that makes them pretty tough. Not to mention, they even have an anti-slip mechanism that prevents you from having an accident on the job.
Equally important is a Ground Protection Mat’s load bearing capacity. It helps them withstand the weight of construction vehicles, machinery and meet load requirements. Also, a mat’s load bearing capacity allows it to balance out the weight of your equipment over uneven or fragile ground. Even better, you won’t have to worry about your materials sinking into the ground.
Another neat feature is their interlocking design. Through the use of their connectors, they can create a secure platform for you to work along. Not to mention, these mats are easy to use, transport and store away. Given all of these features, you can’t pass up a Ground Protection Mat.
How They’re Used Across Different Industries
Clearly, these heavy-duty mats are in high demand and people can’t get enough of them. More often than not, you’ll find a Ground Protection Mat on a construction site. In this type of job setting, they’re often referred to as Construction or Industrial Ground Protection Mats. These types of mats usually keep workers and their materials safe from harm. They also protect the ground from sustaining any permanent damage as well. Moreover, they can be used as Waterproof mats used for drilling. In particular, these mats make it possible for drilling operations to take place underwater.
Additionally, these HDPE mats are found at various outdoor events like art festivals, weddings and football games. Their stable and secure platform allows for heavy foot traffic. Also, these mats prevent mud and rain from harming a performer’s stage equipment.
Not to mention, a Ground Protection Mat can create a temporary access pathway for construction and industrial workers when they need to transport supplies.
In the instance of tree removal jobs, they allow workers to safely carry felled trees and branches. They even protect underground structures like pipes and cables during the tree removal process. Moreover, these heavy-duty mats provide a stable platform to help you replant new trees and shrubs. Obviously, Ground Protection Mats are dominating the workforce.
How To Choose The Right Ground Protection Mats
Choosing the right Ground Protection Mat comes down to the needs of the job. There are several factors you have to consider, such as load capacities, durability and cost. First off, we know that these mats have various load capacities to help them handle heavy machinery and equipment. By balancing out the weight of your materials there’s less of a chance they’ll fall into the ground.
They can also weather through any storm, literally. Ground Protection Mats can withstand inclement weather conditions such as a heavy rainstorm and even muddy terrain.
Though, they do cost a pretty penny, especially when it comes to up front costs. However, it’s a small price to pay in the long run. Your mats will last longer than plywood, which is replaced several times within a single year on average. Rarely will you need to replace your mats. It pays to have a high-quality mat. Though, it’ll be worth every dollar.
Do The Maintenance Work
Despite the durability of a Ground Protection Mat, they do require proper maintenance. There are several different ways to maintain your mats, such as using a sweep broom, leaf blower and mild detergent to remove debris, dirt and mud from the surface. Also, regularly inspect your mats for any signs of wear and tear. A torn mat could cause serious problems for you on the job if you’re not careful. If your mat is damaged, then repair it immediately. Depending on the damage, some mats can be repaired by simply using a patch kit. However, others might need a replacement. You can usually find instructions on the manufacturer’s manual for how to properly repair your mats.
After you’re done using them for the day, store your mats away in a dry and well-ventilated area. This will prevent them from sustaining moisture and mold growth according to Markham, a mold inspection expert. Also, place protective sheets between the layers to avoid any scratching. These simple tips will keep your Ground Protection Mats looking brand new every time.
Pick A Mat That’s Right For You
Ground Protection Mats will ensure you and your materials stay out of harm’s way. You won’t have to worry about unfortunate instances like getting injured on the job or your machinery sinking into the ground. Even better, these mats last for years to come. You can use them repeatedly and they’ll still get the job done.
Though there are many Ground Protection Mats for sale, nothing quite works like a high-quality one. Why not give yourself the best chance of doing a job right? Do your research on the different types of Ground Protection Mats out there and decide if you need expert advice. At the end of the day, you want a mat that suits your needs.
