In Germany, there is no specific law that directly regulates the use of entrance mats. However, issues regarding the safety of floors on which people move are strictly governed by various regulations and standards that can also be relevant to entrance mats.

These regulations oblige property owners and managers to ensure safety within their buildings. In the event of accidents caused by poor floor conditions or improper use of entrance mats, owners and managers can be held civilly liable.

Properly selected entrance mats can help reduce the risk of slips and falls, which is particularly important in high-traffic areas.

Why should entrance mats be used in buildings?

The answer lies in independent statistics: As a result: "The number of registered accidents in the industry is also increasing – from 2021 to 2022, already by six percent. Slipping, tripping, and falling are the number one cause of accidents (34.8 percent)."

Source: https://www.vbg.de/cms/presse/branche-sicherungsdienstleistungen-unfaelle-durch-konfrontation-nehmen-zu

Important Standards for Regulating Floor Safety in Buildings:

1) DIN 51130 – Testing Slip Resistance:

According to the DIN 51130 standard, floors should be designed in a way that minimizes the risk of slipping. This standard regulates the testing of floor coverings and defines their slip-resistant properties. It is particularly relevant in assessing the slip risk on surfaces that may become wet or dirty, which is especially important at building entrances.

What does the DIN 51130 standard have to do with entrance mats?

In relation to entrance mats, the DIN 51130 standard addresses the evaluation of slip-resistant properties of floor coverings, which in this case are represented by entrance mats. These mats must meet specific slip resistance standards to ensure the safety of individuals moving across them.

How is the DIN 51130 standard defined and what does it mean?

DIN 51130 outlines the test methods for determining the slip resistance of floor surfaces. A test is conducted in which the incline of the surface being tested is gradually increased while a test person walks on the surface in special shoes. The person's behavior is observed to assess the slip resistance. The result of this test is a slip resistance rating, indicated by the classifications R9 to R13, where R9 represents the lowest level of slip resistance and R13 the highest.

The DIN 51130 standard helps determine how well an entrance mat protects against slips, especially in conditions where the mat is wet or dirty. Mats with a higher slip resistance rating (e.g., R12 or R13) are more effective in preventing slips, which is crucial for ensuring safety in high-traffic areas such as office entrances, shopping malls, or sports facilities.

It is also important to note that different cleaning inserts used in entrance mats can offer varying degrees of slip resistance.

2) Workplace Ordinance (ArbStättV) – Regulation on Workplaces:

The ArbStättV regulates safety and hygiene requirements in workplaces, including standards for floor coverings. According to this regulation, floors must be designed and maintained in a way that minimizes the risk of slipping, tripping, and falling.

Similar to the DIN standard, entrance mats can be an integral part of measures to prevent slips, especially in high-traffic areas and locations where there is a risk of contamination from various substances (e.g., oil, grease, water, etc.).

The ArbStättV requires that floor coverings in workplaces be stable, durable, slip-resistant, and easy to clean.

Floors, including entrance mats, must be adapted to the specific requirements of the workplace, taking into account the risk of slipping, particularly in areas exposed to moisture or dirt.

A primary goal of the ArbStättV is to minimize the risk of accidents in the workplace, including slips, trips, and falls.

How does the ArbStättV standard affect entrance mats?

In addition to regulations ensuring slip resistance, the ArbStättV also emphasizes the importance of ergonomics and comfort in the workplace. Entrance mats should not only enhance safety but also be comfortable to use, contributing to overall well-being and reducing fatigue for employees.

Detailed requirements related to entrance mats within the ArbStättV are outlined in the standards ASR A1.5/1,2, which directly address floor coverings and specify requirements for:

• Slip resistance,
• Safety,
• Durability and wear resistance.

In practice, several examples can be cited in the context of the ArbStättV regulation, demonstrating how entrance mats help meet these standards:

• The use of textile mats, for example, in hotel lobbies in front of the reception area, where more people congregate, to absorb dirt and reduce the risk of slipping.
• The use of exterior and interior mats in schools, hospitals, and public offices to ensure safety in high-traffic areas.
• The use of rubber and grid mats in auto workshops to minimize slip hazards caused by liquids like oil.
• The use of water collection trays or grates under entrance mats helps channel water and dirt, contributing to cleanliness and safety.
• By meeting these standards, entrance mats play a key role in maintaining workplace safety and complying with ArbStättV regulations.

Do you know when to replace your entrance mats?

The ArbStättV also mandates the regular inspection of the technical condition of floor coverings and entrance mats. If damage is identified, the building manager or employer is obligated to repair or replace them immediately.

Key regulations of the ArbStättV regarding entrance mats:

• Employers must conduct a risk assessment in their workplaces and, based on this, select appropriate floor solutions, including entrance mats that comply with the ArbStättV requirements.
• The mats must be tailored to the specific conditions of the location and meet the criteria for occupational safety and health protection.

The primary goal of the ArbStättV is to ensure that workplaces in Germany are safe and worker-friendly. Properly selected and maintained entrance mats are an essential component of these requirements.

How do the ASR A1.5/1,2 regulations and DIN 51130 differ?

Both standards are applied in the context of preventing accidents caused by slipping, but they serve different purposes:

• ASR A1.5/1,2 is part of a broader framework for workplace safety and health (within the ArbStättV). It focuses on ensuring that the entire working environment, including floor coverings like entrance mats, meets specific safety requirements to protect employees.
• DIN 51130, on the other hand, is a more technical standard related to material testing. It defines the methods for determining the slip resistance of floor coverings, providing precise slip resistance classifications (R9-R13).

Other regulations and standards related to the safety of floor coverings and entrance mats:

1. Occupational Accident Insurance (BGV A1) – Workplace Accident Insurance: This is a general regulation designed to protect employee health and safety. Under these rules, employers are obligated to ensure safe working conditions, including equipping floors with appropriate entrance mats to prevent accidents.
2. Product Safety Act (ProdSG) – Product Safety Law: The ProdSG governs the general safety of products placed on the market, including entrance mats. These products must be safe for users and meet the relevant quality standards.
3. Fire Safety – Building Code and Standards DIN 4102 and EN 13501-1: Floor coverings must also comply with fire safety regulations. According to the building code, materials used for flooring must have appropriate fire safety classifications, which is particularly important in public buildings.

DIN 4102: This standard concerns the classification of building materials based on their fire behavior. Under this standard, materials are classified according to their fire resistance, ranging from Class A (non-combustible) to Class B (easily flammable).

In relation to entrance mats, it is crucial that they meet the appropriate fire protection requirements, especially in public areas where there is a higher fire risk.

EN 13501-1: This is a more recent European standard that classifies building materials based on their reaction to fire. For entrance mats, this classification determines how the material behaves when exposed to fire, including its flammability, smoke production, and the formation of burning droplets. For instance, materials might be classified as Bfl-s1 (hard to ignite, low smoke production) or other categories, depending on the tests conducted.

Both standards ensure that entrance mats, especially those used in public and high-traffic areas, comply with stringent fire safety regulations to reduce fire risks.

When do fire protection requirements apply to entrance mats?

In relation to entrance mats, it is essential that they meet fire protection requirements in accordance with the relevant standards. The appropriate fire protection class depends on the specific conditions of the location where the mat will be used.

In buildings with heightened fire safety requirements, such as public buildings, shopping centers, or sports facilities, it is crucial that mats are made from materials with the appropriate fire classification to minimize the risk of fire and ensure user safety.

Mats that comply with DIN 4102 or EN 13501-1 are appropriately labeled, making it easier to select mats that align with building regulations.

4. Accessibility for People with Limited Mobility

Accessibility regulations, such as DIN 18040, require that floors be designed in a way that allows people with limited mobility to move freely.

In the context of entrance mats, these regulations include the use of suitable mats that do not pose obstacles for such individuals. Therefore, some of the entrance mats in our range are equipped with a threshold ramp to ensure accessibility.

Not only standards and regulations are important – what else should be considered:

Maintenance and upkeep – Regular maintenance and care of floor coverings and entrance mats are crucial for ensuring safety. Building owners are required to conduct regular inspections and cleanings to maintain their functionality.

Summary:

Although there is no specific law governing entrance mats in Germany, there are regulations that address the safety of floor coverings, which entrance mats can influence.

The use of appropriate entrance mats is often recommended as a preventative measure to meet these standards and regulations, especially in areas with high foot traffic.

The use of entrance mats with a high slip resistance rating can be a key factor in protecting the interests of the investor in the event of a potential accident involving third parties.

If you need more details, you can visit the websites of institutions like the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), which publishes standards and guidelines for the construction industry, or consult the relevant authorities responsible for regulating these standards.