In industrial facilities, flooring plays a pivotal role in maintaining smooth operations over time. The floor, a silent supporter of the day-to-day within these robust environments, is more than just a surface to tread upon – it’s a strategic asset that can make or break an industrial setting.
In the quest for operational excellence, Facilities Managers find themselves at a crossroads, facing challenges that extend far beyond how the surface looks. The condition of an industrial floor often holds the key to seamless operations, safety compliance and the overall well-being of the facility and its workforce.
That’s why it’s critical that Facilities Managers scrutinise the floors in their industrial facilities with meticulous attention considering, beyond the obvious durability and functionality, chemical resistance, ease of maintenance, safety considerations and the often-underestimated aesthetics. Why, you may wonder? Because the thorough evaluation of these factors isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity.
So, Industrial Facilities Managers… what is your floor score?
Durability: The stalwart sidekick
Your floor is the unsung hero that bears the weight of your entire operation. Consider its resistance to heavy equipment as well as foot and wheeled traffic. Is it a trooper, standing strong against the daily grind?
5 points: Indestructible
Withstands heavy equipment and traffic without a scratch, ensuring continuous operations without downtime.
4 points: Battle-tested
Demonstrates resilience under the daily grind, with minimal signs of wear and tear, maintaining operational efficiency.
3 points: Resilient
Holds up well against moderate stress, requiring regular maintenance to sustain its robust performance.
2 points: Vulnerable
Struggles with heavy equipment and frequent traffic, demanding frequent repairs and impacting operational productivity.
1 point: Fragile
Major repairs needed, hindering operations and posing a risk to the facility’s overall functionality.
Chemical resistance: The lab test
Chemical spills can be the make or break of any industrial floor. How does it fare against acids, oils and industrial chemicals? If your floor has the chemical resistance of a superhero, it’s time to celebrate. Give it a score based on its ability to repel those potentially harmful intruders.
5 points: Chemical fortress
Impervious to chemical spills, protecting the environment and ensuring a safe and secure workplace.
4 points: Resistant guardian
Withstands most chemical spills, contributing to a safe working environment with prompt cleanup measures.
3 points: Moderate defender
Handles mild chemical exposure well, requiring regular maintenance to prevent long-term damage and ensure safety.
2 points: Weak barrier
Struggles against common chemicals, demanding extensive measures for protection and posing potential risks.
1 point: Chemical magnet
Susceptible to chemical spills, posing constant threats to both the floor and the overall safety of the facility.
Ease of maintenance: The Sunday morning of floors
Does your floor require a weekend spa day just to look presentable on Monday? Or is it a low-maintenance superstar that only needs a quick sweep and mop to shine? Score your floor on how hassle-free its upkeep is – after all, no one wants a high-maintenance diva underfoot.
5 points: Effortless elegance
Minimal maintenance required, allowing for efficient site management and saving valuable time and resources.
4 points: Low-maintenance gem
Regular upkeep is straightforward, contributing to efficient site management with occasional deep cleaning sessions.
3 points: Standard maintenance required
Requires attention but nothing overwhelming, with regular cleaning routines contributing to effective site management.
2 points: High maintenance
Demands constant attention, affecting site management with time-consuming maintenance tasks and potential disruptions.
1 point: Maintenance nightmare
Constant pampering needed, hindering site management and impacting the overall efficiency of operations.
Safety: The ballet slipper test
Is your floor a dream performer or a slippery nightmare waiting to happen? Consider its slip resistance, especially in areas prone to spills or weather ingress, like doorways or loading bays.
5 points: Sure-footed grace
Exceptional slip resistance, ensuring a safe working environment and minimising the risk of accidents.
4 points: Steady performer
Provides a secure footing in most situations, contributing positively to safety protocols and minimising risks.
3 points: Moderate grip
Average slip resistance, necessitating precautions, especially in spill-prone areas, to maintain safety standards.
2 points: Slippery terrain
Concerns about slip resistance, requiring additional safety measures to prevent accidents and ensure a safe workplace.
1 point: Hazardous grounds
Severe lack of slip resistance, posing constant threats to safety and demanding urgent corrective measures.
Aesthetics: The site management maestro
Beyond functionality, let’s talk looks. Not just surface appeal, but also how thoughtful design combined with demarcation and directional signage can play a crucial role in enhancing safety protocols, optimising traffic flow and fostering a positive working environment.
5 points: Flow & functionality
Demarcation for safety is seamlessly integrated, contributing to efficient site management and creating a positive working environment.
4 points: Eye-catching efficiency
Visually pleasing with a focus on demarcation for safety, positively impacting site management and fostering a positive working atmosphere.
3 points: Functional & organised
Prioritises functionality and demarcation for safety, contributing to effective site management and maintaining a positive working environment.
2 points: Lacklustre organisation
Aesthetic appeal lacking, impacting demarcation for safety and site management, potentially affecting the working environment.
1 point: Disorganised eyesore
Urgent need for demarcation improvements, negatively impacting site management and the overall working environment.
How did your floor score?
If your facility’s existing floor surface fared poorly – scoring less than 20 points – against these key criteria for effective flooring in industrial environments, it’s time to take action and devise a floor upgrade and maintenance plan.
We’ll happily walk the floor of your site with you and inspect any areas requiring attention, discuss your unique service criteria along with any budget limitations or considerations with the view to providing a personalised floor health report!
We’ll walk through all the different factors that go into choosing resin-based flooring build-ups namely the mechanical, chemical, physical, biological, and practical benefits that users can benefit from when opting for a seamless, liquid-applied floor system!
Ready to take your place on the winners’ podium with a top-performing floor?
Contact the Vebro team in Manchester, UK by dropping an email to hello@vebropolymers.com.
