Working with electricity and high-voltage equipment is a naturally risky environment. It’s essential that protective equipment is used to minimise these risks after other hierarchies of control have been followed of course. In this blog, we’ll discuss the properties of insulated mats and how they can protect you from high-voltage injuries.
Explaining insulated mats
An insulated mat is a rubber floor covering which provides insulation in any standing area that puts you at risk of an electric shock. The rubber blend of synthetic polymers and elastomer creates a dielectric material, which means its molecular structure prevents the free flow of electricity. High-quality insulated mats have added benefits, including being anti-slip, alkali and acid retardant, as well as offering some very slight cushioning for workers’ joints.
Caring for your insulated mats
As with all protective equipment, your insulated mats will only work effectively if you take proper care of them. In storage, it is ideal to keep your mats flat, rather than rolled-up. Rolling can create surface cracking (or even full penetration cracking in poor quality mats). If it is not possible to store your mats flat, you should at least store them in a mat bag or mat roll.
Testing electrical insulated mats is also very important. Best practice and Australian Standards say every 6 months at a minimum. We also recommend keeping electrical mats away from water. If your insulated mat does become wet, remove it immediately, dry it and have it tested before it’s next use. This is because water can penetrate rubber if fully immersed for some time and this lowers its dielectric properties.
Mobile Test ‘n’ Cal provide onsite high-voltage testing which helps minimise downtime for businesses while ensuring they remain compliant and safe. We’ve worked with many essential industries in Australia and New Zealand, such as electrical, mining, transport, mechanical and engineering, manufacturing and much more.
Learn more tips for high-voltage equipment in our previous blogs:
5 Reasons Regular Testing of Electrical Gloves, Sleeves & Mats is Essential
3 Reasons Why Even the Best Electrical Equipment Requires Regular Testing & Calibration
Using your insulated mats effectively
While insulated mats are designed to protect you from electrical currents, wearing protective gloves, boots and other PPE is also highly recommended. You shouldn’t be dealing with electric equipment without the proper PPE and it takes more than one type of protective gear to effectively minimise the risks. Finally, PPE is a last line of defence, always try to lower risk by the hierarchy of control first.
Mobile Test ‘n’ Cal are your partner in compliance and testing
Mobile Test ‘n’ Cal ensure businesses in Australia and New Zealand stay compliant, and their employees remain safe. Our skilled technicians provide onsite calibration, inspection and testing services on a wide range of equipment. We keep detailed records of all your services with us and set up a schedule with reminders so that you never fall behind. To learn more about our services, or to book your next onsite appointment, reach out to our team. Call 1300 662 119 in Australia or 0800 123 682 in New Zealand. You can also submit a message online and we’ll get back to you soon.
