Are Glass Chair Mats Safe To Use?
Glass chair mats make an excellent replacement for plastic ones. In addition to being more ergonomic and durable, glass mats have clear surfaces, letting the beauty of your hardwood floors or carpet shine through. However, many people wonder if—because they're made from glass—these chair mats are safe to use. The answer is yes, and here are three reasons why.
They're Made from Safety Glass
Glass mats are made from very thick, tempered glass. Depending on the formula and tempering process used, these mats are typically 4 times stronger (and sometimes more) than regular glass. This means they can withstand long-term use, won't shatter when something heavy drops on them, and can support up to 1,000 pounds of weight.
This is not to say, though, that glass mats are indestructible. They can be damaged and even broken under the right conditions. However, one benefit of tempered glass is that, when it breaks, it shatters into small harmless pieces rather than the typically jagged shards you see with regular glass. This reduces the risk of injury and makes cleaning up the mess safer and easier.
They Usually Have a Non-Slip Coating
Another concern people have about glass mats is that the surface may be slippery, increasing the risk of falls. Although it's natural to be worried about something like this, there isn't much cause for concern. Manufacturers typically apply a non-slip coating on the glass mat that provides just enough traction for shoes but not too much that it prevents your chair from rolling smoothly on the surface.
Some manufacturers even go so far as to use a special coating that causes liquids, such as water, to bead instead of spreading out in multiple directions. This keeps the liquid contained in one area to minimize slip and for easy cleanup.
They Have Accessories That Keep Them in Place
While some people worry they'll slip and fall on the surface, others are more concerned the mat itself will creep across the floor like plastic ones often do. Thankfully, glass mats often come with rubber bumpers or similar accessories to help keep them in place.
These bumpers function similarly to carpet tape and secure the mat to the floor. However, they aren't actually sticky, so they won't mark up the floor or pull hairs out of the carpet when they're removed. Thus, you can use them on just about any floor surface without fear you'll damage it.
Glass mats are a safe and effective way to protect your floors from the damage office chairs can cause. For more info about these products or to order some for your staff, contact a furniture retailer.