Larco Safety Mat Systems - Manual (Page 5)

5
Installation, Use and
Maintenance Guide
b. Mounting Surfaces and Preparation
Inspect the mounting surface where the mat(s) will be installed. The surface should be relatively flat, smooth and free of debris.
Protrusions in the mounting surface higher than approximately 1/8” (3 mm) could affect mat performance and should be
removed prior to installation. An alternative to this procedure would be to use an underlayment like plywood to provide a
smooth surface, especially where the mounting surface is in very poor condition. Avoid uneven adjacent surfaces, such as
metal diamond tread floor plates. They do not present a problem in themselves, but the uneven surface created where two
plates meet can affect mat performance. A difference in elevation from one surface to the other, greater than approximately
1/8” (3 mm) should be corrected prior to installation of the safety mats.
Openings in the mounting surface, such as those found in walkway grating, should not affect the mat performance unless they
are larger than 3” (76 mm) square.
Other surface preparations may be necessary depending on the chosen method of securing mats in place. For example, the
use of Larco’s Labor Saver self-adhesive safety mat mounting option may require cleaning the mounting surface depending on
its condition. If options such as these are part of your system, refer to specific instructions relating to those options that have
been packaged with the product.
Unpacking and Handling Mats and Trim
Do not cut safety mat cartons open with a razor knife, as accidental cutting of the mat and/or mat cord can occur. Remove
the staples along one side where they attach to the wooden frame until you can grab the cardboard and tear it away from the
wooden frame. Be careful, as staples may fly as you pull the cardboard away from the wooden frame. Wear safety glasses.
Once installed, the Larco safety mat is extremely durable and damage resistant. The most vulnerable time for a safety mat is
during unpacking and installation. If a mat is larger than 24” x 36” (610 x 914 mm), use additional help in lifting, carrying and
positioning the mat. Dropping a mat on its corner can damage the mat (and it’s internal electrode) beyond repair.
The proper way to handle a mat is to grasp the long edges and lift while causing a slight bow downward along it is length
(see Figure 1 below). This method prevents the mat from bending across its width, which could cause a kink or bend in the
internal electrode assembly.
When unpacking aluminum trim kits and extrusions, be aware that they may have sharp edges and points where angles are
formed. Protect yourself from injury when handling, and protect the ends of the trim from being bent or deformed.
MAT CORD PLACED HERE
TO AVOID TRIP HAZARD
AND DAMAGE TO THE CORD
PLACE HANDS HERE
WHEN LIFTING,
ALLOW MAT TO
BOW SLIGHTLY
Figure 1