Depending on the product and industry, a flooring system makes a significant contribution to maintaining quality standards.
A functional industrial floor supports the safety of the product, people and workplace and guarantees smooth production processes.
Various requirements from standards, test regulations and laws determine the basic structure of the floor system. Depending on the location and use, different requirements apply to floor coatings. The suitability of a floor system for these requirements may have to be tested and certified by external testing institutes.
As with all building products, fire protection requirements also apply to floors. Both flammability and smoke development are examined in classification tests specially designed for use as a floor. Usually, the requirements for an industrial floor are a classification of Bfl or Cfl for “hardly flammable” and “s1” for “no/hardly any smoke development”.
Depending on the application, floor coverings are subject to different requirements for slip resistance. Testing and classification is carried out according to the standards DIN EN 16165 Appendix A (for barefoot areas) and Appendix B (for areas used with shoes). In both a subject walks the test on a floor surface whose angle of inclination increases continuously. Depending on the degree of incline at which the subject can no longer walk with sure-footedness, they are classified into an R group for areas with shoes or into A, B, C classes for barefoot areas.
The R classification ranges from R 9 to R 13. A higher number means a higher roughness and thus slip resistance of the surface. The choice of the appropriate R class depends directly on the intended use of the floor. Basically, the slip resistance should be as high as necessary to minimize the risk of accidents. At the same time, it should be as low as possible, so as to impair the surface appearance and cleanability of the floor as little as possible. Depending on the application, there are recommendations for suitable R classes. Class R 9 is sufficient in surgery rooms, for example. Class R11 slip resistance is recommended in workshops. If the floors are particularly stressed by water or grease, surfaces with even higher R classes and a specific V class should be selected. The V class, for displacement space, describes the volume of liquid that the floor can absorb before the slip resistance is significantly impaired. More detailed information on recommended R/V classes for various applications can be found in the following DGUV leaflet: Floors in work rooms and work areas with a risk of slipping - DGUV Rule 108-003 (previously BGR 181)
The German Water Management Act (WHG). In this context, the German Water Management Act prescribes measures to protect natural water resources. A floor coating tested according to WHG fulfills the central task of sealing the floor, and thus the groundwater, against water-polluting substances. In so-called LAU plants, in which water-polluting substances are stored, filled or treated, a WHG floor coating is required by law. The coating forms a liquid-tight barrier to the substrate and retains its sealing function even with prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals. In order to always form a tight membrane, WHG systems are also designed to bridge cracks so that cracks from the substrate do not spread to the surface.
Our WHG industrial flooring systesms VIASOL WHG neo classic and VIASOL WHG neo conductive (dissipative/conductive) meet all requirements of the Water Resources Act.
Due to the special conductive components of the coating, electrostatic potentials can be discharged directly from the charge carrier via the floor to earth. In addition to protecting sensitive electronic components that could be damaged by uncontrolled discharge, this principle also serves to protect people. For example, ignition sparks generated as a result of electrostatic charging in an environment with explosive dust, such as in a grain mill, must be prevented under all circumstances. So-called ESD floors (ESD = Electro Static Discharge) meet particularly extensive requirements for electrostatic discharge. In addition to checking the electrical resistance of the coating system, limit values for resistance and charging must also be observed while a person is walking or standing on the surface.
The electrically dissipative/conductive systems are available in different versions for the most diverse requirements.
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You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs! The resistance of the floor to production-related high forces and impacts is required in almost all manufacturing industries. Tjhe coating systems made of epoxy resin or epoxy resin mortar are ideally suited.
Heavy-duty polyurethane floor systems are also impact-resistant, temperature and shock resistant, cold-resistant down to -45°C and can be exposed to permanent wet stress.
The chemical resilience of the floor systems is particularly valued in food processing and pharmaceutical laboratories & production facilities. Oil, grease, de-icing salt and chemicals from the vehicles get onto the surface protection systems in multi-storey car parks or logistic centers where vehicles are accessible. To the chemically resistant floor coatings.
Liquid-tight, seamless and easy-care floor coverings are preferred in the food industry and in healthcare. In many cases, the ISEGA-, GMP-guidelines and IFS-standards must be met. The HACCP-certification is an international standard for the highest level of food safety. To the floor coatings of Gastro & Healthcare.
There are thin-layer epoxy resin floor systems for light to medium mechanically and chemically resilient floors. These VIASOL PROTECTIVE Systems also meet all relevant standards and legal regulations.
Expert advice is a good idea when planning a new building or renovating a production facility. An on-site visit to check the subsoil by our technical customer support specialists is particularly recommended during renovation.
The material costs for floor coating systems are currently subject to major fluctuations in the raw material markets. Daily price adjustments do not allow any reliable statements for the systems at the moment.
We would be happy to recommend a competent specialist company to install an industrial floor.