Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
SBH  
#1 Posted : 26 January 2015 09:52:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SBH

What flooring would colleagues recommend for a busy office? I have suggested carpet tiles based on durability, noise elevation issues, slips and trips due to spills and cleanliness. Other options were carpet sheets and vinyl.

SBH
RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 26 January 2015 10:18:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

In my experience I would not use carpet tiles as they tend to lift in time and present tripping hazards.
Roundtuit  
#3 Posted : 26 January 2015 10:29:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Must agree with RayRapp - although carpet tiles are readily exchangeable in the event of cosmetic or material damage depending on what they are laid upon (and how) a constant maintenance nightmare ensuring they stay in place and do not curl up causing trip hazard (comment relates to a temporary office building with marine ply floor using manufacturer carpet tile adhesive).
Roundtuit  
#4 Posted : 26 January 2015 10:29:06(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Roundtuit

Must agree with RayRapp - although carpet tiles are readily exchangeable in the event of cosmetic or material damage depending on what they are laid upon (and how) a constant maintenance nightmare ensuring they stay in place and do not curl up causing trip hazard (comment relates to a temporary office building with marine ply floor using manufacturer carpet tile adhesive).
Jane Blunt  
#5 Posted : 26 January 2015 10:36:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Jane Blunt

My personal experience of carpet tiles at work is very good.

It would appear that our flooring fitter (one man band) uses exactly the right combination of floor surface and carpet tile.

They don't lift, curl or do anything they should not do when he lays them.
hilary  
#6 Posted : 26 January 2015 10:38:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
hilary

Mine also Jane. The only probelm is that they stretch over time so if you do need to take them up you can't get them down again without trimming them. However, it's a small price to pay for flexibility. I recommend carpet tiles.
achrn  
#7 Posted : 26 January 2015 11:10:54(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
achrn

The only time we've had carpet tiles curling and causing trip hazard is when IT have repeatedly lifted them at a spot to get access under raised flooring. Then IT just kind of push the tile back into place and hope that'll hold (or, in one case, decided to supplement the adhesive with blu-tack). If laid properly and not tampered with, they are no problem. If IT want to get under the floor, make them specify a proper access point with a hatch, is my view.

Conversely, the ability to tamper is quite handy - we've recently had the main runway thoroughfare through the open-plan office lifted and relaid with new because they were wearing out (and uncleanably grubby). That could be done without any lifting and shifting of furniture, which would have been required if it wasn't discrete tiles.

So I wouldn't go for anything but carpet tiles.

A Kurdziel  
#8 Posted : 26 January 2015 12:29:03(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
A Kurdziel

We use carpet tiles in offices but have vinyl floors in labs and on corridors. Even a small liquid of makes the vinyl very slippery and we have to keep a close eye on them. So carpet tiles are ok in offices if properly laid and you don’t have “amateurs” digging them up all of the time (but if you have that then any sort of surface will be compromised in one way or another). Only use vinyl where it is imperative to have a wipe clean floor.
fiesta  
#9 Posted : 26 January 2015 12:29:31(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
fiesta

Carpet tiles every time.

I work for a fit-out / refurb company and that all we ever lay. (aside from breakout areas)
Pick a suitable colour and they will look good for years. With a suitable surface to bind to and the right adhesive / tackier they won't curl and if you need to move desks / floor power points over time you have that flexibility.

Get the contractor to leave you a couple of boxes as spares - you might struggle to get the same colour in a few years time.
Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.