BS8300 compliance: entrance matting for accessibility in construction projects
In today’s construction projects, accessibility and inclusivity are part of good design and responsible building practice. They are also a legal requirement and, here, we look at BS8300 compliance.
For construction project managers, ensuring BS8300 compliance is a crucial step in delivering accessible, safe, and high-performing environments.
What Is BS8300?
BS8300 is the British Standard that gives guidance on building design, and how it meets the needs of disabled people. Previously known as ‘BS8300-1:2018 and BS8300-2:2018 Design of an accessible and inclusive built environment’, it supports compliance with the Equality Act 2010 and the Building Regulations Approved Document M.
BS8300 ensures building accessibility for all users, to include those with mobility impairments, visual impairments, or other disabilities. It covers such areas as building entrances, corridors, and surfaces to sanitary facilities.
Entrance matting and accessibility
The primary role of entrance matting is to remove dirt, moisture, and debris from footwear and wheels, so it plays a crucial role in maintaining accessibility and safety in high-traffic areas.
Quality entrance matting solutions will:
• Reduce slip hazards on interior flooring.
• Maintain cleanliness and durability of floor finishes.
• Provide a level, stable, and firm surface suitable for wheelchair and mobility aid users.
The emphasis here, however, is on quality entrance matting that is well-specified and correctly installed. Anything else will create trip hazards, uneven transitions, or non-compliant thresholds, which will compromise accessibility and fail to meet BS8300 standards.
BS8300 requirements for entrance matting
BS8300-2:2018 gives specific guidance on the design and installation of entrance flooring systems, for the following areas, in order to support safe and independent access for everyone entering the building:
• Surface evenness – entrance matting must be flush with adjacent floor surfaces, with no abrupt changes in level greater than 4mm. This ensures that there are no trip hazards or barriers for individuals using mobility aids such as wheelchairs or walkers.
• Slip resistance - surfaces should have appropriate slip resistance in both wet and dry conditions.
• Visual contrast - where matting forms part of the entrance flooring, there should be sufficient visual contrast (typically 30 LRV points*) between the mat well and the surrounding floor. This contrast helps visually impaired users easily distinguish the mat from the floor, enhancing both safety and navigation.
• Moisture control - entrance matting systems should extend sufficiently to remove moisture effectively (typically the equivalent of two full steps - around 2.1–2.4 metres - within the direction of travel).
• Secure installation – entrance matting must be securely fixed or recessed into mat wells to avoid movement or curling edges.
Design and specification considerations
When considering BS8300 compliance, project managers should consider:
Location and traffic – the high volume traffic of commercial entrances need hardwearing, heavy-duty matting systems capable of handling trolleys, mobility aids, and footfall.
Type of entrance matting – types of entrance matting include aluminium grid systems, textile infill mats, and modular tile systems, depending on aesthetic requirements and performance needs.
Recessed vs. surface-mounted matting – recessed mat wells provide a level, trip-free finish, while surface-mounted systems should include ramped edging for smooth transitions.
Maintenance and cleaning – a regular cleaning routine will ensure long-term performance and maintain slip resistance.
Aesthetics – colour and material choices can enhance the entrance design while ensuring visual contrast for accessibility.
Accessibility and inclusive design
Ensuring your entrance design is compliant reflects a commitment to access for all. Entrance matting ensures that:
• Wheelchairs, prams, pushchairs and anyone who uses walking aids, can cross thresholds smoothly and safely.
• The visually impaired can identify entrances through tactile and visual cues.
• All users experience a safe, welcoming entry experience.
The benefits of BS8300-compliant entrance matting
• Regulatory compliance with BS8300, the Equality Act, and Building Regulations.
• Enhanced safety, reducing slip and trip risks.
• Improved user experience for all visitors.
• Reduced maintenance costs by protecting interior floors.
• Professional appearance, enhancing the overall quality of the building.
When project managers invest in compliant entrance matting systems, the reduce risks and demonstrate a proactive approach to inclusive design.
Guidance for construction projects
The following easy-to-follow steps will ensure your project achieves BS8300 compliance:
• Work with an entrance matting specialist early in the design phase.
• Accessibility audits must be carried out to identify potential hazards or non-compliant transitions.
• Specify products that are independently tested for slip resistance and durability.
• Ensure installation is carried out by trained professionals following manufacturer guidance.
• Document compliance within your O&M (operation and maintenance) manuals to support post-occupancy inspections.
Partner with Entrance Matting Systems (EMS)
A trusted UK entrance matting supplier can provide technical advice, samples, and specification support tailored to your project’s performance, design, and compliance needs. At EMS (Entrance Matting Systems), we specialise in BS8300-compliant entrance matting solutions for construction projects across the UK. Our multi-track entrance matting systems deliver performance, safety, and accessibility in commercial, public, and residential developments, and were originally developed for the London Underground.
Whether you’re specifying for a new build or refurbishment, our expert team can help you achieve full compliance with BS8300 and Part M requirements — while enhancing the look and functionality of your building’s entrance.
Get in touch today for technical guidance, product recommendations, and compliant entrance matting specifications for your next project. Simply email info@entrance-matting.com or call 01205 761757.
*LRV, or Light Reflective Value, measures how much light is reflected or absorbed by different colours. It is measured on a scale from 0-100 – colours lower than 50 will absorb more light than they reflect.
