ASTM D178 or IEC 61111- which electrical panel rubber mat should you buy in the GCC countries?

Do you consider local safety guidelines while buying electrical rubber mats?

Electrical safety is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when you are running a factory. The GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries boast of their industrial diversity. From construction to energy, in this part of the world, you will find it all. The thriving industrial buildings here, still stay neglected in terms of electrical safety.

According to Arab News, 70% of fire accidents in Saudi Arabia’s cities are caused by electrical issues.

During a physical education class at a school in the southern Jazan region, a male student suffered severe injuries from an electrical shock originating from the school gym (Saudi Gazette).

There are myriad other examples. However, the question here is ‘why’?

Can the electrical rubber mats act as a safety shield here? Our research tells us they can. Although, you will have to use a safety-compliant high-voltage mat.
Let’s explore what are the safety parameters followed in the GCC countries. The blog also contains tips for selecting the right electrical rubber mat following them.
Electrical rubber mats, also referred to as insulated rubber mats, is a necessary protective equipment. Made of elastomer (and some other compounds), an electrical panel rubber man when laid in front of high-voltage equipment, channelizes static electricity to the ground. Without the electrical rubber mats, electricity will affect the personnel standing on bare ground- wounding or even killing them.
The insulating rubber mats are manufactured following global/local safety standards. In India, you can find the IS 15652 rubber mat for electrical purpose.
In the USA, the ASTM D178 standard is followed while in the European countries, electrical rubber mats of the IEC 61111 standard are accepted.

Image of ASTM Matting

Who develops these insulating rubber mats safety standards?

Every workplace has to abide by some labor laws to protect the integrity and well-being of human workers. Similar to the types of insulated rubber mats, there are various labor organizations behind formulating the compliance standards.

But with so many options available, how do you ensure you’re selecting the right rubber mat for electrical panel for your specific needs in the GCC region?

Moreover, the biggest adversity here is the climate.

The extreme temperature and the harshness of the weather make it challenging to follow the safety guidelines, and out-and-out. Therefore, while selecting an electrical safety mat here, you have to be a little cautious.

In Saudi Arabia, workers’ rights and duties are taken into account by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), which serves as a legislator and regulator of the labor market. These rights and duties are aligned with human rights standards in the Kingdom, overseen by the Human Rights Commission (HRC).

Every workplace has to abide by some labor laws to protect the integrity and well-being of human workers. Similar to the types of insulated rubber mats, there are various labor organizations behind formulating the compliance standards.

But with so many options available, how do you ensure you’re selecting the right rubber mat for electrical panel for your specific needs in the GCC region?
Moreover, the biggest adversity here is the climate.

The extreme temperature and the harshness of the weather make it challenging to follow the safety guidelines, and out-and-out. Therefore, while selecting an electrical safety mat here, you have to be a little cautious.

In Saudi Arabia, workers’ rights and duties are taken into account by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD), which serves as a legislator and regulator of the labor market. These rights and duties are aligned with human rights standards in the Kingdom, overseen by the Human Rights Commission (HRC).

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Here is a part of the entire article containing what it says about worker safety (mentioned in the eighth chapter of the Saudi Labour Law) at work:

  • Employers must take necessary precautions to protect workers from hazards, occupational diseases, and machinery.
  • Prior to work, employers must inform workers of job hazards and provide necessary protective equipment and training.
  • Workers are responsible for using and preserving personal protective equipment and following safety instructions to protect their health and colleagues.
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How to select electrical rubber mats in the GCC region?

The labor laws in the GCC countries are made in the light of the HRC. Thus, product specialists recommend using the IEC 61111 insulating rubber mats in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Here are 4 points to keep in mind before buying the electrical rubber mats following the electrical rubber mat specifications:

1. Check the insulated rubber mats certification: Safety personnel use the insulating rubber mats for electrical maintenance, electrical work safety, industrial safety, and construction safety.
Thus, the testing certificate is the most vital document to care for. The testing certificate for IEC mats includes manufacturer details, product identification, test standards, results, testing date, certification statement, and validity period.

2. Confirm the compliance of a rubber mat for electrical purpose: As a buyer, one should consider the weather extremities while buying a rubber mat for electrical purpose, here. The scorching heat at day, extreme cold at night, and dust storms in between- there are too many things to endure.
Here the compliance of the electrical rubber mats comes into the picture. The compliance standards of IEC 61111 mats refer to the specific requirements outlined in the international standard IEC 61111 that electrical rubber mats used for safety purposes must meet.

3. Certifications of the supplier: On typing ‘electrical rubber mat suppliers near me’, you will find hundreds of names coming on the internet. Have you thought how many of them are certified? Well, as the test certificates highlight the genuineness of the electrical rubber mats, the manufacturer’s certification also adds to the credibility.

Must Read – What are the differences between Class: A, B & C electrical rubber mat

Hence, the authenticity of the IEC 61111 electrical rubber mats supplier, manufacturer, or exporter boils down to certifications like:

  • IEC 61111 Certification: This is the holy grail. Look for companies that proudly display it or provide documentation on request.
  • ISO 9001 Certification: This signifies a quality management system, ensuring consistent quality in their mats.
    Industry Association
  • Memberships: Membership in relevant rubber product associations is a plus.
    Duratuf is an ISO 9001: 2015 certified company with industry certifications and memberships. Some of them are IEC, ASTM, REACH, RoHS, CE, AIRIA, etc.

4. Go for an Experienced Supplier: Experience matters at times. An exporter or electrical safety mat supplier may have the necessary certificates but not enough exposure. Duratuf has a local presence in the UAE with channel partners throughout the region. Hence, our specialists stay in touch with the local governance measures and their updates.

Snippet box: You cannot create experience. You must undergo it.’ – Albert Camus

Does Duratuf Meet All these points as a Supplier?

Duratuf Insulated Rubber Mats are in high demand in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Some of our major projects include:

Moreover, we boast an extensive client portfolio. Some of our clients include Saudi Aramco, SABIC, Qatar Gas, Abu Dhabi Airports, Qatar Railways, twofour54, and more.

Nonetheless, our clients have time and again attested to our goodwill.

“I had the experience of dealing with Duratuf Products recently, and I must say, their commitment to customer support is truly commendable. From the moment I reached out to inquire about their products to the post-purchase assistance, their team was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely eager to help…”

Muhammed Thoufeek, Google Review

“Honest, cooperative and reliable people. Very good quality product. It is a delight to do business with them.”

Huzaifa Malik, Google Review
In Conclusion

In the GCC countries, it is practical to go for the IEC 61111 insulated rubber mats. They comply with the local safety guidelines as mentioned in the MHRSD. Our experts can help you choose the right class of IEC 61111 electrical rubber mats. Get in touch today!

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