TR A F F I C CO N D I T I O N S D I C TAT E F LO O R CA R E

Soils such as sand, dust, and grit are generally not a significant problem for floors until

people and equipment are introduced to the environment. These dry soils have sharp

edges and when walked on or rolled over, they can start abrading, eroding, and

otherwise damaging the floor and its finish.

The number of people and mechanical vehicles traveling on a floor is referred to as

traffic, and the amount of traffic on the floor will help determine the amount and type

of cleaning and maintenance the floor will need.

LOW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS

A low-traffic environment is a small

space where approximately 100 to 500

people may walk through each day.

Examples include small offices or retail

stores. Daily sweeping and vacuuming

is required to remove light debris, dust,

and other soils. Weekly wet floor

maintenance should be all that is

needed to maintain a thorough clean.

FLOORING FOR LOW TRAFFIC CONDITIONS

Due to the low volume of people filing

through each day and the minimal

maintenance required, low traffic

conditions have the greatest range of

optimal flooring types that can be

considered. Options include hardwood,

laminate, tile, natural stone, carpet,

vinyl, and cork, for example.

MEDIUM TRAFFIC CONDITIONS

A medium-traffic environment

encompasses smaller class "A" and

class "B" buildings. These facilities

typically have 500 to 1,500 people

walking through them each day and

will require daily cleaning. In addition

to a daily sweeping or vacuuming, a

wet maintenance routine at the end

of each day is needed to maintain a

thorough clean.

FLOORING FOR MEDIUM TRAFFIC

CONDITIONS

Medium traffic areas can use a mix

of flooring that both the low and

high traffic areas can utilize.

Examples include commercial

bamboo, tile, solid hardwood with a

strong hardness rating, and

concrete, for example.

HIGH TRAFFIC CONDITIONS High-traffic facilities face anywhere

from 1,500 to 100,000 people or

more every day. Examples include

large office buildings, sports

complexes, hospitals, schools, and

transportation centers like airports

and bus stations. These floors are

constantly being soiled and require

floor maintenance multiple times

throughout the day.

FLOORING FOR HIGH TRAFFIC

CONDITIONS High traffic conditions are best met with

tough, durable, and solid flooring that can

handle the wear and tear that the area

will face daily and over time. The ideal

floor types are ceramic that is rated 4 or 5

on the PEI chart, concrete, natural stone

such as granite, limestone, sandstone,

laminate flooring with a thick layer of

melamine resin, and engineered or solid

hardwood with a strong hardness rating.

TRAFFIC PATTERNS VARY It is important to realize that certain areas within a facility may have multiple traffic

patterns over time or multiple traffic patterns within the facility at any given time. As an

example of the latter, lobbies, primary walkways, and entries into retail stores can be high-

traffic areas while other areas within the same facility may have medium or even low

traffic.

To ensure proper floor maintenance, cleaning professionals need to be clear on which

areas need the most frequent attention and should consider preventative care as well. This

ensures the floors are maintained, reduces costs, and can help reduce restorative cycles.

Performance Systems Janitorial Supply

offers high-quality refurbished machines

that have been tested by trained

technicians. In addition to machines, PS

Janitorial provides operating assistance,

as well as parts, rentals, and repair

services. Contact a consultant to find the

most productive, easy-to-operate, and

safest machine to meet your needs.

Website: http://www.psjanitorial.com

Phone: 1-800-747-5096

SOURCES

1. http://www.bir.org/industry/plastics/

2. http://www.bir.org/industry/plastics/

3. http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/plastics.htm

4. http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=recycling_facts_and_stats

5. http://www.kab.org/site/PageServer?pagename=recycling_facts_and_stats

6. http://www.epa.gov/osw/conserve/materials/plastics.htm

7. http://www.bir.org/industry/plastics/

8. http://environment.about.com/od/recycling/a/benefits-of-plastics-recycling.htm

SUMMARY

Traffic conditions primarily dictate the level of care and maintenance a facility’s flooring needs. Maintaining the appropriate care program ensures floors last a long time while boosting aesthetic appeal and overall cleanliness of a facility.