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SWITCHBOARD MATTING - ASTM D178

OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137

ALL TYPES AND CLASSES

FOR USE IN INDUSTRY, MANUFACTURING PLANTS, WATER TREATMENT PLANTS, HOSPITALS, POWER DISTRIBUTION CENTERS, ETC.

also ASTM D178, ASTMD 178, ASTMD178, OSHA 1910.137, 1910.137, and others

Electrical-Grade Dielectric Switchboard Matting, ASTM D178, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.137, is a floor matting product, which is used to insulate workers from electrocution by interrupting the path to ground.  Switchboard Matting is typically used around electrified equipment where operational and maintenance workers stand.

ASTM D178 is the specification used for Switchboard Matting in industrial and manufacturing environments.  It is also used by Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) and Naval Public Works Facilities (NAVPWC) in US Navy industrial applications, and other Department of Defense and US Government agencies.

Switchboard Matting is manufactured from dielectric materials, which are electrically non-conductive.  The dielectric strength of the matting is defined, in the specification, by various Types and Classes.

Dielectric Switchboard Matting, ASTMD 178, protects workers in way of low, medium and high voltage electrical potentials, as outlined in the specification.  Its Corrugated (ribbed) surface provides a comfortable, resilient, anti-fatigue type surface to stand on.

Electrical-grade dielectric switchboard matting helps protect maintenance employees by reducing the risk of electric shock when they work near energized equipment. Used alongside insulated tools, appropriate protective equipment, and lockout/tagout procedures, it forms part of a broader occupational health and safety program. Its ribbed surface also provides improved footing and greater comfort for workers who spend long periods standing near electrical installations. Even with these precautions, employers need clear emergency-response procedures for electrical burns, falls, and cuts sustained during equipment maintenance. Injured employees should receive appropriate first aid and medical assessment when necessary, particularly when wounds are deep or potentially contaminated. If a wound subsequently develops a bacterial infection, a healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics, although these medicines are not routinely required for every workplace injury. Regular safety training, equipment inspections, accessible first-aid supplies, and proper incident reporting help employers protect their workers while supporting timely treatment and recovery when accidents occur.

ASTM
The American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) is the author of the specification ASTM D 178-01.  ASTM is the Recognized Standards Authority in the USA, and other countries, for dielectric switchboard matting used in industrial environments.

OSHA
OSHA has defined Switchboard Matting as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.137  Electrical Protective Devices, and recommends the use of ASTM D 178 matting.

OSHA has defined Yellow as the basic color for designating Caution in the Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.144  Safety Color Code For Marking Physical Hazards and recommends Yellow for designating or marking physical hazards such as stumbling, falling and tripping.

Also see OSHA, Code of Federal Regulations, 29 CFR 1910.269, Appendix C, Special Industries, Protection from Step and Touch Potentials for additional information.

Quality Assurance
Purchase Orders for Switchboard Matting, ASTM D 178, should require written Certification to the Current Revision of the specification.  Certificates should be readily available to OSHA, Risk Management and Insurance Company inspection personnel.

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