Sep 12, 2024 | Access Mats
4 Amazing Ways Temporary SiteSafe™ Access Mats Keep the Site and Equipment Safe
Fall is knocking at the door, and with it, a rapidly changing climate comes here. It means you may experience rainfall or snow at any time that makes the ground soft and wet, creating challenging working conditions. Executing any project on such rough terrain, especially when it involves heavy machinery navigation and chemical transportation, becomes extremely difficult. Working across this unstable worksite is unsafe, and can cause harm to the ecosystem as well.
So, what now? Temporary SiteSafe™ Access mats are the best solution to navigate heavy machinery, even on unstable terrain, efficiently and safely. It not only protects your team present on site and in the work area but also your equipment.
Wonder how? See here.
Here’s How Temporary SiteSafe™ Access Mats Protect Equipment and Work Area
When it comes to ground protection mats for pipeline, power, construction, mining, renewables, oil and gas, transmission and distribution, or forestry and emergency response industries, you may find several options in the market. But nothing can beat temporary access mats, including traditional bolted access mats, SiteSafe™ CLT access mats, and SiteSafe™ access bridges, available from wood, steel, composite, or even a combination of these.
These heavy-duty temporary access mats not only protect the environment by preventing soil erosion and reducing damage to natural features but there is more beyond that:
Protecting the ground–
Woking on environmentally sensitive areas, like wetlands, agricultural sites, or other soft surfaces, can be challenging, especially for navigating heavy machinery and vehicles. With a temporary access mat, you can ensure smooth weight distribution of equipment across the worksite, which eliminates the risk of soil erosion. Above all, it reduces the necessity for extensive ground restoration after the work and preserves natural landscapes.
Accessing work platforms and roads–
To ensure machinery safely navigates the work areas, it needs a stable surface. The best way to create stable and safe work platforms or temporary roads to access the site is with temporary access mats. These mats create a solid pathway, improving machinery navigation and mobility of construction trucks without causing any damage to the ground. For short-term projects, these SiteSafe™ access mats are ideal for easy installation and removal.
Minimizing safety issues–
Safety issues for workers around the site are common in mining, construction, and oil and gas sectors, especially due to uneven surfaces. With temporary SiteSafe™ access mats, you can eliminate the risks of falls, slips, or trips. Moreover, since these access mats offer quick installation and removal, you can place them anytime, anywhere, considering the changing climate conditions and ensuring the safety of your crew.
Supporting heavy loads–
The surface of the worksite should have enough load-bearing capacity to support machinery, equipment, and heavy vehicles so they can navigate safely without breaking. But, when there are soft grounds, it’s best to create temporary flooring with access mats, specifically designed to support heavy loads and withstand the pressure, since the load spreads here over a huge surface area. As a result, the risks of ground failure are reduced.
In Conclusion
Temporary access mats are ideal to include in various industries like construction, mining, gas and oil, or even emergency response due to their functionality and safety assurance with temporary load-bearing pathways that eliminate the risks of safety hazards and ensure a stable worksite for machinery navigation.
Seeking one for your next project? At GFI Solutions, we offer temporary access solutions with our SiteSafe™ 300, 500, and 700 CLT access mats, traditional bolted mats, and even SiteSafe™ temporary access bridges (SiteSafe™ 40 and SiteSafe™ 56). All our access mats are easy to install and transport safely to a remote worksite while being affordable as well. Our access solutions are available for purchase or rent and can even be customized, as per your project needs.
Interested? Get a quote now!
May 3, 2024 | Access Mats
Construction sites often present challenging conditions, with rough terrain and unpredictable weather. And, ensuring the safety of workers and equipment is a top priority here. Access mats, also known as ground matting, play a vital role in construction areas. Why? Because these sturdy mats provide a temporary pathway to and from the construction site. Plus, they offer many other benefits that enhance the overall efficiency and safety of the project.
Today, we will explore 3 big reasons why construction sites need access mats
Temporary Roadways
One of the most common uses of access mats on construction sites is for building temporary roadways. Many times, construction projects take place in areas with rough or unstable terrain and simply getting to this job site can be a huge challenge. The challenge can be double when it is about transporting heavy materials and equipment. This is when access mats come to the rescue.
These sturdy mats can act as a stable foundation – allowing you to create temporary roadways, staging yards, drilling pads, and more. Using these superb-quality mats, you can safely drive to the work site, even in the most remote or rugged locations. And, there’s more! They also provide a safe, stable surface for workers to walk and operate to enhance job site safety.
Anti-Slip Walkway Matting Ensures Safety
On construction sites, safety should always be the top priority. There are numerous potential hazards and risks and it’s very crucial to take every precaution to protect workers from accidents. Anti-slip access matting is really beneficial in this context. They provide a secure and stable walking surface, even in wet or slippery conditions.
Using these heavy-duty access mats, workers can move around the job site with confidence. They know that the matting beneath their feet has a high-traction surface designed to prevent slips and falls. This extra grip can be a lifesaver, especially in areas where spills or moisture are common.
Protecting the Environment
Construction sites can have a significant impact on the surrounding environment, especially when heavy machinery is involved. The constant movement of vehicles and equipment – all of these can lead to soil erosion and disrupt the delicate microbial balance of the area. But, access mats provide a layer of protection that can help mitigate these environmental concerns.
Access mats create a temporary foundation over rugged terrain. They act as a barrier between your crew, equipment and the ground. This simple yet effective solution helps prevent accidental cross-contamination and potential damage to the environment you’re working in.
Top-quality access mats are eco-friendly, both in their manufacturing process and their ability to facilitate site recovery after project completion. This minimizes long-term environmental impact.
Since this matting solution protects the environment during construction, they can significantly cut down on costly remediation needed after the project. The good news is – it saves time and money in the long run.
Bottom Line
At GFI Solutions LTD, we understand the challenges of running construction projects on unstable or difficult terrain. That’s why we offer a wide range of access mat solutions to help you safely transport heavy loads across even the toughest grounds.
Our access mats come in various sizes, but the typical dimensions are 8 feet by 14 feet, with a thickness of 5 inches. However, we can custom-build mats to suit the specific requirements of your project.
We take pride in offering our customers a diverse selection of access mats for rent or purchase. Our inventory includes:
3-ply SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats
5-ply SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats
7-ply SiteSafe™ CLT Access Mats
Traditional Bolted Access Mats
We use innovative Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) technology to manufacture access mats that are 3 to 5 times stronger than traditional bolted mats. Plus, our CLT access mats are made with an environmentally safe adhesive.
CLT access mats are the industry standard for exceptional safe site access solutions, and they boast a lifespan that’s three to five times longer than traditional bolted mats.
Explore our products now! We also offer delivery, installation, mat washing, 24/7 customer service, and more! Call us to discuss your needs!
Apr 10, 2024 | Access Mats
When faced with the reality of navigating through rugged landscapes such as mud, swamps, or uneven terrain, access mats emerge as the unsung heroes of construction. But with various access mat grades available, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This post will break down the different access mat grades, explaining their basic details to ensure you select the proper access mat for your project.
#1 Grade A Mats
Grade A mats look like new but are used. They typically have minimal field use and negligible wear and tear, Grade A mats retain their original shape and structural integrity. All boards, nuts and bolts are fully in tact. Apart from investing in new access mats, Grade A mats are the next best option. They offer unmatched durability and reliability, making them the superior choice among other used options.
#2 Grade B Mats
Grade A and Grade B mats are pretty similar in appearance but not equally matched. Grade B mats are still structurally sound but will have moire wear and tear than a A grade access mat. While these mats may have slight cosmetic variations, their strength and functionality remain unaffected. So, don’t let the visual inadequacies of Grade B mats fool you. Despite showing some wear & tear, Grade B mats retain their fundamental qualities – stability and load capacity – making them a reliable option for most projects. Opting for Grade B mats can prove to be a savvy cost-saving strategy, particularly if you intend to utilize tracked equipment.
#3 Grade C Mats
This type of mat may be missing top boards, nuts, bolts and typically does not have all four corners in tact. Grade C mats are often used as a budget-friendly solution for projects requiring less capacity. Many projects need various layers of matting. Grade C mats can also be used in such scenarios as base layers.
Now that you better understand access mat grades, you’re well-equipped to choose the perfect solution for your project’s specific needs. Whether you require the top-tier performance of Grade A mats or the cost-effective functionality of Grade C, GFI Solutions LTD offers a comprehensive selection of access mats for sale. From traditional bolted access mats to specialized options like CLT access mats, our team of experts is here to guide you toward the optimal choice for your project’s success.
We have decades of experience helping clients overcome challenging terrain using our access mats. Our experts work hand in hand with clients to assist them in finding the optimum solution for their project. Contact us today to discuss your access matting requirements and experience the difference our products and expertise can make.
Feb 19, 2024 | Access Mats
Are you tackling a large civil construction project? If so, you’re likely familiar with the challenges posed by uneven terrain and environmentally sensitive work areas. Navigating heavy machinery across rocky landscapes or constructing temporary roadways can be daunting tasks.
If you’re grappling with these challenges and in need of a durable access solution, consider SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) mats. Unlike traditional options, SiteSafe CLT access mats offer superior strength, durability, and affordability. They provide reliable ground protection, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination.
Curious about SiteSafe CLT mats and their applications? Look no further – today’s blog has all the answers you need.
What Are SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Access Mats, and How Are They Built?
CLT Timber access mats SiteSafe CLT Timber access mats are crafted from layers of wood bonded perpendicular to one another using a robust environmentally friendly adhesive. This process results in resilient solid access mats that outperform conventional bolted access mats. Once installed, these access mats create stable surfaces for temporary roads, right of ways, staging areas, and or work pads on sites with uneven or unstable terrain.
SiteSafe CLT construction mats unergo rigorous quality assurance tests to measure the durability and strength of the adhesive bond, ensuring that they are safe enough to be used on job sites for access and ground protection.
Benefits of SiteSafe CLT Access Mats at Construction Job Sites
Although GFI continues to provide traditional bolted access mats for temporary road access and heavy equipment navigation on construction sites, SiteSafe CLT heavy equipment mats and construction mats offer a compelling alternative. Not only are they sustainably built to align with forest practices, but they also boast superior durability, strength, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Recent research indicates that SiteSafe CLT access mats can yield significant savings, reducing installation and removal expenses by up to 40% and transportation costs by 60% compared to conventional options. Additionally, CLT access mats provide enhanced ground protection where needed, surpassing the performance of traditional bolted mats on job sites.
Is It Possible to Repair SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber Access Mats?
SiteSafe CLT access mats are deployed to stabilize unstable terrain on construction sites, such as rocky slopes, muskeg, soil, creeks, and swamps, ensuring safe and stable temporary road access or support for heavy equipment. Despite their resilience, there is a possibility of damage when tracked equipment is driven over them. However, any such damage can be easily repaired by skilled crews using appropriate tools, swiftly and securely.
Can SiteSafe CLT Access Mats be Reused at Different Construction Sites?
Indeed, SiteSafe Cross-Laminated Timber access mats, being a single solid piece of wood, offer a simpler cleaning process compared to traditional bolted access mats with gaps. Moreover, when a SiteSafe CLT mat reaches the end of its lifespan, it can be repurposed in versatile ways, such as serving as livestock bedding, contributing to biofuel production, or acting as a ground surface for mulch.
In Conclusion
Ready to adopt this durable access solution? If so, look no further! At GFI Solutions LTD, we specialize in providing SiteSafe CLT access matting solutions tailored to your needs. Whether your project involves construction, oil and gas, pipeline, mining, or any other industry, we’ve got you covered with custom sizing options. Whether you require 10 access mats for ground stabilization or 10,000 mats, with our large fleet of equipment, skilled crews, and quality products GFI Soltuions ensures a swift and safe execution.
As a matter of fact, GFI boasts the largest fleet of CLT and traditional bolted 8’ x 14’ access mats for sale in Canada. Don’t hesitate – reach out to our team today or request a quote to kickstart your project with confidence!
Jan 11, 2024 | Access Mats, News
Swamp mats, also known as access mats, are a convenient way to overcome any delays to a project that result from unfavourable terrain conditions. Swamp mats are an excellent resource for protecting ecologically sensitive areas as well. GFI Solutions is Canada’s leading supplier of Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) mats, with both new and various grades of used swamp mats to work for any situation.
GFI Solutions’ swamp mats are made from Longleaf Southern Yellow Pine that has been sustainably grown and harvested to produce lighter, more durable mats. Each one of these mats is cross-laminated to be stronger than traditional single wood or composite swamp mats. Below, we will dive into why you may want to invest in used swamp mats for sale instead of new ones. Discover how we ensure that our used swamp mats are completely safe.
Are Used Swamp Mats Safe?
Yes, used swamp mats are safe. In fact, used swamp mats are sometimes more beneficial than new ones. There are a variety of ways that GFI Solutions makes sure that all of our used access mats for sale are in top condition and are safe to use.
Mat Washing
Ensuring each mat is completely sanitary for its next use is essential in combating cross-contamination that can harm the surrounding habitat. Cross-contamination is our number one concern when swamp mats are being used to haul fuel, chemicals, and other toxic materials. We wash, bleach and dry mats properly so that their next use is safe for any environment through our Mat Management Program.
Thorough Inspection
Although our CLT swamp mats are more robust than many other swamp mats for sale today, all mats will experience wear and tear over time. After a thorough inspection, we will put up for sale the used swamp mats that are in good condition and triage the ones that are in need of repair. Mats with extensive damage are instantly disposed to ensure your job site is protected.
Installation and Delivery
GFI Solutions offers a professional Mat Delivery and Installation service that can help prevent premature damage from occurring as a result of improper handling. Both our shipping vehicles and our staff can take care of your used swamp mats in a manner that keeps your used swamp mats in great shape for your use. Our CLT swamp mats are up to 33% lighter than traditional bolted access mats and can save you up to 40% on transportation and shipping costs.
Used Swamp Mats For Sale
Used swamp mats for sale offer many benefits for users that a new swamp mat cannot always beat. While a used swamp mat may have damage, this can provide a better grip for shoes and wheels alike when the terrain is wet or slippery. Divots and dents can provide more grip when the weather is unfavourable. The other major benefit of used swamp mats for sale are the price. GFI Solutions has different grades of used swamp mats available to buy, and we can help you find the right swamp mats for your project. Contact us today!
Jan 11, 2024 | Access Mats, News
When working in remote outdoor areas, the ground you are set to work on can be unpredictable and challenging to maneuver. Access mats are a cost-effective solution to this problem. GFI Solutions makes quality, affordable access mats for jobs happening in remote locations, including forestry, oil and gas, and construction industries. No matter the job, our access mats can provide safe and reliable accessibility for your staff and equipment alike. Let’s take a closer look at GFI Solutions access mats.
Access Mats for Remote Jobs
Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) makes our boards solid and flush; there is no gapping that can result in tripping hazards or breakage. Traditional bolted mats can break under heavier loads, but our Site Safe 300 access mats can withstand over 1,300 lbs. You can choose between 3-ply, 5-ply, and 7-ply CLT access mats to fit your remote job, and we can transport and install them for you to save you time and money. For cost-effective options that fit into your project budget, or if you are looking for extra grip in wet or swampy environments, used access mats may be right for you.
Buy New or Used Mats
There are benefits to using both new and used access mats; one benefit of new mats is that they, by default, have a longer lifespan, but used mats can give grip in more slippery conditions. GFI Solutions has thousands of access mats in all grades available for you to buy or rent.
Buying mats allows you to have one investment for many uses. To ensure that your access mats last as long as possible, we recommend properly cleaning and storing your mats. If that is out of your scope, GFI’s Mat Management Program can assist you in the care your mats need to help increase their lifespan. When you aren’t sure how often your crew will need access mats, renting is a great alternative. GFI rents out mats of all grades of used mats so that you can meet your budget while getting the right quality access mats.
Last-Minute Delivery and Installation
No matter when you realize you need mats, GFI Solutions can be there to deliver and install access mats for you. We work with many jobs that require immediate attention and a quick turnaround. This is not a problem for us! Our delivery and installation team can easily take care of bringing in quality access mats for you and setting them up.
Professional installation by our team can eliminate extra time lost in the shuffling of mats. Our team installs access mats on the regular and are experts in determining the best course of layout for any given location. Plus, with an experienced delivery team, we can ensure that no damage is caused to your access mats before they arrive.
Get Dependable Access Mats Now
Contact GFI Solutions to get the best quality access mats in Canada. Our mats meet environmental regulations and are completely biodegradable, should any pieces be left behind. Ask us how you can save up to 60% on shipping costs!
