Industrial Flooring Certifications: Standards and Requirements
Certifications for industrial flooring are a key criterion for ensuring the safety, durability and regulatory compliance of an installation. Beyond aesthetics or initial cost, certified performance provides verified evidence of how a material performs in terms of wear resistance, moisture, mechanical loads and slip resistance.
What certifications should industrial flooring comply with?
Industrial flooring must meet a range of technical requirements that demonstrate its suitability for demanding environments. These certifications assess key characteristics such as mechanical strength, user safety, water absorption and durability when exposed to chemicals and environmental conditions.
Safety, durability and regulatory compliance
Certifications do more than confirm compliance with current regulations. They also provide objective information about the long-term performance of a material, making specification easier and reducing risk throughout the service life of the installation.
Product standards for industrial flooring
European standards define the requirements and testing methods used to verify the performance of industrial flooring. In this field, EN 14411 specifies the requirements applicable to ceramic tiles, while the ISO 10545 series establishes the test methods used to assess their performance. These tests form the basis for demonstrating product conformity and obtaining CE marking, where applicable.
CE marking and European standards (EN)
CE marking is mandatory for the marketing of construction products within the European Union. It certifies that the material complies with the essential requirements for safety, health and performance set out in the relevant legislation.
Technical testing: strength, water absorption and durability
The EN 14411 and ISO 10545 standards define test methods for evaluating properties such as water absorption, flexural strength, chemical resistance, abrasion resistance and performance under mechanical loads—all of which are critical factors for industrial flooring.
Slip resistance in industrial flooring
Slip resistance is an essential safety requirement in industrial environments, particularly in areas exposed to moisture or substances that may increase the risk of slipping. EN 16165 sets out the test methods used to assess the slip resistance of flooring, including R classifications, helping specifiers select the most appropriate solution according to the intended use and the required level of safety.
Company certifications vs product certifications
It is important to distinguish between company management certifications and product certifications. While the former assess an organisation’s internal processes, the latter verify specific technical performance characteristics and are the certifications that genuinely determine the flooring’s performance.
How to choose certified industrial flooring
The selection should be based on the available technical documentation, accredited test results and the specific requirements of each project. Checking certifications and classifications helps ensure more reliable and informed decision-making.
Do all industrial flooring systems offer the same performance?
No. Materials perform very differently when exposed to wear, moisture and chemicals. Extruded porcelain stoneware stands out for its low water absorption, high mechanical strength and excellent slip resistance, making it particularly well suited to demanding industrial environments.
Exagres: certified performance for demanding projects
Exagres industrial solutions comply with the requirements of EN 14411, are tested in accordance with ISO 10545, and feature Class 3 anti-slip surfaces, providing safety and durability for demanding industrial applications.