Is the wet-pour rubber flooring suitable for indoor and bathroom use? What type of flooring is recommended for (interior) residential spaces of people that tend to fall and/or self-harm? Are there any relevant standards?

Last Updated 28th January 2020

There are no Standards available giving recommendations for flooring solutions that can prevent falls as well as injuries from the falls and from self-injurious behaviours.

Wet-pour rubber floors are weather resistant and shock-absorbent and are recommended for use in playgrounds and other exterior spaces. However, they are not ideal for interior spaces, as they are not waterproof and their cleaning with chemicals might cause degradation of the surface. Even though not many scientific studies are currently available, there is evidence that some types of rubber floors might potentially emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particles that are dangerous for human health, especially when exposure is frequent and in a space that is not aired continuously.

For this reason, carpet, rubber, timber and cork with underlay and appropriate waterproof sealing are typically preferred. The most used would be a waterproof durable wear layer underscored by a shock-absorbent underlay.