Introduction
The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) is known for preserving and celebrating the rich history of steam railways in the UK. In a landmark event, the WSRHT welcomed the legendary locomotive The Flying Scotsman, famously recognised as the first steam-powered train to break the 100 mph barrier in regular service. Given the locomotive’s iconic status and historical significance, it attracted a large number of railway enthusiasts, families and visitors who wanted to witness this piece of history up close.
In August 2023, Grassmats Ltd previously supported the WSRHT by donating a roll of anti-slip matting to enhance the safety of the grounds around a 1928 composite coach exhibition. Building on this successful partnership, Grassmats extended their support for the Flying Scotsman event with additional anti-slip mats that were designed to protect visitors during what was anticipated to be a very busy exhibition.
An Anti-Slip Solution
Recognising the importance of visitor safety during the Flying Scotsman exhibition, Grassmats donated two further rolls of high-quality anti-slip matting. Given that much of the event took place outdoors, the matting had to withstand varied weather conditions while also providing secure and durable path for visitors of all ages.
A critical use of the matting was at the locomotive’s footplate, a raised entry point onto the train. This area posed a potential slip hazard due to frequent foot traffic and the possibility of wet conditions. By installing a section of anti-slip matting here, WSRHT were able to ensure that visitors could safely climb aboard and explore the legendary engine without fear of slipping, enhancing both safety and visitor experience.
Additionally, the remainder of the matting was laid out as a continuous walkway connecting the museum facilities to the historic cattle dock. This pathway provided a stable, secure surface so that visitors could walk freely and confidently across uneven ground, minimising the risk of slips or falls throughout the space.
Benefits of Non-Slip Matting
Non-slip matting plays an essential role in safeguarding visitors, especially for large-scale public events with high footfall, like the Flying Scotsman exhibition. The benefits include:
- Enhanced Visitor Safety – By providing reliable traction, the matting significantly reduces the likelihood of slips, trips and falls, all of which are common hazards in busy, wet or uneven environments.
- Weather Resistance – Outdoor events are vulnerable to unpredictable weather. Non-slip matting ensures that moisture, rain or even morning dew does not translate into dangerous walking conditions.
- Versatility and Durability – Grassmats’ products are designed to withstand heavy foot traffic and varying terrain, making them ideal for historic settings where uneven surfaces and outdoor exposure are frequent.
- Improved Visitor Experience – Visitors can enjoy exhibitions and interact with displays like The Flying Scotsman knowing their safety has been prioritised. This encourages longer visits and positive feedback.
- Compliance with Safety Standards – Installing non-slip surfaces supports venue compliance with health and safety regulations.
Grassmats Ltd’s collaboration with the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust exemplifies how practical safety solutions can seamlessly integrate with heritage events to enhance visitor experience without compromising on ground protection. The donated anti-slip matting ensured that the excitement of seeing the Flying Scotsman up close was not sabotaged by the risk of falls.
By investing in these safety measures, the WSRHT reinforced its commitment to protecting visitors while celebrating the legacy of steam railways, and set themselves up for future exhibitions and events.
