Flooring Aug/Sep 2020

August / September 2020

A T I N G 50 YE AR ON

AN FL OOR S•

S

C

BR E L E

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND

AUST

•C

S

S

AUS N O

TR

RALIAN F L O OR

Innovative flooring solutions

ELE

B R AT

I N G 50 YE A

R

Coreflex is waterproof hybrid flooring taken to the next level, with its advanced multi-layered system.

What sets it apart is the introduction of two additional LVT layers. The first layer delivers a more authentic timber feel whilst the second, located underneath the core provides additonal stability and comfort.

www.kenbrock.com.au

www.kenbrock.com.au

Combined these aditional LVT layers also gives Coreflex superior flexility, to better hug the subflor and minimize footfall noise.

VIC 22-24 Edison Road Dandenong South VIC 3175 T 03 9765 2222 F 03 9765 2233

QLD 2 Kingsbury Street Brendale QLD 4500 T 07 3881 1000 F 07 3881 3287

WA-NT T 1800 674 145 F 03 9765 2233 TAS-SA T 1800 674 145 F 03 9765 2233 NSW-ACT T 1300 785 000 F 07 3881 3287

Contents

3

vol 38 no 4

News

Editor’s Note

4

Over 50 years on Australian floors

Spotlight On 16

Andersens Flooring now open in Canberra

Feature 18

Managing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure: In the construction industry

Icon 28

Bob Fletcher

Technical Bulletin 32

Keeping the controlled environment under control

Welcome to the August / September issue of Flooring Magazine. Inside this issue you will find our Safety Feature where the team at WorkSafe explain how to manage the risk of Coronavirus exposure on worksites, including how to prepare a COVID safe plan and the steps employers must take to maintain a safe working environment.

Our Icon this month is Bob Fletcher who, from humble beginnings as a floor sander, went on to establish Designer Flake, and is credited with making epoxy seamless flake flooring popular in Australia.

Please feel free to contact me directly regarding any industry relevant news, training and events or if you know of a person worthy of Icon status, by email at michelle. cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au Don’t forget to join our online community and visit us on Facebook, Instagram and Pintrest.

Software 36

Post COVID – Influencing our business performance

Until next time, enjoy your read.

Prep, Install & Care 40

An affordable installation option

Michelle Cammiade Editor

Overseas News 42

DOMOTEX postpones trade show

Flooring Magazine is now on: @flooringmagazineaustralia

Front Cover Kenbrock www.kenbrock.com.au

@flooringmagazine @flooringmagazine

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

News

4

Over 50 years on Australian floors

T

he flooring market has, for decades, presented a parallel reflection of the lifestyles and decor of urban and rural communities across Australia.

Those who get all teary eyed about the past often forget that the so called simple life, more often than not, usually just meant fewer choices. In post war 1950’s Australia your average bloke drove the FJ off to the local hardware store for a steel edge ruler, a Stanley knife and a roll of lino. With this he could ‘do up’ the kitchen floor and maybe even the bathroom. If there was any left over, the kitchen table completed a job well done.

For those with a few more ‘quid' to spend and in search of a more genteel lifestyle, carpet was, as dictated by the Vogues and Home Beautifuls of the day, the classier option.

So, what changed?

The arrival of innovative flooring companies like Kenbrock is what changed the flooring landscape. Resilient flooring took on new forms such as the iconic Pirelli rubber range that Kenbrock imported from Italy in the

1960’s. By the 80’s Kenbrock became the first and only company ever to be licensed to manufacture this range of rubber flooring.

In the 90’s Kenbrock also added the very stylish Kinetics rubber range with its multiple applications and visionary colour and chip selection options.

Creative architects and specifiers embraced these new product innovations and proceeded to blur the boundaries between residential and commercial spaces in urban design. Previously aspirational double fronted brick veneers were shunned for what were once inner city slum cottages, small factories became homes, back yards became too small to swing a cat let alone kick a footy and grunge became a fashion statement.

Look, feel, comfort, health Even a decade before the turn of the century approached, Kenbrock’s search for technological advances delivered commercial grade vinyl flooring from Gerflor in France and homemakers were treated to cushioned vinyl from Germany

to ease their aching feet and legs, at the kitchen bench, after a hard day at work.

Medical researchers concluded that these hard floors harboured less mites and allergens than others, particularly carpet, so could only be a benefit to the increasing number of sufferers of asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Next came the call for Phthalate free ranges and the Hexamoll Dinch phthalate free plasticiser was developed for a safer environment, particularly for our children.

Later health developments have included anti-bacterial and anti-fungal technology.

Those who were still wedded to the notion of what they regarded as ‘natural’ flooring, such as timber, slate, cork, ceramic tiles etc came to realise that issues such as time management and cost of maintenance, comfort, noise, waterproofing and resilience were far better answered by the newer more modern incarnations of Kenbrock vinyl 6 planks and tiles.

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

News

6

Advanced reproductive processes could accurately replicate any image from popular stone colours and patterns to the rarest timbers, from anywhere in the world, without cracking a single stone or cutting down a single tree.

Edge Technology. Products are manufactured in ISO9001 and ISO14001certified facilities to minimise energy consumption and greenhouse emissions.

The innovation continues Never a team to rest on their laurels, recent Kenbrock technical advances have continued to put product development front and centre of the company ethos.

You could comfortably enjoy a rural floor decor in your inner city nook, a slick clean floor in your farmhouse or a practical and comfortable underfoot solution to your cold, hard concrete slab.

New Hybrid ranges, such as Kenect 5G, combine the best of LVT with new core technology, delivering highly stable, multi layered construction, advanced locking systems, waterproof floors that feel softer and quieter, wear better and can simply be picked up and relayed.

Not only could the colours and grains be visually reproduced but so could the tactile finishes and textures which have become part of the Kenbrock flooring experience.

Lifestyle, the new mantra and the millennium Midnight 31st December 1999 may have proved an IT non event but flooring technology marched on at an ever increasing pace. Recognising LVT as the future of resilient flooring, Kenbrock launched the Harmony and Floorworks ranges to deliver to Australia a comprehensive range on patterns, grains, styles and choices. Including planks in various sizes, thicknesses, protective finishes and coatings to match almost any practical or aesthetic requirement whilst at the same time, matching almost any lifestyle.

As the new millennium progressed at a rapid rate lifestyle became a major driver of Kenbrock technical innovation. Once Australians bought the mantra that working faster, harder and longer was the path to true happiness, who had the time to stay home polishing the silver and scrubbing the floors. Minimalism became the new catch cry in both domestic and commercial environments and Kenbrock innovation turned its gaze to simple, quick to install, low maintenance floors. The goal was a quick sweep, a quick mop over and Bob’s your uncle.

Flooring August/September 2020

Kenbrock’s development of self locking and Smartdrop loose lay planks in a new 5mm modular LVT format, delivered the faster and simpler installation, also reducing the need for gluing. Smartdrop Acoustic, modular plank technology, also addressed the lifestyle and health issues of excess noise.

Given Australia’s unique climatic conditions locally developed AloxPlus created a barrier to minimise abrasion. And further research into protective surface treatments, of various thicknesses, promoted longer product life and reinforced the goal of minimal maintenance of Kenbrock flooring.

Protecting the Planet The team at Kenbrock realised very early that we are all jointly responsible for the maintenance of our planet and as such the goal to produce flooring that: - maximises the use of post consumer recycled content and minimises manufacturing waste - is fully recyclable - is free of harmful fillers and plasticisers - has low VOC and OOP free - promotes low maintenance minimising the use of energy, detergents and water

2020 has seen even more advanced Modular Hybrids such as Eclipse that now add additional plank flexibility and can be installed even without a locking system.

The Future …

Looks bright and promising.

After many years of collaboration Kenbrock has strategically transferred ownership to Gerflor SAS, one of the world’s largest and most progressive resilient flooring companies, with factories and facilities that will enable and support Kenbrock innovation to continue well into the future.

Strap in and stay tuned for the successes to follow.

Kenbrock is a member of Green Building Council, PVC Product Stewardship and Green

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

STRESS-FREE FLOORS DESIGNED FOR MODERN LIVING

News

8

Bold shirts encourage mental health conversation

T

he TIACS foundation offers free on-going professional mental health support for tradies, truckies and bluecollar workers. TradeMutt, an Australian social enterprise is creating bold and bright workwear for tradies with the overall goal of tackling mental health head on.

In 2016, one of TradeMutt’s co-founders, Dan Allen, lost a close friend to suicide. Dan Allen states: “His name was also Dan and he was one of the first mates I had made when I moved to Brisbane. He quickly became like a Brother who had an infectious personality that was impossible to ignore. This was the first time in my life that I had been affected by suicide. As hard as I remember it being to accept, and the confusion that came with it, it must have been unmeasurable compared to what was felt by his mum, dad and brother. This was truly a life changer.

“Our loud and vibrant shirts act as a catalyst to starting the conversation around mental health in men, a topic that has been hard to approach in the past for blokes, mostly due to the attached stigmas and perceived weakness.

However, seeing the emptiness in the eyes of a family who have lost a loved one to suicide make it blatantly obvious, that the courage that us blokes pride ourselves on, is the very thing required to address this silent killer.

In June 2018 celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain took his own life. Co-Founders of TradeMutt Dan Allen and Ed Ross were meeting with a mate Russell (Russ) who mentioned he had seen a post on Facebook by a prominent Australian mental health charity about the tragic loss and how mental health doesn’t discriminate. Reading the comments Russ noticed a young man had commented, ‘This is where I am headed’. A direct call for HELP! Russ reached out to this young man and found out that he had a relationship breakdown, had also lost his job and was at a wits end. Through a generous donation from Bretts Timber and Hardware, he was put in touch with a mental health professional and got the assistance he needed.

After the dust settled, Russ enquired about the messages of support that this young man received from the mental health charity where he initially reached out for help. He said no one had contacted him. Russ messaged Dan and Ed. Dan and Ed took the step to do something different and give people the access and help they need. Mental health support isn’t cheap, and it’s not always accessible.

This is a Conversation Starter Foundation was born. Dan and Ed knew that they wanted to further their work from driving a cultural

shift around the mental health conversation to actually providing a solution for those seeking help.

Ed states: “TIACS Foundation facilitates access to mental health professionals, by removing the physical and financial barriers to help. We provide early intervention and mental health education, helping individuals to understand their own mental health and equip them with the tools to practice mental wellness and be the best versions of themselves. We use technology at the fingertips of everyday Australians allowing access to psychological therapy services as simple as pushing a button.”

Marc Ahmelman, CEO, TIACS Foundation, concludes: “There are many blue-collar workers who don’t have the time, means or ability to access psychological services. For example, TIACS handles calls from Truckies who are working up to 80 hours a week. They can call TIACS if they need to talk through issues.”

If you need support, call or text 0488 846 988 (9.30 -5pm weekdays) you will be put in touch with a mental health professional without charge. The support line is manned by professional volunteers. Visit www.tiacs.org for operating hours.

I believe that true happiness can never be appreciated until we have experienced what it feels like to be at the lowest of lows. Mum always said to me and my brothers, the harder the climb the better the view, and it is only now that I can fully appreciate how wise her words were.”

Behind every TradeMutt product, sit the powerful words 'This is a Conversation Starter.'

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Floor Store Logistics

Dedicated flooring stock control system

Specialised Flooring Logistics for Roll and Pallet goods

Pallet Storage Cutting Service

Floor Store Logistics is dedicated to the flooring industry based in North Western Sydney. We offer a full service storage operation which is capable of servicing the smallest to the largest of clients.

Container Unloading Picking and Packing

Floor Store Logistics can unload your container, store both pallet and roll goods with ease with racking capable of storage of rolls up to 4m wide.

We also offer a cutting and wrapping service for broadloom carpets. These rolls can be cut to your order, rolled onto a core then wrapped and dispatched. Our state of the art Accucut X33 cutting machine will ensure accuracy and quality with every cut.

Call for a chat today. www.floorstorelogistics.com.au Wayne 0468700902 www.floorstorelogistics.com.au

Bay Rental Available Floor Store Logistics also offers bay rental for Commercial or Retail stores to use either as a temporary overflow or a full time warehouse for all their flooring needs.

Wayne.

0468700902 info@floorstorelogistics.com.au

News

10

RLA – Pioneers of the future

R

LA Polymers Pty Ltd (RLA) longest servicing Sales Manager Brent Cartwright, shares a snap shot of the past, present and future of RLA. RLA’s history spans some 54 years and the company is recognised as a pioneer in the field of carpet backing compounds.

Throughout our history, RLA has continued to diversify its flooring product range offering by acquiring many iconic flooring adhesive brands including; Roberts, Polymer Engineering, Atlas Adhesives, Holdfast Adhesives, Brooks and Morgan’s Adhesives.

RLA’s parent company Nan Pao encourages growth via unlimited diversification in the greater building and construction industry. Our product portfolio includes; construction mortars and grouts, curing compounds, sealers, landscape binders and sealers, epoxy coatings, silicones, pipe cements, construction adhesives, water proof membranes, PVC filter compounds, carpet backing compounds, ceramic tile adhesives, flooring adhesives, carpet seaming tapes, engineered self-levelling compounds and other industrial adhesives.

Our global reach allows RLA and other Nan Pao subsidiaries to market and sell the vast product range in most continents across the globe. Along with our market leading brands, we produce adhesives and compounds for multiple global construction products and floorcovering manufacturers.

One of the many RLA achievements I have witnessed was the opening of our Technical Centre of excellence in Kilsyth Victoria. Since its opening, I’ve seen rapid technological advances in both organic and inorganic technologies. At the beginning of 2019, RLA welcomed Davide Caprotti as the Group Technical Director. Davide’s career spans over 30 years, and he is classed as a European expert in the field of inorganic and organic technologies.

Davide and his innovative team, including Richard Clinch our flooring R&D Technical Manager have designed, developed and engineered adhesives and Self Levelling Compounds (SLC’s) that provide ground breaking solutions to fast track installations, pioneer low VOC products and launch

Australian firsts with safer hybrid moisture cured adhesive systems.

It is also comforting to have such a supportive flooring team at RLA. Craig Hildebrand joined the business as the Flooring Business Manager in 2019 with over 30 years’ experience in Flooring Adhesives and SLC’s. Craig’s leadership style encourages a collaborative approach in his pursuit to develop and launch innovative products that create solutions and challenge market boundaries. RLA has also recently welcomed Warren Furlong as the Queensland Flooring Manager and Tim Parsons as the NSW Sales Manager. Both Tim and Warren each have over 25 years’ experience in the Adhesives and Flooring industries.

As we progress forward, the future of RLA is in safe hands with Troy Hogan, the dynamic Managing Director. Troy’s level of commitment to invest in major capital works projects, people and processes shows his strategic intent to improve the performance of the business. Troy’s vision is delivering higher levels of customer retention and satisfaction. To the last point, on behalf of RLA, I would like to thank all of our loyal customers. We look forward to sharing the power of our brands for many years to come.

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Introducing Artisan, an exciting range of woven carpets from Feltex. Crafted from a rich blend of premium wools, this quality Axminster combines comfort with durability. Artisan features a diverse assortment of classic and contemporary patterns in subdued hues or bold pops of colour, specifically designed to complement a variety of interiors.

DARE TO BE DIFFERENT

Artisan Featured: Ar tisan in Tar tan Bells

Contact your Feltex Account Manager for sampling opportunities.

www.feltex.com

Product Update

12

New-look classics and lashings of curves coming your way

C

urves, arches and new looks for old favourites will dominate interior trends this season, according to Carpet Court forecasters. “Relaxation is always high on the agenda, but with most of us spending more time at home than ever, we’re looking to create spaces where we feel safe and cocooned too,” says Heather Nette King, interior stylist and Carpet Court Style Ambassador. “The classic looks re-emerging this season feel timeless and reassuring. But make no mistake, there’s nothing old-fashioned about them – contemporary touches and careful editing give them a thoroughly modern appeal.”

Two of the biggest looks coming our way, says Nette King, are Modern Mono and Euro Retro. “Modern Mono is a contemporary take on the classic monochromatic look. With its clean, graphic lines and simple palette of black, white and touches of grey, it has a timeless and sophisticated feel. But rather than the angular lines and harsh contrasts we usually associate with this aesthetic, today’s version is soft and refined, with rounded lines, textural, natural touches and plenty of breathing space.”

Flooring August/September 2020

Attention to detail is everything with this look, she says; “Floorboards are richly hued, but instead of being laid in straight lines they are given a luxurious feel via intricate herringbone and chevron patterns.

“The Modern Mono look works equally well in older and contemporary homes. You don’t need soaring ceilings or period features to pull it off – it’s all about palette and material choices.”

To create this look in your own home, work from the ground up. “Gorgeous flooring forms is the hero feature and creates the basis of this look. We chose Herringbone laminate in Ferrara Oak for the dining area.

It has a soft, sophisticated appearance and its mid tones work beautifully with black and white. As an easy-to-install laminate, it’s hardworking and durable – perfect for a busy dining and entertaining spot.

“For the adjoining living area, we chose plush carpet in a mid-neutral shade – Luxe Palette twist pile in Honeysuckle. It has the sink-your-toes-in softness you want in a

relaxation zone and contrasts nicely with the hard flooring beside it.”

“Flooring plays a crucial role in [the Euro Retro] look – you want a style that grounds the scheme and creates a bold and sophisticated feel. We chose Elements Hybrid Tile in Bronze for the living and dining areas – terrazzo is right on-trend and injects an opulent feel into the space. To delineate the dining area and add warmth underfoot, we included a rug with an organic pattern that picks up on the blue walls.

“For the bedroom, we selected a bright and refreshing teal-coloured carpet – Celeste from the Passionate range. It sits beautifully alongside the luxurious gold-toned bedcover, rich amethyst walls and petrol-blue detailing, and works to brighten and open up the space.

Heather Nette King’s Style Tips • Make flooring the hero: Draw the eye to a striking herringbone, chevron or terrazzo-look floor by keeping the rest of 14 the scheme simple.

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

by

Product Update

14

• Consider innovative Hybrid flooring: Love the look of terrazzo, stone or concrete, but want something easy to install and cost-effective? Hybrid flooring combines the best attributes of laminate and vinyl and gives you the look of luxe natural materials for less.

• Use flooring to create zones in an open-plan room: Use carpet or a rug in relaxing spots, such as the living area, and hardworking timber or tiles in busier ones such as the kitchen and dining area.

• Go plush for chill-out or sleep zones: Carpet feels soft, warm and luxurious underfoot, making it a great choice for bedrooms and living rooms.

Professional installers finish the job right A no-nonsense, durable upright vacuum that will stand the test of time, the new Sebo Professional G5 is intended for heavy-duty vacuuming and is perfect for flooring installers who want to finish the job off right.

Its heavy-duty belt can be relied upon day in, day out, to give just laid floors the final presentation customers expect. Like a marathon runner, the G5 is built to go the distance. By focusing on durability, Sebo have built a vacuum that will keep cleaning long after others have ended up in the repair shop.

Engineered to exacting German standards, you can

Flooring August/September 2020

count on the G5 to present your services in a professional and spotless manner removing surface litter and grooming the carpet beautifully in one pass.

Featuring a 37cm/15” working width, four-level manual brush height adjustment, durable heavy-duty belts and a scratch and scuff resistant matte finish. A soft-start feature gradually powers-up the vacuum, prolonging the motor life.

do basic maintenance of a Sebo G5 vacuum yourself. It even shuts off automatically when a full bag, a clog, or a brush-roller obstruction occurs, which protects the motor, belts, and carpet from damage.

The G5 is powerful, yet quiet, and will provide years of reliable use.

The G5 also features an electronic controller that acts as a brain, alerting the user to a worn brush, or when brush height is set too high for optimal cleaning. With easy brush-removal and clog removal doors, you can even

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

COMING SOON

PULSE HYBRID PERFECTION TAKES TIME Introducing the long-awaited Quick-Step Pulse - the only Hybrid in Australia & New Zealand with a pressed bevel. This, combined with superior dimensional stability, incredible surface structure and a stunning colour palette, make it the most authentic Hybrid on the market.

Early stock is becoming available so let your Premium Floors or Floorscape Account Manager know if you’re interested in a pre-release.

Spotlight On

16

Andersens Flooring - Now opening in Canberra

A

ndersens, the respected name in floor coverings, has strengthened its East Coast network of Floor and Window Covering stores with the addition of a powerhouse brother duo in Fyshwick, Canberra.

The new store joins the now 47 strong network located throughout NSW and QLD. The addition represents the culmination of months of refinement under the direction of new Group Expansion Manager, Dean Lightfoot, and CEO Rowan Hodge.

“We have taken areas that the group excelled at and amplified them with the right strategic resources. The view is to bring these to more territories that can take advantage of our Franchise Model in the new year.”

“We are incredibly selective with the opportunities we bring to market. Not every area will represent a growth opportunity for us. Canberra is an area that has been on our radar for some time, as all research has pointed to the population being incredibly receptive toward our market offering. We do this to ensure we only launch in markets that we know will be successful.”

Andersens backs up their work with a 100 Day Peace of Mind Guarantee – unheard of in the industry. Once the customer makes the selection and the installation is complete, they have 100 days to change their mind about the colour or the texture. If they do, Andersens will replace it free of charge.

The new franchisees Edmond and Esser Girmez are brothers backed by over 10 years experience running successful flooring stores in the local market. They sought out a professional, exciting franchise group like Andersens that would help them take their business to the next level.

Andersens is committed to bringing the care and customer support of small-town service experience to their customers. With the goal of being quick, easy and offering value for money.

Most of the company’s customers are ladies, and Andersens qualified consultants are well known for helping them put together the right materials and colours to suit their tastes and space. Largely, the design work is around composing the room with colours that will complement the plan of the owner. To ensure they are hitting the target,

“We do that with great confidence,” says Hodge, “because our consultants are really specialists at getting that match right the first time. That is not as easy as it sounds and it is something that sets us apart from our competitors. Our job is to deal with the customer standing before us, and in their home, and help them choose what is right for them. Even though the customer might be influenced by the latest trends, ultimately it is all about matchmaking and getting it right for the client’s space, so they feel comfortable with their family and friends.”

To understand the success behind Andersens’ growth over the past 60 years, it is important to look at history, specifically the country roots and Andersens’ steadfast belief in country town service.

Benefits of joining Andersens • We have a tried and true way of both selling to and informing our customers • Great connections to exclusive flooring products, colours and brands • An Andersens educational portal • A great community of franchisees • Members of multiple organisations that ensure quality of product and service • A respected name with customers Andersens has opportunities available now in many areas across Australia. To learn more contact Andersens today for a private and confidential discussion.

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Join Andersens Floor Covering to get more out of your Flooring Business Enquire 0408 067 439 www.andersens.com.au/franchising

Andersens Floor Covering is looking for existing or new business owners in the flooring industry to join our respected brand.

You will benefit from our own Warehouse, Groups buying power, operational support and training, 60 years of experience and strong supportive network.

The respected name in Floor Coverings for over 60 years

Please Contact Andersens Expansion Manager - Dean Lightfoot 0408 067 439 or email : dlightfoot@andersens.com.au

18

Feature

Managing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure: In the construction industry Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) Victorian employers must take every reasonable step to protect workers from risks to both their physical and mental health, including those risks associated with coronavirus (COVID-19).

This includes ensuring workplaces have appropriate systems and processes in place for the safety of workers and others. Social distancing, access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand hygiene products such as hand sanitiser, and avoiding sharing work tools and equipment, are all measures which should be addressed.

Identifying risks on construction sites It is important that people be aware of the activities on worksites which pose a risk of exposure. Workers may be exposed to COVID-19 in any of the following scenarios: • travelling in personnel hoists and lifts • work that requires employees to be in close contact with others • using shared tools or equipment • sharing facilities such as bathrooms, kitchens and communal break areas Controlling the risk of exposure Employers have a duty to provide and maintain, so far as is reasonably practicable, a working environment that is safe and without risks to the health of employees.

Some steps that employers can take to ensure that workplace remain safe include: • implementing screening process • record the schedule and work locations of workers • implement physical distancing of at least 1.5m wherever possible

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Feature • advise employees to follow good hygiene practices • avoid shared use of tools, plant and equipment • encourage correct use of personal protective equipment, and • clean in accordance with the DHHS information on cleaning and disinfecting to reduce COVID-19 transmission – tips for non-healthcare settings.

WorkSafe has developed a simplified checklist for the construction industry which should be used with the 'Managing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19) exposure: Construction industry' guidance. Action and tick each checkbox when completed.

Face coverings in workplaces Directions from the Chief Health Officer about face coverings are in place across Victoria. Everyone in Victoria over 12 years old needs to wear a face covering outside of their home, unless they have a lawful reason not to. For more information see the guidance Managing coronavirus (COVID-19) risks: Face coverings in workplaces.

Employer OHS obligations WorkSafe is reminding the construction industry that there is no change to employer obligations under the Occupational

19 Health and Safety Act 2004 (OHS Act) and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) as a result of coronavirus (COVID- 19) restrictions.

Preparation of a COVIDSafe Plan forms part of the development of a safe system of work, however having a COVIDSafe Plan and complying with Chief Health Office (CHO) directions does not necessarily mean you have complied with your duties under the OHS Act and OHS Regulations.

You must follow any health directions that apply to how your business, as well as ensuring that you meeting your obligations under the OHS Act. This includes consulting with employees and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs), if any, on matters related to health or safety that directly affect, or are likely to directly affect them.

Employees must also comply with their duties under the OHS Act. Preparing a COVIDSafe Plan Where restrictions apply and depending on your location your workplace may be required to have a COVIDSafe Plan. A COVIDSafe Plan helps businesses meet their requirements under the directions issued by the Victorian Chief Health Officer (CHO).

A High Risk COVIDSafe Plan must be established when worksites are operating under Stage 4 restrictions. To ensure you stay up to date with any changes to restrictions in your industry visit Business Victoria: Creating a COVIDSafe Workplace.

Notifiable incidents and COVID-19 From 28 July 2020 new temporary regulations under the OHS Act specify when employers and self-employed persons must notify WorkSafe of a confirmed diagnosis of coronavirus (COVID-19) in the workplace.

Timely sharing of information about potential workplace transmission of infectious disease is critical for effective management of any risks to health and safety. For more information see the guidance Notifiable incidents involving COVID-19.

Need to know more?

Find the latest information about COVID-19 and preventing exposure in the workplace at the WorkSafe Victoria website or contact WorkSafe Advisory 1800 136 089.

Find up to date industry requirements at https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/ coronavirus-covid-19 and https://www. worksafe.vic.gov.au/managing-risk-covid19-exposure-construction-industry.

Feature

20

How to design a safe workplace

C

onstructing and maintaining a safe and healthy workplace is paramount to prevent injuries and accidents occurring. This includes the correct specification and installation of stair nosings, tactile indicators and entrance matting.

out more about the important role tactile indicators play in keeping people safe, and to understand the different types and applications download the Classic Architectural Group’s Product Application Guide - Tactiles.

Stair Nosing Stair nosings are problem solvers and problem preventers. Since the nose of a step is where people put their feet and weight on the stair, it is the part that tends to wear out first, resulting in the risk of slips and falls for people using the stairs. With stair nosings, the problem of worn stairs can be prevented.

So, what are stair nosings? Stair nosings are profiled strips of material, commonly aluminium, that are fitted on the edge of steps to assist in providing an anti-slip surface.

Office complexes get a tremendous amount of pedestrian traffic each day so building owners need to take every possible precaution to ensure the safety of these users. Installing safety and visibility-enhancing aids such as stair nosings is the best way to fulfil this need while adding beauty and character to the building’s décor.

The simple act of adding quality stair nosings can help prevent slips and falls, add a sense of security, and help prolong the wear of both the stair tread and the floor-covering product used on the stairs.

With workplace safety at stake, it is best to rely on an expert’s advice regarding the type of stair nosing application and correct installation. To read more download the Classic Architectural Group’s Product Application Guide - Stair Nosing.

Flooring August/September 2020

Entrance Matting Entrance matting should cover the full width of doorways and entry areas and should be deep enough to ensure all shoes are clean and dry once inside.

The size of the mat is critical as people entering a building don’t often stop to wipe their feet so it is important that an entrance mat is deep enough, again keeping people safe.

Above: Medibank – a Classic project Tactile Ground Surface Indicators (TGSIs) TGSIs provide cues, which, when combined with other environmental information, assist people who are blind or vision‑impaired with their orientation. Orientation is a person’s awareness of where they are, where they are going, and where they have been.

A person’s orientation, through processing all available environmental cues, will make the information provided by the TGSI meaningful. For example, warning tactile indicators are textured surface features applied to the walking surfaces that are intended to function much like a stop sign.

Whereas directional tactile indicators consist of directional bars applied to walking surfaces to give directional orientation to people who are blind or who have low-vision.

TGSIs are commonly used on stairways, ramps, escalators and moving walks. To find

Above: SCG – a Classic project Standards Guidelines Australian Standards emphasise the need for good design and planning for public spaces. Partnering with an expert like Classic Architectural Group ensures that products and practices are in line with the standards and codes laid out by Standards Australia. web www.classic-arch.com

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Feature

21

Managing exposure to Crystalline Silica

D

angerous silica dust can be formed on site from concrete cutting, grinding or polishing and using power tools on stone.

Breathing the silica dust can result in irreversible, untreatable diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer.

Safe Work Australia publishes exposure standards for airborne contaminants in the workplace. The exposure standard for crystalline silica dust, listed under Quartz (respirable dust)) is 0.05mg/m3 as a TWA (time-weighted average) airborne concentration over 8 hours.

Some dust particles can be so small that they are not visible; these are referred to as respirable particles. Respirable silica dust particles are those that are small enough to breathe in and penetrate deep into the lungs causing permanent damage that can lead to serious illness or death.

An 8-hour time-weighted average exposure standard is the average airborne concentration of a particular substance permitted over an 8-hour working day and 5-day working week. The workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica is based on the levels found in a person's breathing zone, outside of any 22

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING SUPPLIER AND INSTALLER OF PUBLIC ACCESS SYSTEMS TO THE FLOORING INDUSTRY

Supply and Install with People and Operations Australia Wide Certainty of Supply across Entrance Mats, Stair Nosings, Tactiles, Covers and Trims Customised Solutions with Quick Turnaround Our 100% Assurance program gives you complete peace of mind Don’t put a foot wrong, contact us today.

Call 1300 244 377 www.classic-arch.com

Feature

22

respiratory protective equipment that may be in use.

CleanSpace Technology has designed and developed several respirators for various industries. CleanSpace Ultra is IP Rated 66, water tolerant, making it perfect for anyone wet-cutting stone or concrete.

CleanSpace EX is intrinsically safe, certified for use in potentially explosive environments, and CS2 is for use where water tolerance or intrinsic safety is not required.

WorkSafe Victoria has gone above the national standard and recommends that employees are not exposed to levels above 0.02mg/m3 as a TWA. This is a precautionary measure to prevent silicosis, and to minimise the risk of lung cancer.

“As Australia’s only respirator company, Cleanspace are proud to be supporting all those on the frontline in industry and healthcare to stay protected from airborne contaminants,” said Dr Birrell. web www.cleanspacetechnology.com

Employers are required to ensure employee exposure does not exceed this standard.

SafeWork Australia offers these steps to minimise the risk; Managing risk and worker exposures to silica can be achieved by selecting and implementing measures using the hierarchy of controls: • Substitution such as sourcing composite stone benchtops with a lower percentage of silica.

• Isolation of the hazard – using principles of safe work design to designate areas for tasks that generate dust and appropriate worker positioning during these tasks, using enclosures and automation to conduct dust generating tasks.

• Engineering controls that minimise the risk of exposure to generated dust, for example, local exhaust ventilation, water suppression (wet cutting) or using tools with dust collection attachments.

Flooring August/September 2020

• Should a risk still remain, administrative controls, including good housekeeping policies, shift rotations and modifying cutting sequences.

• Should a risk still remain, personal protective equipment including appropriate respiratory equipment, generally a minimum of a P2 efficiency half face respirator, and work clothing that does not collect dust.

Australian made CleanSpace Respirators, meet and exceed the minimum requirements for respiratory protection, with a P3 filter. Unlike other Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), CleanSpace Respirators are easy to put on (in under ten seconds) and don’t have heavy belts or hoses. They also deliver cool fresh air on the face, and don’t create moisture and fogging.

“One of the main reasons people go unprotected is because of low compliance.

If masks are uncomfortable or not quick and easy to put on then it simply doesn’t get used,” said CleanSpace Technology CEO, Dr Alex Birrell.

SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT SILICA EXPOSURE? Crystalline silica is a natural mineral found in construction materials such as concrete, bricks, tiles, mortar and engineered stone.

The amount of crystalline silica in products can vary. Examples include: Brick – Up to 30% Tile – 30-45% Granite 20-45% Concrete/Mortar 25-70% Sandstone 70-90% If you're not sure if a product contains crystalline silica, check the safety data sheet (SDS) or other information from the supplier.

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

A REVOLUTION IN RESPIRATORY PROTECTION n

High protection PAPR P3/TM3 99.95%

n

Reusable and cost-effective

n

No belts or hoses

n

Comfortable and lightweight 500g

n

IP Rated 66 water tolerant

n

AUST/NZ, NIOSH, CE approved

Request a demonstration, contact us today at sales@cleanspacetechnology.com WWW.CLEANSPACETECHNOLOGY.COM

Feature

24

Deep cleaning made easy with Polivac

I

mportance of adhering to workplace hygiene practices has become significant for every organisation and industry.

Today, cleaning frequency and methods have improved including deep cleaning of carpet and upholstery. Understanding the market requirements, Polivac has a meticulously designed range of carpet extraction machines that deliver a performance exceeding industry expectations.

Polivac’s carpet extraction machines include Terminator, Terminator Plus, Predator MK1, MK2, MK3 and the Vortex Vacuum Booster Box. Workplace cleaning is made easy with these machines which provide deep cleaning of carpets and upholstery removing grime, dirt, and bacteria from the fibres and in turn improving the indoor air quality.

This machine is equipped with two 1100watt 2 stage suspension mounted bypass vacuum motors which enables improved suction power, when compared to other machines on the market today.

The Predator range which includes Predator MK1, MK2 and MK3 are robust, powerful, and versatile machines. The Predator MK2 is equipped with a 2000 PSI max rated HYPRO pump driven by a 0.56kw (0.75hp) Marathon motor, with a working pressure of 450 PSI (Factory set to 350 PSI). Spring mounted on rubber seals the vacuum motor delivers vibration-free, low noise extraction power in a minimum profile body. Operators can now easily deep clean carpets and upholstery by adjusting the pressure accordingly.

The Vortex Vacuum Booster Box emits heat which can be used as a heater during cold weather, and a blower which has opened up a whole new market, especially in the animal grooming industry (optional hose available for drying). This small but powerful vacuum booster box provides maximum productivity and helps in achieving the best results in a relatively short time span.

The Terminator Plus offers brute power in a compact-sized body enabling maximum manoeuvrability for small and large areas.

Driven by a Marathon motor, this high performing machine is equipped with a Pumptech Pump which offers a working pressure of 600 PSI (factory set to 500 PSI).

Armed with a fiberglass body and aluminium frame this carpet extraction machine is ultra-strong and lightweight.

Understanding the changing requirements in the carpet cleaning industry, Polivac invented the new and improved Vortex Vacuum Booster Box (recommended to use with MK1, MK2 and MK3). The portable carpet extraction machine is equipped with

Flooring August/September 2020

features to get the job done faster and more efficiently. This compact booster box helps in increasing the vacuum air flow and is specially designed to increase the suction of the portable carpet extractor machine. It helps in improving the overall performance by reducing drying time and allowing operators to get better access to areas while cleaning.

For over 70 years, all Polivac products are manufactured keeping in mind four core concepts; safety, productivity, quality, and sustainability. Polivac equipment is reliable, efficient and economical to run.

A cornerstone of the Polivac commitment to the environment is ‘The Polivac Conservation Cycle’ which aims at protecting the environment through intelligent design.

Additionally, Policac manufacturing plants are installed with solar panels and all of their products are recyclable. web www.polivac.com.au

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Retailer of the Month

The Heart and Soul Story by Philip Ashley

B

en and Tanya Covill are joint Directors of Flooring Xtra in Browns Plains, just south of Brisbane. Their business philosophy is simple: be genuine.

Ben says, “We strive to be better than we were yesterday. We learn, we listen, and we adapt. No one is perfect but we take responsibility for what we do and what we provide to our customers.” The result is a business where Ben and Tanya are the people their customers need them to be; honest, hardworking, and fair. And to achieve this, Ben and Tanya have put their heart and soul into every day of their eleven years in the flooring industry.

Ben used to be a very good motor mechanic, heading up the service team at a leading luxury car dealership in nearby Indooroopilly and admits that when he started looking for a business of his own, he knew “Absolutely nothing about the flooring industry.” Despite this, and with his usual attitude of ‘no problems, just solutions’ he learnt a little bit with his elder brother over a few weeks before

Flooring August/September 2020

starting up as an independent Carpet Line store in partnership with his wife, Tanya. Ben says, “We’ve worked together every day since we started. I do the sales and Tanya does everything else.”

26 Group since they took on the franchise.

One particular person he singles out is a guy called Butch who Ben says, “Literally tore my business apart. He gave me some great advice and I’ve never forgotten it. We learned to tailor our sales to suit the job; we became project managers. A lot of our customers are mums and dads who’ve been in their home for twenty-odd years and now they’re renovating. They’re spending serious money and they need to have faith in us to give them what they really need.”

“We’ve won lots of jobs, not because we are the cheapest but because the customer was comfortable spending their money with us, so we never let them down.” Tanya and Ben treat all of their customers equally. Ben said, “There have been jobs where I could have charged what I liked but I need to look my customers in the eye and know that we are treating everyone with respect. One of our customers is the daughter of an Australian billionaire and she no longer asks for a price; she knows who we are, and she trusts our pricing.” Ben takes this as a badge of honour, a sign that they have earned their trust.

Ben admits it wasn’t always easy at first and it took a while to learn how to get their service right. Like most small business owners, they’d sunk a lot into the company, so failure was not an option; they had a lot to lose. Ben says, “What I learned over those early years was to leave my ego at the door, it has no place in our business. We found solutions to any problems that arose and if we didn’t know how to fix something, we would admit it and find out how to get it right. Our business is based on referrals and those final reviews are important to us. They tell us we’re giving our customers the best experience they can have.”

Seven years ago, Ben and Tanya joined the Flooring Xtra group. Ben says they’ve met plenty of inspirational people in the

Above: Ben and Tanya Covill www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Retailer of the Month

27 a new caravan, keeps them busy when they’re not at the store.

For the first three years in the flooring industry Ben worked seven days a week. He says, “It was tough back then. We are located in a shopping village and for some years it was 80% unoccupied. In hindsight we had to grind for every job. We had someone to help us in sales, but they’ve been gone a few years now and in fact, our sales have actually increased.” Ben still starts every day at 6-30am to sort out the jobs in the warehouse, does an hour or so at the Gym and back to the shop before nine.

He arrives back home about seven at night.

“We now only work six days a week, Sundays is family day, and nothing gets in the way of spending quality time with our four children” he said.

Ben and Tanya are both ultra-competitive. He says, “If I invited you round for a game of ping pong, tennis or even a game of pool you had

Ben and Tanya’s relationship with Airstep goes back many years and they are particularly good friends with some of the people there. Airstep’s Steve Wootton walked into Ben’s shop ten years ago and they’ve been friends ever since, Ben is even using Steve’s Bobcat to build his tennis court! Ben says, “Steve brought me ideas that single handedly saved our business; Steve is an unsung hero of the flooring industry; a wonderful person and we will never forget what he did for us back then.”

better bring you’re A-game.” Tanya was once a gifted pennant tennis player, but an injury prevented her from pursuing a promising career. They’re building a tennis court Ben got from a friend and he’s relocating it himself.

Ben boxes every Tuesday with a group of professional friends and some spear fishing and off-road camping they’re planning with

Over the last few months Ben and Tanya have been ‘off the charts busy’ with people stuck at home with COVID-19, deciding to spend some money on their property. Ben has seen an uptake in the use of the Web to research product but says a lot of people come in asking for a product they’ve seen a lot of but know nothing about. Ben is all too eager to get them exactly what they need and as he says, “What we are looking for is that our customers get a fabulous flooring experience.” Ben is proud to provide as much Australian-made product as possible and hopes that the ‘new-normal’ people are talking about will also bring with it a desire for customers to have, where possible product made right here. Product that you could say has the Heart and Soul of Australia.

Look what’s NEW! Welcome to Airstep Online Ordering, where you can now order both Underlay and Hard Flooring products at your convenience, 24/7.

We invite you to register using the link below: https://eorder.airstep.com.au/Account/RegisterAir For more information, please contact your Airstep Account Manager.

www.airstep.com.au 1800 803 545

www.imaginefloors.com.au 1800 803 545

Icons

28

Bob Fletcher:

A Family Man Story by Philip Ashley

B

ob Fletcher was born in 1945 in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell.

His father was a butcher and his mother kept busy with home duties. It was a typical post-war family when, as Bob says, “The soldiers came home to have war babies.” Families had anywhere between four and twelve children back then. Bob had one sister and three brothers. Other famous personalities born that year included Holden racing legend Peter Brock; boxer Johnny Famechon and AFL legend Alex Jesualenko.

Bob went to Jordanville State School and followed this at Syndal Technical School.

Back then you chose either a high school or technical school, depending on what you thought you wanted to do for the rest of your life. Of course, the technical schools are all gone now, and this has led to a shortage of people going into the trades, to the detriment of most industries…but that’s another story.

Bob tells us, “I liked working with my hands; woodwork; sheet metal, that sort of thing.”

Apart from a short stint selling shirts, Bob Fletcher has spent his entire working life in the flooring industry. Early next year he turns 76 but remains busy with the family business, Designer Flake. His philosophy now is, “Work smarter, not harder.”

Flooring August/September 2020

Bob has been active all his life and at school played AFL football until as he says, “I was knocked out for about ten hours, so I had to give that up.” He caddied for a while but was so short, “The golf bag would be dragging on the ground.” He sold food at the MCG during AFL match days and at the Olympic Games in 1956 sold programmes to the patrons lucky enough to have tickets. Bob never got inside the ground. He was both busy and resourceful, so much that he was one of very

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Icons

29

few people able to pay cash for his first car, a green FJ Holden, an extaxi still with a handrail across the back of the front seats.

Bob left school at fourteen and a half, typical for the time when you just went out and got a job. Bob landed a position with a haberdashery selling shirts. He said, “I grabbed any job I could and ended up getting a train into the city every day wearing a suit and tie.

I still wanted to work with my hands so one day I went to the local employment centre and asked if there was a job where I could have tools in my hands, so they sent me to a floor sanding company. The boss was concerned I couldn’t handle the equipment, being a small fellow but I assured him there would be no problem.”

And so, over the next four years Bob worked first for a boss, then a second company where he became foreman after only six months. He learned everything, first about parquetry floors and over the next few years, every other type of flooring you could imagine. He laid some big vinyl jobs in hospitals and later, went into epoxy floors. During this time, he also got married to his wife Laraine who he married at twenty years of age. They are still happily married after all these years.

Above: Bob at work with son Warren

Floorcovering Association of Victoria Inc.

FAV Awards Postponed for 2020 The Flooring Association of Victoria regrettably has had to postpone its’ 5th Annual Awards event.

The awards event will now take place on the 7th August 2021.

We will now incorporate projects completed from the 1st July 2019 up to 30th June 2021.

The Gala evening will recognize the industry’s best work and will give us something to look forward to in these troubled times.

We can celebrate our resilience and our emergence into our new future.

The Flooring Association hopes for all its members to stay safe.

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Icons

30

Above: Bob's family In 1966 and still only 22 years old, Bob started Fletcher Floors that he operated up until 1994, concentrating on more of the commercial markets with vinyl, timber flooring and epoxy coatings. It was during this period that Laraine and Bob moved to Queensland, taking their business with them.

The hard work continued and Bob recalls, “I had two jobs back then, Fletcher Floors and some other jobs. I would come home from work and then leave for work again.”

There was a time when he had three jobs and Bob recalls working as a general cleaner in a Surfers Paradise Arcade at three in the morning! You could say he’s given all he had and at one time in the recession of the early 1980’s Bob even had to sell their home.

One of the things Bob was doing at the time was laying epoxy floors with ‘paint flakes’ from China or the USA. This was

Flooring August/September 2020

a technology that had been around since the 1940’s. After a few years working with the product he thought he could make it in Australia and so, Designer Flake was formed. Bob can be credited with making Epoxy Seamless Flake Flooring popular in Australia. It wasn’t easy because of the labour advantages the importers had in China and Mexico, but Bob kept at it, even making his own equipment to produce the flake product.

Designer Flake is the biggest supplier in Australia, and they produce about a third of the product laid here. They have a wide range of colours, some of which overseas competitors have tried to copy unsuccessfully. Bob remarks on their marble tones and concrete stone products as examples of their expertise in this product.

Bob still works in the factory and on new

products and equipment that he still often repairs himself. In their 2,000m2 premises at Yatala mid-way between Brisbane and the Gold Coast, fifteen people contribute to the success of the company, ten of these family members including his wife, Laraine and Warren, their son.

With his unique designer product Bob had no one to turn to for advice and learned the business by doing everything himself. He said, “I had to do everything on a shoestring.

I couldn’t afford colour or marketing consultants. The business told me what I needed to do; to grow, I learnt mostly from experience.” Designer Flake is widely commended for their service. Bob says, “Service is a big part of our success.” You won’t often get an email from Bob; he prefers old-school methods like a phone call where he can get to understand what you really mean and how you feel. It’s a personal touch his customers appreciate.

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Icons

31

Bob isn’t thinking much about retiring and even when the day finally comes, he “Can always come in and man the phones if someone is away.” He used to follow South Melbourne in the AFL when they lived in Melbourne but now follows any sports team as long as it’s a Queensland team. He calls himself, “A real Queenslander now.” Like his parents, Bob and Laraine have five children and a number of grandchildren. Bob is looking forward to spending more time with the family.

His business is built on family and they are possibly the most important part of his life.

Laraine and Bob now live on a few acres where they have started growing vegetables for their extended family. They like caravanning and get away as often as they can. They’re not grey nomads, they will only be gone a week or two and sometimes

Above: Bob (second from left) on holiday in Malaysia just the weekend. You will often find them caravanning at Hervey Bay, a location Bob and Laraine particularly enjoy. Bob is remembered as a good father and a hard

worker but also as a bit of a practical joker as well. These days though he works smarter, not harder, but after 60 years is still as much a part of the flooring industry as anyone.

Technical Bulletin

32

Keeping the controlled environment under control Brought to you by Forbo

E

ver since static electricity was recognised as a problem, efforts have been taken to control the risks.

Centuries ago, the biggest issues caused by unwanted Electro Static Dischar¬ge (ESD) events was the ignition of gunpowder storage and other explosive or flammable material.

As the electronics industry started to grow and electronics beca¬me smaller and more sensitive; ESD control became a relevant topic for many companies.

In most sensitive environments where critical processes take place, ESD (electrostatic discharge) - and particle control is required.

These environments are also known as ‘controlled environments’ and most common in the electronic industry, defence, research and healthcare segments. Think of electronic production areas, laboratories, clean rooms, operating theatres and even large financial data storage facilities.

The flooring requirements can be very specific and ensure a safe environment for both people and equipment. Static discharges can be unpleasant for patients and employees and sensitive medical and electronic devices can be negatively affected by static charges.

Forbo’s under control portfolio All collections from Forbo that offer a solution for the most demanding controlled environments, are bundled in one portfolio called the Under-Control portfolio, which, includes: • Colorex Tiles (adhered and loose lay) • Sphera Homogeneous sheet SD and EC • Marmoleum Ohmex Sheet

Flooring August/September 2020

Each collection has its own properties and benefits. The best solution is usually dependant on the specific customer requirements.

Correct installation is the key for controlled environments and should be taken seriously.

Often a system solution is required and involves the use of special accessories like conductive adhesive, copper strips and even conductive primer. The system won’t work if not connected to an earthing point and tested by a licensed electrician.

How does ESD flooring work?

Electro Static Discharge. ESD events take place when the electrostatic charged material returns to its neutral/uncharged state. It can be a miniature spark, which, passes from one electrostatic charged surface to another surface. ESD flooring limits the electrostatic charging of materials or people. The floors ensure that when materials get charged, the charge is discharged and grounded from people through conductive shoes to the floor in a controlled and even way.

What is the difference between dissipative (SD) and electro conductive (EC) flooring?

The difference between SD and EC flooring is in the degree of electrical resistance (the ability to lead away electrostatic charges).

An EC floor has a lower resistance than a SD floor, which means charges flow more easily through the surface of the floor to ground.

Conductive flooring is not by definition better than dissipative flooring, it depends on various circumstances what floor will offer the best solution.

Installation guidance SD and EC flooring.

The installation of Sphera SD | EC rolls and Colorex Tiles should be carried out in accordance with AS 1884-2012 resilient flooring standard. Always conduct moisture and alkaline tests on all substrates and ensure moisture barriers were needed.

Correct temperature for installation and acclimatising products on site is essential.

When installing vinyl conductive floors, low emission EC1 (plasticizer resistant, acrylic dispersion) adhesives are recommended, such as Forbo Eurocol ‘641 Eurostar Special EL’ (conductive adhesive) and Forbo Eurocol ‘640 Eurostar Special’ (non-conductive adhesive) and always in combination with a copper strip.

Use a TKB S1 trowel for Forbo Eurocol 641 (conductive adhesive) and TKB A2 trowel for Forbo Eurocol 640 (nonconductive adhesive) to apply the adhesive. Marmoleum Ohmex should be installed with a conductive linoleum adhesive (615 Eurostar).

Check the trowel to ensure that the proper, specified trowel notch is used and maintained.

The adhesive must be spread evenly over the entire floor area including edges.

There are two installation options for Sphera EC | SD sheet. We recommend using a conductive primer for all ESD installations.

SPhera Option A - Use of conductive and non-conductive adhesive.

A 100 mm wide band of conductive adhesive must be applied over the copper strip (see image below). The remaining areas can be installed with ‘normal’ low emission EC1 34 adhesive.

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

KEEP YOUR ENVIRONMENT UNDER CONTROL WITH THE NEW SPHERA SD | EC CONDUCTIVE HOMOGENEOUS VINYL SHEET Sphera SD | EC is our newest homogeneous vinyl flooring collection with conductive properties in sheet format.

The collection is specifically designed to control static discharges and particles in the most sensitive of environments, such as pharmaceutical, MedTech, PC2 labs, clean rooms and healthcare facilities. Sphera SD | EC ensures the highest hygienic properties and provides permanent ESD control that remains throughout its lifetime, regardless of the conditions.

The unique SMART control finish resists stains and scratches, for a durable and hygienic solution that does not impact conductivity. Phthalate free manufacturing and low emissions ensures a healthy indoor environment.

For more information visit, www.forbo-flooring.com.au/sphera creating better environments

Technical Bulletin 1. Stick down the copper strip 2. Spread the conductive adhesive on top of the copper strip 3. Spread the normal adhesive & install floor Copper Strip Conductive Adhesive Normal Adhesive

Sphera Option B - The entire floor is installed with conductive adhesive.

1. Stick down the copper strip 2. Spread the conductive adhesive 3. Install the floor

Copper Strip Conductive Adhesive

Electrical grounding - installation and layout Before starting the installation make a floor plan. Position of sheets and right position of the copper strips. Position of seams (with or without copper strip connection) copper strip(s) for electrical grounding must be installed first. Self-adhesive copper strips are recommended.

and test the conductivity of the copper strip circuit with an appropriate testing device prior to starting installation of the material.

Avoid a seam at grounding point(s). If you weld and you need to trim the weld you may damage or cut the copper strip?

Layout for rooms larger than 40m² This layout is recommended for rooms where the shorter side exceeds >20m.

Lay the copper tape to create two circuits on opposite side of the room as shown in Figure 2 below. Punch all strip intersections with a centre punch to ensure proper contact and test the conductivity of the copper strip circuit with an appropriate testing device prior to starting installation of the material.

At all cross seams, a 1m length of copper tape should be fixed to the subfloor along the centre line of the sheet length equally spanning the cross seam as shown below.

Colorex Tile uses a similar procedure with conductive adhesive and without the crossjoin copper tape. Colorex Plus EC loose lay system uses no adhesive and just copper strips.

Flooring August/September 2020

point in the floor to be connected to earth.

The strip should protrude sufficiently from the edge of the flooring installation to allow connection to the earth point. For areas over 36m2 a strip of copper tape should be adhered to the subfloor running the full length of the floor area spaced at 6m intervals. Further strips should then be laid at right angles to the first strips at the same 6m spacing forming a 6m x 6m square grid covering the entire floor area. One of the strips should protrude sufficiently from the edge of the flooring installation to allow connection to the earth point.

After conductive installations: Do NOT apply any wax or emulsion floor finishes in ESD protected area as these will adversely affect the conductive properties of the floor.

Electrical resistance testing after installation: Point-to-ground electrical resistance tests according to approved relevant standards should not be carried out earlier than 14 days after installation. First random control measurements can be made after 24 hours.

Electrical Grounding The electrical connection of the copper strips to the grounding point(s) must always be made by a qualified electrician.

Copper Strip layout for rooms smaller than 40 m² Lay a strip of copper tape extending approximately one metre onto the subfloor allowing enough excess to extend up to the nearest grounding point. This layout is recommended for rooms where the shorter side of the room is less than 10m. Lay the copper tape to create a circuit as shown in Figure 1 below. Punch the strip intersection with a centre punch to ensure proper contact

34

Marmoleum Ohmex – Natural dissipative flooring Ohmex requires a slightly different procedure. For floor areas less than 36m² a 15cm length of copper tape (10mm wide and approximately 0.1mm thick) should be adhered to the subfloor using 615 Eurostar lino EL conductive adhesive at a suitable

To find out more contact Forbo technical on technical.au@forbo.com

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

MeasureSquare Suite Stay Connected Work Remotely

Software designed and ready for a new normal Software designed to work the way your flooring business works Software designed to integrate and expand your flooring business capability WWW.MEASURESQUARE.COM.AU

Commercial Takeoff Mobile Planning Stone Slab Nesting Commercial Cleaning JobTraka

Track Moisture Readings, Track Project job Completion Link Your Team, Link Your Projects

Property Link

Check out the new tools today

WWW.MEASURESQUARE.COM.AU WWW.MEASURESQUARE.CO.UK

Software

36

Post-COVID - Influencing Our Business Performance Story by Chris Ogden The basis of this article is one that I wrote some time ago; in simpler times. Now more than ever, we need to recognise those things we can control, and those we cannot. In fact, for the benefit of our mental health, the mental health of those around us, and the health of our business, we must focus on actively controlling those things that influence our business performance for the better. Some days it may feel that not much is in our control, but invariably this is because we are distracted by things that affect us, but over which we have no influence.

Flooring August/September 2020

It is probably safe to say that most of us feel our business could be performing better.

We know what we should be working on, but we often end up focusing on things outside of our control. Like the possum in a spotlight, we become mesmerised by things we cannot control. It might be a significant international event, such as the current COVID crisis and its potential to harm us, our loved ones, the economy, and our business. At other times it could be more localised issues such as competitors who do work at crazy margins, fickle customers, a 38 downturn in local industry, the time

In good times we don’t think about external factors, but as business slows down, we look outward when we should be looking inward.

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

HOW MUCH TIME

DO YOU SPEND QUANTIFYING?

Using Measure by RFMS, your flooring business can‌ Make time savings of up to 70%

Draw and quantify in mobile app

Remove manual error

Have extra time to manage projects

Make changes in minutes

Print reports for installers

Calculate multiple options

Process more quotes & make more sales

Calculate add-ons and labour

Enjoy free training and support

Download your FREE trial at www.rfmsanz.com info@rfmsaustralasia.com 0800 643 012 (NZ) 1800 229 427 (Aus)

www.rfmsanz.com www.rfms.com

Software of year, or a multitude of other factors that can negatively impact our business from time to time. In good times we don’t think about these external factors, but as business slows down, we look outward when we should be looking inward.

Understanding conversion rates, measuring them, and setting targets for improving them is fundamental to a successful sales organisation.

When I talk with retailers who are experiencing a downturn in sales, they rarely attribute it to a low conversion rate, or to salespeople who are not following up on sales opportunities. They attribute their business performance to external factors.

Please don’t misunderstand me; no matter what we do, there are going to be external factors over which we have no control that will adversely affect our businesses. My point is, by identifying those things we can control and working on them, we will better off.

If you follow a sports team consider for a moment what you think when it fails to perform: very rarely would we conclude that a loss was due to the stadium they played at or the skills of the other team; instead we look internally and conclude they should be kicking more (or less), that they can’t pass (or can’t catch); we will have an opinion on the quality of the coaching and if asked we

Flooring August/September 2020

38 can name the players that should be dropped from the team.

Why do we look at two competitive activities, sports and our business, so fundamentally differently? We should be using those same analytical skills in our business. Where are we dropping the ball? Who on our team is not pulling their weight? What is the quality of our coaching? Do we have tools to analyse what is happening in our business?

At the time of this writing, flooring retail appears to be in a good space compared to other industries. We all hope this remains the case, but even at the best of times, business is cyclical, so we can anticipate a downturn at some stage. When it comes, we want to be in good shape, so what are some of the things we can measure and influence in our business? Most of us pay attention to the retail housekeeping; tidy and welcoming store environments, friendly and presentable staff, and a product range to cater to the varying needs of our customers. Here are just three things I see most often overlooked: Conversion rates Most flooring retailers don’t know what their overall conversion rate is, and they don’t know what conversion rates are being achieved by salespeople. Understanding conversion rates, measuring them, and setting targets for improving them is fundamental to a successful sales organisation.

Following up on samples People who take samples from us are the most highly qualified lead we can have, but too often our process for managing the sample process is insufficient even to guarantee the samples are returned, let alone to further the sales opportunity. If we want to establish a relationship with a potential customer, it needs to start from when they take samples.

If we are going to move the needle on our sales numbers, our conversion rates, and our GP percentage, follow up is the most powerful tool available to us.

Follow up on quotes If we are going to move the needle on our sales numbers, our conversion rates, and our GP percentage, follow up is the most powerful tool available to us. We need to be good at following up. I’m not talking about cursory one-off calls made a day or two after submitting a quote. I’m talking about frequent follow-ups to get to the point where we know we have either won or lost the job.

The follow-up process can include texts and email, but the most effective are phone calls.

Follow up to a salesperson is what landing the plane is to a pilot; a pilot who doesn’t like landing planes is not a pilot, and a salesperson who doesn’t like following up is not a salesperson, they are an order taker.

Next time we find ourselves looking outward to explain how our business is doing, make a conscious effort to change the direction of our gaze inward. How are we doing in just the three areas mentioned above? What are the other elements of our business within our control to influence for the better?

Chris Ogden is a consultant and Managing Director of RFMS Australasia, a supplier of IT solutions specific to the flooring industry. Chris has an extensive background in all aspects of the flooring industry, and he can be contacted at cogden@rfms.com.

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

QUALITY HARDBOARD UNDERLAY MADE IN AUSTRALIA PRODUCT DETAILS - Highly resistant to indentations caused by point loads from things such as table legs, chairs, stools, book cases, wall units and high heel shoes - 100% Australian made and owned Preconditioned to the Australian climate, Intalay Underlay is unlikely to be adversely affected by stability issues - Provides a flat, uniform, indent resistant surface on which to lay resilient sheet or tile floor coverings - Intalay Underlay is tough, flexible and resistant to cracking or fracturing

Intalay underlay is a high quality, highly durable underlay product. Designed to be used over strip timber, particleboard, plywood and concrete floors to provide a flat, uniform, indent resistant base for sheet floor coverings.

- The smooth surface of Intalay Underlay allows even and economical application of adhesive - Easy to work and fix with normal wood working tools and flooring installation equipment

Specifications Dimensions: 1220 x 915 x 5.5 mm Area: 1.12m2 Packaging: Bulk packs (120 sheets)

CONTACT YOUR NEAREST INTAFLOORS DISTRIBUTOR TODAY NEW SOUTH WALES Intafloors Trade Depot Seven Hills P: (02) 8678 5479

ACT Intafloors Trade Depot P: 0403 420 377

QUEENSLAND Intafloors Trade Centre Gold Coast P: (07) 5564 9999

Botnay P: (02) 8038 1111

Brisbane P: 0438 703 536

Silverwater P: (02) 9166 3981

Sunshine Coast P: (07) 54510856

VICTORIA Intafloors Trade Depot Vic P: (03) 9768 7248

SOUTH AUSTRALIA DE Seal & Sons Pty Ltd P: (08) 8346 9833

NEW ZEALAND Allnex Auckland P: +64 (09) 583 6500

www.intafloors.com.au

Prep Install & Care

40

Plywood Underlay – an affordable installation option Brought to by BBS Flooring Products Vinyl floor-coverings in sheet, tiles or plank form, are often so soft and flexible that they perfectly confirm to the shape of the subfloor.

They can mould so closely to the contours of the subfloor that within weeks of installation any imperfection below the vinyl becomes mirrored on the vinyl surface - an effect that is sometimes referred to as ‘telescoping’.

Telescoping can be so pronounced in some vinyl materials that even adhesive trowel marks can be seen if the trowel chosen to lay the adhesive was too course.

The trusted method to prevent show-through from the sub-floor is to install an underlay between the subfloor and the vinyl floorcovering. This not only insulates the vinyl from any imperfections in the sub-floor it also provides a hard impact resistant surface that can extend the wear-life of the vinyl.

Vinyl underlays are typically ridged board materials, sold in sheet form. The most common types being either hardboard, MDF, plywood - all of which are made of wood

veneers or fibre - or cement sheet, which has a specialty use in wet areas.

Apart from providing a flat, smooth surface with good impact resistance, the main characteristics installers seek in a quality underlay are:

• Environmentally responsibility: has it been made in a sustainable way and how much greenhouse gas was emitted in its production • Cost effectiveness: how it fits relative to the costs of other underlays

• Dimensional stability: this means the board will not expand or contract as the ambient humidity of the room changes with the weather

With these considerations in mind plywood offers a number of distinct advantages to the installer as an under vinyl underlay.

• Ease of handling: whether the board is easy to ship to the job site and easy to cart into its location

It is a modern product, being sustainably made from plantation sourced timbers, and using flow formaldehyde adhesives.

• Ease of installation: whether it can score and snap, and can be secured by nailing or stapling without too much filling or sanding

Unlike cement based products which are large emitters of CO2 in their manufacture plywood is produced without significant greenhouse emissions.

• Safety: that it is without causing health or safety concerns such as dust hazards when its I cut, or harmful chemicals in its composition

Plywood is also naturally dimensionally stable because it is constructed of multilayers of pealed veneers running in cross directions. This crisscross construction balances the forces of expansion and contraction that might otherwise cause dimensional instability.

Because it has a low core density plywood underlay is also the lightest weight of all vinyl underlay options making it easier to freight to the jobsite and handle onto the floor.

It is easy to install because it readily scores and snaps using traditional methods. It nails and staples easily too and the fastener head recessing below the ply surface for quick finishing without significant sanding or filling.

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Prep Install & Care

41

Significantly, there is no inherent dust hazard when cutting plywood underlay, unlike other loose fibreboard materials that require masks, dust extraction and other OH&S precautions.

Finally, because of its ease and efficiency in manufacture it is the most cost effective of all underlays and the lowest priced on a dollar per square meter measure.

The only significant limitation in using plywood as a vinyl underlay is that it can’t be used in wet areas or over porous concrete sub-floors. This is because it is wood based, and all wood fibre will swell and expand

when it is immersed in water then shrink and contract as it dries again. Cement sheet is the only safe option as a sheet underlay in these conditions.

SureBoard® Ply

Vinyl Underlay Honest. Australian. Quality SureBoard® provides a continuous, smooth surface for the installation of sheet vinyl, tile and plank floor coverings over timber, plywood and particleboard sub-floors. It is not recommended over porous or unsealed concrete, or anywhere a concrete sub-floor is below grade.

• Sanded finish prevents ‘show through’ • No colour transfer to vinyl

• High density surface resists impact • Larger panel installs quicker than Hardboard

SureBoard® Ply SBP-130 • Dimensionally stable • No surface defects or knots

2 / 75 Zenith Road, Dandenong, VIC, 3175, Australia Tel: +61 3 9793 2244 EMAIL: info@bbsfp.com

• Scores and snaps easily • Staples recess into ply surface, reducing finishing time

BBS Flooring Products

Overseas News

42

DOMOTEX postpones trade show DOMOTEX postpones trade show from January 2021 to the 20th – 22nd May 2021 and develops digital presentation formats Although two thirds of the exhibition space – about 62,000 square meters – had already been booked and a comprehensive hygiene concept had been developed to comply with COVID-19 safety regulations, Deutsche Messe AG has decided to postpone the next edition of DOMOTEX to the 20th - 22nd of May 2021.

The show was originally scheduled to take place from the 15th to the 18th of January 2021. The reasons for the postponement are based on the latest developments regarding the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic and on the fact that, in view of these developments, clients, exhibitors and visitors have asked for DOMOTEX to be held at a later date.

DOMOTEX is now planning a digital conference to take place on the 15th of January 2021, the show’s original start date.

The wide international reach and highcalibre visitors, such as top decision makers, are considered to be among the core benefits of DOMOTEX, the leading trade show for carpets and floor coverings: in January 2020, 70 percent of visitors came from abroad and more than 80 percent of exhibitors represented more than 60 nations. Many countries have introduced strict travel and quarantine regulations and it is impossible to predict for how long these regulations will be in place. There is also a general hesitation to travel abroad and we do not know when people will feel safe to travel again.

“It is our duty to act responsibly. From many conversations with exhibitors and partners we have learned that, first and foremost, we have to ensure planning security in good time”, says Dr. Andreas Gruchow, board member of Deutsche Messe AG. “With our comprehensive hygiene and safety concept, as well as with the positive registration

situation, we were very optimistic until very recently. But the latest developments show that we do not know whether the travel situation will have significantly improved by January 2021. Consequently, we have decided to postpone DOMOTEX from January to May 2021. The discussions that we had with industry representatives on this issue have all been positive and have shown that the postponement is the right decision.”

Something else has also become clear in the many discussions with stakeholders: there is a need for complementary digital formats in order to respond to the rapidly rising number of online channels in the flooring industry and to establish an international, neutral platform under the name of DOMOTEX. Therefore, DOMOTEX 2021 will take place from Thursday to Saturday (20 – 22 May) as a hybrid event: a physical show complemented by virtual formats. Visitors who, for differing reasons, will be unable to travel in May, will thus at least have an option to participate digitally. For exhibitors,

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Overseas News

43

the hybrid format also guarantees the wide international reach for which DOMOTEX is known: physically, in the exhibition halls and also digitally extended, using new presentation formats to generate an even wider reach.

DOMOTEX sets up digital conference The DOMOTEX team is also working on a digital conference, which will take place on the 15th of January 2021, which would originally have been the first day of the trade show. The keynote theme of ‘Cover New Ground’ is intended to encourage the industry to discuss what the new normal in times of COVID-19 will signify for carpets and floor coverings and, regarding the design and application of flooring, to provide inspiration to think beyond existing strategies, visions and experiences. More information will follow in due course.

DOMOTEX 2021 will take place from the 20th – 22nd of May in Hannover, Germany.

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

Overseas News

44

Paving the way in high-performance sports flooring

T

he glass sports floor continues to conquer the halls of the world. From the University of Oxford in England, the modern BallsportARENA in Dresden, the small inclusion school A.C.P.E.I. in France, to the latest project, the high-performance sports centre OYM (On Your Marks) in Switzerland. More and more building owners are relying on the equally extraordinary and sustainable innovation of the Bavarian company ASB GlassFloor.

In Zurich, the most modern training centre in the world has now been completed and stands ready to take top-class sports in Switzerland to the next level. At the heart of this high-tech sports centre, the ASB MultiSports floor by ASB GlassFloor offers athletes perfect training and competition

conditions over an area of roughly 1,400 square metres. The individual LED game lines can be controlled via touchscreen and thus the individual field markings of the sports handball, basketball, badminton, volleyball and hockey can be switched on and off. Finally, the great confusion of game lines is a thing of the past.

The certified sports floor is FIBA accredited, approved for professional sports and meets the requirements of the European norm EN 14904:2006 for area-elastic sports

floors. Not only because of its longevity, the ASB MultiSports is becoming increasingly popular in times of sustainability, but also because of its joint-gentle properties, which is much appreciated and recognised by athletes.

Many other properties which a conventional sports floor cannot offer make the ASB MultiSports floor exceptional and point the way to the sports hall construction of the future. Nike and Microsoft have also drawn on ASB GlassFloor’s experience in handling glass with their projects.

As world market leaders in the construction of squash courts, ASB has decades of knowhow in glass work. Eight years ago, company founder Horst Babinsky passed the baton on to his son Christof.

Christof Babinsky, Managing Director of ASB GlassFloor, explains, “The OYM project bets on the latest standards in all areas so as to create perfect conditions for their athletes. We are very pleased that we, at ASB GlassFloor with our MultiSports floor, can contribute to this.”

Flooring August/September 2020

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

TILE TODAY F U L LY E N D O R S E D B Y T H E A U S T R A L I A N T I L E C O U N C I L

NOW FULLY DIGITAL! Tile Today magazine is designed to promote new products and technologies to virtually every tile outlet, tile fixer and specifier in Australia.

For your FREE subscription go to: www.elitepublishing.com.au/free-subscription

CIRCULATED AUSTRALIA WIDE TO:

• Tile importers and retailers • Leading architects, designers and builders • Tile fixers • Pool builders, landscapers and renovators

Proudly supported and endorsed by:

Leading the Industry

Published by

Contact: Betty Tanddo Email: Betty.Tanddo@elitepublishing.com.au

www.tiletodaymagazine.com.au

Advertisers Index Andersens Floor Covering

17

Airstep Underlay

26, 27

Australian Flooring Supplies

Inside Back Cover

Australian Select Timbers

5

BBS Flooring Products Classic Architectural Group

Floor Store Logistics Forbo Flooring Systems GMK Logistics Godfrey Hirst

41 21

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Philip Ashley philipneilashley6@bigpond.com

29 9 33 43 11, Back Cover

Intafloors 39 Kenbrock Flooring Laser Measure Australia

PUBLISHER Vicky Cammiade Email: vicky.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au EDITOR Michelle Cammiade michelle.cammiade@elitepublishing.com.au

Cleanspace 23 Floorcovering Assn. of Victoria (FAV)

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD ABN: 27 006 876 419 PO BOX 800, Templestowe Victoria, Australia 3106 Ph: + 61 3 9890 0815 Fax: + 61 3 9890 0087 Email: info@elitepublishing.com.au Website: www.elitepublishing.com.au

Front Cover, Inside Front Cover 35

Polivac International

19

Preference Floors

13

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER Sandie Velkovska Email: sandie@elitepublishing.com.au CIRCULATION For circulation enquiries please email: info@elitepublishing.com.au PRODUCTION For artwork and production enquiries please email: production@elitepublishing.com.au PRE-PRESS Prominent Digital PRINTED BY Prominent Group Pty Ltd ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD (established 1985) All rights reserved – No part of this publication maybe reproduced, transmitted or copied in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without the express prior written consent of Elite Publishing Co Pty Ltd. Viewpoints, opinions, claims, etc expressed in articles appearing in this publication are those of the authors. The Publishers accept no responsibility for the information supplied or for claims made by companies or their representatives regarding product performance, etc or for any errors, omissions, misplacement, alterations, or any subsequent changes, or for any consequences of reliance on this information or this publication.

ELITE PUBLISHING CO PTY LTD PUBLISHERS OF: Supplier Woodworking Magazine, Tile Today Magazine, Discovering Stone Magazine, FB Magazine, Flooring Magazine, Finishes & Surfaces Magazine

Quick-Step 15 RFMS Australasia RLA Polymers Signature Floorcoverings

37 25, 31 7

www.flooringmagazine.com.au

RAPID DRYING TECHNOLOGY

FLOOR LEVELLING

FEATURING LOCAL MATERIALS AND SUPPORTING LOCAL MANUFACTURING

FIELD TESTED AND APPROVED

BY INSTALLERS JUST LIKE YOU

1300 737 155 australianflooringsupplies.com.au | afscustomerservice@qep.com

COMPETITIVELY PRICED TO DELIVER YOU TRUE VALUE

Captivating Modern Spaces Through Bold Hues

We’re here to help!

Our Australian facilities are currently OPEN for business.

Contact us for all your flooring needs.

An Australian Made carpet tile, Metroscape features a city grid pattern intersected with recessed geometric blocks offering a contemporary range for commercial environments. With ten colours to choose from including a number of bold brights, this carpet tile offers design solutions for focus areas or wayfinding in large spaces.

With zero nasty ingredients, Metroscape is Declare Red List Free, allowing you to create healthier spaces that seek to improve the health and wellbeing of building occupants.

Contact your local GH Commercial representative to order sampling and discuss your next commercial project.

AU: 1300 444 778 | NZ: 0800 500 210 WWW.GHCOMMERCIAL.COM

SM