Page 7 - Demo

Slippery rock Gazette
July 2019|7
Training & Education
Three New Courses Available in Natural Stone University
Three new courses are available online in the Natural Stone University.
The Geology of Natu- ral Stone 1: Introduc- tion to Natural Stone (6 hours)
This course provides a geological overview of natural stone. Participants will learn the history of natural stone, geologi- cal attributes to consider when specifying stone, and how to verify stone classifications. Course materials include four webinars with geologist Karin Kirk, as well as ar- ticles about the geological makeup of ten different types of stone and the originals of natural stone colors and patterns.
Facility Safety Plan: Creating an Environment of Safety for Your Employees
(5 hours)
Create an environment that promotes safety for all who enter your facility. This course covers OSHA compliance, safety train- ing, record-keeping, and the importance of creating
a culture that promotes safe actions. Course materials include webinars on OSHA compliance, creating a safety program, silica expo- sure, and the ROI of safety. Additional reading materials include a company safety audit, a silica control plan, and an employee safety training syllabus.
Stone Sales 1: Basic Sales and Marketing Measures
(4 hours)
Topics discussed in this course include demographic analysis, creating measure- ments, and using data to increase sales. Learn how to identify and record stone sales measurements, find and mobilize customers
into your sales funnel, and understand current and future industry trends. Course materials include webinars on targeting cus- tomers, tracking trends, and the evolving counter- top customer. Readings include several design and trend articles from the Use Natural Stone website.
Since 2016, the Natural Stone University has provided online education tools for stone industry professionals. Courses are available free of charge to current Natural Stone Institute member companies. Learn more at www.uofstone.org .
“A secret of adulthood: we have more time than we think. And less time. The days are long but the years are short.” – Gretchen Rubin
Quality at the Source
site. It is essential that a detailed checklist be used for this purpose, like the sample shown in Figure 1.
Once the Installer is sat- isfied that the appearance and structure of the job is acceptable, he should apply his signature to the paperwork for that job in- dicating that he is account- able for the quality.
Please turn to page 10
Continued from page 6
Once approved, the pieces for a job should be placed together on the same A-frame so that the Installer will have all the pieces necessary to complete that job. The A-frames should be loaded such that the first job to be done is on the outside and readily available. The Quality Assurance Inspector should be re- sponsible for the quality and quantity of the final load onto the A-frame.
Installation
At loadout each morn- ing, the installation crew should quantity check each job. The quality check should have been completed, so the installer should be responsible for a final quantity check to en- sure all needed pieces are present. Each piece being labeled (1 of 5, 2 of 5, etc.) will help to ensure this.
Generally, installation is “where the cash regis- ter rings” for the counter- top fabrication company. All process steps are im- portant, but it all comes
together at installation for quality and customer satis- faction. Only when that is accomplished can the fab- rication company receive final payment.
The Installer should com- plete a final quality check of the finished job with the customer’s perspective in mind before leaving the job
Figure 1 - Quality Inspection Checklist
Natural Stone Installation Checklist
Job #:
Date:
Crew Leader Int.:
Any no answers require notification to the office if item can’t be resolved on site.
YES NO
Someone present to discuss checklist?
Name:
Circle One
Dealer / Builder / Homeowner
Final Fit and Finish
Seam Lippage is 1/32” or less
Seam is less than 1/16” wide
Seam/s is/are smooth to the touch on top and bottom side
Bottom side of overhangs are smooth to the touch
All edges that die at the wall are caulked (including splash)
Countertops are caulked to cabinets
Customer understands that large caulk joints will shrink and may take some time to turn clear due to the amount of caulk required to fill a large gap
Entire surface is free of excessively large pits
There are no chips
Cooking appliance test fit
If no for appliance test fit, circle 1:
Was not on site
Was not in place but was confirmed per CAD dimensions
Dishwasher Bracket (Circle One)
Left in D.W. opening: Installed Side mount unit, No Bracket (No dishwasher on site) required
Care and Maintenance
Check each item that was discussed with the onsite contact. Leave this section blank if there was no customer present
YES NO
Edges can be chipped especially around the sink and dishwasher. If you chip your top, save any material that was chipped out for repair.
Avoid scratches by protecting tops from unfinished stoneware or other rough materials.
Tops have been sealed in our shop. Sealant will last 3-5 years depending on use.
Clean tops with soapy water or Stone cleaner
Keep harsh chemicals away from granite or marble tops. Example: Chemicals in drain cleaner will damage the surface of stone countertops
Food stuck on countertops is often mistaken for “rough spots” in granite tops because it is hard to see. Don’t assume that your tops are damaged without a thorough cleaning.
Caulk seals will deteriorate over time. Caulk is a maintenance item that is not covered by the CEC warranty. Caulk joints should be inspected every 6 mo. to prevent water damage.
I certify that all products and services have been furnished and completed as per my contract. I have inspected the job and approved the final product.
Responsible Party Signature: ____________________________________________________ Date: ________________ Printed Name: _____________________________________________________________
Lead Installer Signature: _____________________________________________
Installer of the Year Competition at TISE 2020 – Call for Entries
The return of The International Surface Event Installer of the Year Competition (The Nationals) is back for TISE 2020, LIVE on the show floor. Enter your installa- tion project into the 2020 competition, Beginning July 2019.
A panel of judges will re- view project submissions
from around the country. The Top 3 finalists in each category will be selected and flown to Las Vegas to compete LIVE in an in- stallation competition. The winner in each category of the LIVE installation contest in Las Vegas will be crowned The National Installer of the Year, re- ceive a prize package, and own incredible bragging rights in the industry.
The three installation cate- gories include: Carpet, Tile/ Stone, and LVT.
To submit an entry, go to the TISE website, www. intlsurfaceevent.com .
Deadline for entries is October 17, 2019, and fi- nalists will be selected November 15, 2019.
The LIVE contest will occur at TISE 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada, January, 2020.