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Buildings Refurbishment and Maintenance
toilets, lack of washing facilities and lack of privacy unfortunately it’s a growing problem.
are some of the issues that discourage pupils from Altro’s James Lightly says, “Although schools and
using toilets and this can lead to a range of colleges are varied, complex sites populated with
THE PIPING SOLUTION
problems with continence, fatigue and lack of large numbers of adults and children, effective risk
Hot off the press
concentration. management would prevent many of these
Since the 1960s, there have been great strides in accidents. The good news is that reducing these
understanding the connection between one’s alarming statistics in your school can be
environment and productivity. Many people have straightforward and inexpensive. Carrying out a
M
apresssupplysystemstechnologyfrom
Geberitarespecificallydesignedand
bad memories of pre-constructed add-ons to regular risk assessment and adopting simple
manufacturedtomeetdemandingindustrial
schools. practical measures and a common sense approach
requirements;withstandinghightemperatures
As David Johnson says, “There is no doubt that can go a long way towards eradicating accidents
andpressurewhilstretainingexcellenthygiene
the perception of off-site construction in the caused by slips and trips in the school environment.
standards.Importantly,theyarebothfireand
education sector has changed radically over the past “One of the most effective ways to reduce the
corrosionresistant. Withnoneedforwelding,
decade. Less than positive images of draughty, risk of slipping is to introduce a slip resistant floor
screwingorsoldering,Geberit'srevolutionary
out-of-date classroom facilities, temporary surface. In all locations where the occasional spill
pressingtechnologyallowsforquick,safeand
accommodation and restrictive layouts have been may present a risk, even in corridors, and anywhere
reliableinstallationwithouthotworks. For
replaced by inspirational and stimulating architecture where floors may be wet after cleaning, a floor
2009,Geberithasunveiledasignificant
with complete flexibility in design and use.” covering with a minimum Slip Resistance Value
improvementtotheMapresssystem –the
The same thinking now applies to the walls and (SRV) of 36 is now clearly recommended. It is also
MapressPressingIndicator,whichisavailable
flooring used in schools. Gone are the days of considered necessary to specify flooring that
fromthissummer.
institutional grey/green walls and tired linoleum complies with or exceeds this requirement
The pressing indicator consists of a very
floors. Paul Smith, of paint specialist Johnstone’s throughout its working life if safety levels are to be
thin plastic foil encasing the pressing
says schools are tough to cater for. maintained. Beware of factory-finished coatings,
shoulder. The foil is removed during the
“It’s the most demanding sector in terms of which often wear off after a few months.
pressing operation, visibly indicating a
innovation and creativity as we face the dual A properly maintained Altro safety floor is
pressed joint. This means prior to the leak
challenge of ensuring the school environment will one way to comply with this requirement.”
test, installers can now instantly identify
any unpressed joints. The press indicator
complements Geberit’s leak path seal that
allows a fitting to leak if not pressed.
Together these give a formidable defence
against installation errors.
“The benefits are manifold,” says
Gerberit’s Joanne Ansell Southern
Regional Sales Director.
“ Mepla offers significantly reduced
installation time when compared to
copper, steel and other materials. Mepla
pipe’s flexibility and speed of connection
means less time on site and reduced
labour costs. There is less cleaning-up with
no messy flux cleaners or solvents. It is
limescale free - Internal polyethylene layer
eliminates lime-scale build-up and blocked
pipe problems.
And because Mepla pipe is UV stabilised
corrosion is never a problem. So it is ideal
for use in areas where there are risks of
SirJohnHenry NewmanSchool hazardous materials spills.”
be protected and maintained over long periods of prevents undue wear and hygiene problems. But
time whilst inspiring learning, expression and well maintenance can be an expensive business. The
being through the creative use of colour schemes.” combination of machinery, materials and labour
And – even with paint – there are health and means that the maintenance of a floor covering
safety issues to take into consideration. within a building will represent a considerable
“Throughout the decoration period, low-odour lifetime cost, generally accepted to be around 90%.
products are preferable but looking at the long- To reflect this, Polyflor has developed a range of
term issues, considerations should be given to products that provide trouble-free maintenance and
hygiene and maintenance, In other words, how generate significant life cycle cost savings.”
easily and effectively the coatings can be cleaned. Gilmore’s advice stands for all types of
Duty of care is also an issue to consider when maintenance and refurbishment projects. Don’t just
choosing specialist coatings. For instance the use of look at the initial bottom line price when choosing
flame retardant coatings, which delay the spread of products, think about the long-term life cycle costs.
flame, are recommended to aid and allow time for There will always be pressure on budgets but
escape and evacuation in the event of fire.“ paying a little more up front can save a fortune later
Smith advises, “Creative colour schemes are New flooring can be a major investment for a on, in terms of replacement, cleaning and
good but on a practical level, consider using school and it is essential to consider a number of maintenance and even compensation claims.
colours that have contrasting Light Reflective important options when choosing a new floor. - When considering refurbishment you must
Values which can be used to highlight critical Alison Gilmore, education market manager at also consider the cost in use. Very simply, the life
surfaces and aid the safe movement of people who Polyflor believes that ease of maintenance is a key cycle cost of a product includes not only the
are partially sighted.” factor. “Any school will wish for their floor to initial cost, plus preparation and installation,
According to the HSE, 55% of all accidents in the remain in excellent condition throughout its life and but on going cleaning and maintenance. Then you
education sector are caused by a slip or a trip. 90% for the cleaning process to be as cost-effective and need to take into account how long the item is
of major accidents resulted in a broken bone, straightforward as possible,” she says. expected to last, before you have to consider strip
causing considerable personal distress and a “Effective maintenance not only has aesthetic out and disposal costs, followed by the cost of a
significant amount of time away from school. And benefits, it also ensures floor performance and new installation.
September 2009 www.education-today.co.uk
39
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