Educational Establishments ... and the completed job, using Rhino Turf HF 18, has exceeded expectations
- the macadam layer could not be within the recommended tolerance. The macadam layer was subsequently surveyed and the results confirmed our thoughts.
The whole contract now ground to a halt, with an ever approaching deadline, and countless emails, phone calls and meetings in an effort to find a solution. Facing the realisation that FIH certification would be improbable, if not impossible to achieve given the fundamental flaws in the construction, and without replacement of the macadam layer, we were left to prioritise safety and longevity, whilst having to disregard our initial aims for the pitch, which was to achieve full FIH National accreditation. To achieve a safe and durable surface, and thereby comply with our duty of care as a facility operator, it was agreed to install a thicker shockpad across the pitch in its entirety, thereby ensuring the highest areas on the macadam layer did not produce a risk to the safety of the pitch, or a risk of early deterioration of the shockpad due to a reduced thickness of rubber crumb.
Negotiations and changes to the initial contract proved problematic and stressful for all involved, and this goes a way to explaining why, when undertaking any job, it is critical to get it right at the first time of asking. Fortunately, once we
actually agreed a solution, and received approval to proceed, the efforts of the teams laying the pitch were first class, and we finally have a product that has exceeded our expectations, given the problems that we inherited. To summarise my feelings on the job
that rendered my summer a stress laden nightmare, of which there was little escape or respite, I could only offer my experiences as a warning to anyone who is considering undertaking a similar task. I’ll make no apologies for saying that the artificial turf industry, in my experience, is a dirty, poorly regulated sector which is filled with salesmen of little to no integrity, false promises, poor installations, little accountability when problems are identified and a complete lack of goodwill to customers who often pay six figure sums for what is often little more than a substandard service. For those that are considering having any installations, be vigilant with your management of the contract, employ an independent lab to sign off work as acceptable at the end of each stage but, most importantly, do not place your trust in those that cannot be trusted. For those unscrupulous few who tarnish the artificial turf sector - sort your act out. So, to conclude, we have had a weather pattern the likes of which I have never seen, staff changes, machinery demonstrations, seminars, presentations,
“That’s one season over, now our ‘other’ busy season begins - landscaping, woodland management, plantations, fencing...”
further developing the infrastructure and support network on the island, three cricket square reconstructions, a natural turf (rubber crumb reinforced) play area construction and an artificial turf pitch rebuild.
That’s one season over, now our ‘other’ busy season begins - landscaping, woodland management, plantations, fencing, twelve winter sports pitches to set up and maintain! I’ll leave you all in peace now with a saying that sums up our last twelve months ... “Improvidus, apto quod victum”.
If you are having problems with rain, frost or snow, your artificial surface may need a Rejeneration® or Winter RevivalTM
Call us now for more information on our range of Winter Maintenance Services
tel: 08702 400 700 email: iinffo@tech
hniic lalsu
frfaces.co. k
uk
www.technicalsurfaces.co.uk
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2014 PC 97
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