SCREEDS, RESINS & COATINGS
THE LATEST FROM FERFA
Helen McGachie, CEO of the Resin Flooring Association FeRFA provides an overview of the industry going into 2015, with updates on the FeRFA Awards, website, recycling scheme and training.
RESIN FLOORING TODAY This year marks the 46th anniversary of FeRFA, the trade association which represents the resin flooring, surface preparation and screed industry sector. In comparison to many construction trades, the resin flooring sector may seem quite small, but in terms of influence, it has a huge impact across the UK manufacturing sector alone, where it provides high performance and durable flooring to withstand the most rigorous of processing environments. Whilst originally developed as an industrial flooring system, a commitment to technical development and innovation has now resulted in resin flooring systems that offer impressive durability and wear resistance, together with aesthetic and design appeal. Comfort flooring, or “liquid vinyl” has definitely grown in popularity, particularly in the commercial sector where it offers the user the comfort properties typically provided by cushion vinyl but with the added benefit of providing a seamless hygienic floor.
THE FERFA AWARDS The versatility of resin flooring systems is showcased each year in November when the FeRFA Annual Awards are presented. The excellent quality of all award applications and the diversity of resin flooring applications, across different sectors, from designer studios, retail and prestigious new build projects, to traditional industrial flooring, is clear evidence of the growing markets and new opportunities for resin flooring systems.
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FERFA GUIDANCE NOTES As with any flooring system, choosing the correct resin flooring system is essential to ensure that it meets the specific requirements of the user. FeRFA is the renowned centre of technical knowledge on this specialist area and leads the way in providing advice and guidance. The FeRFA website has been specifically developed to provide a quick and easy way to start the selection process where a series of Guidance Notes provide up to date information and practical advice on the specification, performance, application and maintenance of resin floors, surface preparation and screed underlayments. The Gallery section provides a useful reference point for resin flooring case studies across the market sectors. A very useful guide is the FeRFA Classification (based on BS8204-6), which shows the various types of resin flooring, from Type 1 to Type 8, their areas of use and anticipated life dependent on product thickness, quality of the substrate and service conditions. The FeRFA types can be applied to all resin flooring products, irrespective of product brand name and can be found here.
RECYCLING SCHEME As resin flooring is laid insitu, minimal waste is produced on site, with any packaging waste being recycled via the FeRFA award winning Recycling scheme. Since the scheme was introduced in 2011, over 1,000 tonnes of waste have been diverted from landfill and recycled for further use. Working in partnership with Countrywide Waste Management, the award-winning scheme provides
FeRFA members with expert advice and a full waste management programme to handle all waste produced, either at the company’s premises or on site. This guidance has been of real benefit in completing modern day tenders where waste management is now a key requirement and has allowed members to completely review their environmental management and practices to ensure that Duty of Care obligations are met. For many members, participating in the scheme has led to the achievement of ISO 14001 accreditation and industry awards.
This ambitious and innovative scheme also includes the production of plastic containers containing up to 40% of recovered plastic via FeRFA partner Protech Plastics Containers.
TRAINING AND
APPRENTICESHIPS The installation of resin floors is a specialist skill area and FeRFA as the Association representing Resin Flooring fully endorses a qualified workforce through the achievement of NVQ Level 2 and above. As the training provider for the resin flooring, surface preparation and screeding sector, FeRFA runs apprenticeship schemes, supervisory and contract management training, together with one day Upskilling courses and an online learning facility. A qualified workforce raises standards in the industry and gives the client the assurance and evidence of the contractor’s ability to undertake the work involved.
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