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Brick industry takes training to the cleaners
Media Release
For immediate release
May 8, 2008:
The brick industry has held the first accreditation course for brick cleaners and building supervisors in an effort to address the considerable costs, time delays and disruption caused by poor brick-cleaning workmanship.
The training was developed by Think Brick Australia and TAFE to upskill and accredit existing brick cleaners and to induct new entrants to the trade. The course was held at Randwick TAFE over two days from May 7th and included detailed practical sessions and extensive theoretical training in the correct use of chemicals.Following completion of the course, newly accredited brick cleaners will be listed on the Think Brick Australia website as a free service to the building industry to ensure the integrity of new brickwork is protected through professional cleaning.
When brick cleaners, who currently undergo little or no training, employ the wrong chemicals, equipment and techniques, the brick cleaning process can cause severe staining, acid burns, damage to the face of the bricks and mortar “blow out”.
The building industry welcomes the essential training and accreditation, which will see cost savings on having to have homes re-cleaned or expensive rectification work undertaken. Unproductive time and delays will also be reduced.
Linda Ginger, CEO of Think Brick Australia explains “Builders, particularly home builders, have been joined by leading brick manufactures in the call to train brick cleaners to protect their own workmanship, products and reputations. Think Brick Australia is pleased to be announcing this initiative which is part of the industry’s move to promote best practice in the masonry trades.”
All accredited brick cleaners will have the support of Think Brick Australia to make sure they can access hassle-free brick cleaning services.
The main purpose of brick cleaning is to remove the mortar residue left on bricks after they have been laid. Cleaning also removes other simple stains that sometimes present on bricks which are natural attributes of the clay and these can very easily be removed with the right knowledge.
The chemicals used to clean the bricks must be selected considering the type and color of brick being used and there is no "one size fits all" approach to achieve required results. The equipment must also be specifically employed for cleaning masonry so the work will be done without damaging the surface, discoloring the brick, or destroying the joints.
Builders can find out more or make a booking for supervisor training by calling Think Brick Australia on (02) 9629 4922.
-ends
For further information on the brick industry, interviews or images contact Kate Wearne or Suzanne Beaumont at Reservoir Network on 02 9955 8000.
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