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Check out the latest issue of ISFA's
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces magazine |
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ISFA On-Site Training
Your Tools. Your Staff. Your Shop. Our Expertise.
This training program brings an expert trainer to your facility to help train staff, review shop operations and make recommendations.
Program Overview:
ISFA On-Demand is a customized training program designed to meet the needs of your business. Basic fabrication instruction includes Product Orientation, Safety, Tooling, Fabrication & Installation. More advanced instruction includes Manufacturer’s Fabrication/Installation Requirements.
Contact Carol at carol@isfanow.org or call (888) 599-ISFA for more information.
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Check out 2019-2020
Countertops & Architectural Surfaces Buyers' Guide |
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INTERESTED IN ISFA MEMBERSHIP? |
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ISFA Develops Porcelain/Sintered/Ultra-Compact Surface Fabrication Training/Certification Program
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Porcelain, Sintered Stone, and Ultra-Compact Surfaces are growing in popularity. To help ensure your fabrication company’s future success by becoming an expert in these products, ISFA is developing a training and certification program.
The first training program will be held at Park Industries Training Center in St. Cloud, Minn., on July 21 and/or July 22.
Each day, three leading manufacturer brands will be trained upon. You may register for one or both days, but those attending both days will be certified covering all six brands.
- July 21 - Dekton, Infinity Surfaces, and Laminam
- July 22 -Crossville, Lapitec and MSI
ISFA membership is required to obtain and retain ISFA certifications, but non-members registering at the non-member price for this fabrication training event will receive a free one-year ISFA membership* courtesy of our event sponsors.
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Some Australians Have Called for Bans on Quartz Surfacing as Increased Safety Focus Continues To Grow Worldwide
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With the increasing awareness of problems caused by inhaling silica dust, concern has been rising. In the United States, increased regulations with lower permissible levels of silica dust inhalation have been put in place by OSHA. However, in Australia there have recently been calls for banning quartz surfacing, which contains high levels of silica, altogether.
One of the largest suppliers of quartz surfacing, Caesarstone, was refused insurance coverage in Australia because of the silica present in the product, and people in that country, according to numerous press reports, have been calling silica the “new asbestos.”
Certainly the product makeup of Caesarstone is very similar to most other quartz surfaces and is not to be singled out, which is why a class action lawsuit against multiple manufacturers of quartz surfacing in general has been filed in Australia. Caesarstone Australia managing director David Cullen told government officials the company’s products could be “100 percent safe” if proper training and rules were adhered to.
Last month, Caesarstone subsequently rolled out its “Master of Stone” program developed over 19 months at The International Surface Show and have set nationwide training sessions across the United States. In addition to the focus placed on proper training and the silica problem by OSHA, Caesarstone and NIOSH, associations and groups such as ISFA, The Rockheads and the Natural Stone Institute have also been increasing their focus on the safe fabrication of quartz surfacing.
Of note is ISFA is sending free silica safety training kits to all of it's new or renewing fabricator members in 2020. Not a member? Join ISFA today!
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Registration for Coverings 2020 Trade Show Is Open and Free To Industry Professionals
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Registration for Coverings 2020, which is running from April 20 to 23 in New Orleans, La., is free and open now to all industry |
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professionals. For more than 30 years, the trade show has provided stone fabricators tools, training, and technical know-how to be at the forefront of the stone industry. Coverings allows attendees to:
- Shop the exhibit floor for fabricating machinery, equipment and products to keep current.
- Find sources for natural and dimensional stone products from more than 40 countries.
- Engage in complimentary live demonstrations and seminars.
- Network with peers to understand what is working in other markets.
You can find out more or register to attend Coverings 2020 for free HERE. |
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OSHA Announces Increases in Penalties
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The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) recently adjusted the maximum penalties companies face in line with the annual inflation rate. The new maximum penalties is now $113,494 per violation for "Failure to Abate," "Serious" and "Other Than Serious" violations. The penalty per violation is now $134,937 for "Willful" or "Repeated" violatons. States operating under their own safety and health plans must meet or exceed these maximum penalties.
Additionally, OSHA issued a reminder that all employers must post their 2019 Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses (Form 300A) until April 30. For more information visit the OSHA website.
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China Xiamen Internaional Stone Fair Postponed In Wake of Coronavirus Outbreak
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The China Xiamen International Stone Fair, the world's largest hard-surfaces event, has been postponed until June in response to the Coronavirus outbreak. Originally planned for March 16 to 19, it will now take place June 6 to 9.
The event typically draws more than 140,000 attendees annually. The U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control have made recent announcements discouraging travel to China for the near future.
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Ultra-Compact Dekton by Cosentino Goes Ultra-Saturated with New Chroma Collection
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collection offers three new colors meant to celebrate liquid, with the idea of water use at the heart of how it is constructed. Cosentino is making steps towards a more circular design process, collecting and reusing 95 percent of water used in production, and is also working to reduce the water used in its manufacturing processes. The three hues, Liquid Shell, a pearlescent shade is a varying off-white with a rippling pattern of the landscape of the ocean floor; Liquid Embers, a dark, carbon-like design that visualizes the alchemy of the elementsand; and Liquid Sky, which has a white base with flowing grey veins. For more information CLICK HERE.
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Alpha Professional Tools Now Offer Two
New Pnuematic Polishers
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Alpha introduced the AIR-830 and AIR-850 Pneumatic Polishers. The models have different maximum RPM to cover all fabricators. Both polishers are equipped with a newly developed motor with a five hybrid composite vane designed to output more power and last longer.
They come with new splash guards that block the splash
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while providing better visibility. The end case was also re-designed to improve the water and air control operation and minimize the risk of breakage. A silicon boot for the gear head, and water quick coupler with shut off valve have also been added. The polishers come with an enhanced spindle shaft and full size wrenches for easy tool removal. The AIR-830 and AIR-850 have maximum no-load RPMs of 4,400 and 5,500 respectively.
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Stone Services Group and Ignite Consulting Group Release Hot Sauce Upsell Software System
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The newly formed Stone Services Group (SSG) is working with Ignite Consulting Group (ICG) to sell and market ICG’s industry-specific selling software, Hot Sauce. Hot Sauce, is a comprehensive, easy-to-use software system that can boost profit. The system is entirely turnkey with pre-set software built for customer interaction and purchase. It also includes more than 50 unique, upsell items collected over the years to immediately add profit. More than 75 percent of the items in the collection have no cost of goods and generate pure earnings.
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Register by March 15 and save $200!
SPONSORED BY
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