Friday September 3rd, 2010
ACASPA, the peak national industry body for industrial textile products, has released a set of Guidelines for the design, fabrication and installation of shade sails.
The Guidelines highlighting that despite shade sails being around from many years as a cost effective and aesthetically attractive shade solution, the growing number of installations and general public interest, required a structured framework to ensure optimal results for all involved. In many ways, these Guidelines formalise what ACASPA members have been doing for many years. ACASPA members include many professional businesses involved in every aspect of shade sail construction – from architects and engineers specialising in efficient shade design and structural integrity, right the way through to fabric manufacturers and installers.
ACASPA, with over 200 members nationally and 60 years of experience in making quality products from the best indsutrial textiles - inckuding shade cloths and architectural PVC's - is ideally placed to set the benchmark for what to expect when purchasing and effective shade sail or tension memberane.
We see it as a major responsibility in the industry to ensure the best possibleoutcomes in shade design and construction, using fabrics. Indeed many of our membes have reputations worldwide for leading the way in this field. We are also committeed to ensure that the end users which include schools, businesses, restaurants and home owners are provided with a quality product rather than one which is substandard, not meeting shade expectations, or even worse, potentially dangerous because basic design and engineering benchamarks have nto been met.
The ACASPA Shade Sail Guidleines will help ensure all important aspects are appropriately dealt with, including esign, engineering, fabric selection and safe location and installation of the sturcture.
They also provide a common point of refernece regardless of where you ar in Asutralia, also regardless of differing building codes or consumer protection laws from state to state. This was an importnat goal in stablishing the Guidelines and one made possible by our national coverage of membership. By addressing each of the key areas, the result is an effectice shade solution at a considerable cost saving when compared to a more conventional hard roof structure.
The aesthetic attraction of fabric structures has always been apparant to installers and end users alike. By ensuting these other important areas of design are dealt with, engineering and safety, only improves the outcome for all and ensure Australian manufacturers remain at the forefront, worldwide with shade sails.
The Guidleines are available for use by all Shade Sail Installers - click here to download a copy of the Shade Sail Guidelines
This year we farewelled Jane Lynch from the Presidency positon (of 2 years) and welcome Brendan Hall of Bradmil Outdoor Fabrics as President of ACASPA. Glenn Barlow of Nan's Tarps has been voted in as Vice President. Congratulations also goes to our two new Counicllors - Gary Smith of Campbell and Heeps and Kent Williamson of RMIT.
Members will shortly be receiving the 2010 Council of Management contact list and Member state meetings dates.
Congratulations to Abgal Liners and Covers for being the overall Award winner in this years Awards for Excellence and to Kevin Harington from Pattons Awnings and Boat Trimmers for being the first Young Achiever Award winner.
Congratulations also to our category winners:
and our Special Commendation winners:
Look out for the Award images which are to be posted on our website shortly.
NSW Tafe have been approved as the preferred RTO to deliver training for Textile Fabrication in Queensland. Many trainees and employers have been affected as a result of TAFE SA's and Workplace Training's withdrawal for the delivery of training in QLD. The ACASPA Office along with NSW Tafe is putting together information sessions for all who have trainees in the system or are intending to sign up trainees. The sessions will take place within the next two weeks in Brisbane, Toowoomba and Cairns. Exact dates, venues and times will be confirmed as soon as possible.
During the information sessions you will learn about:
During these sessions you will be provided with a complete overview of the contents of the current training package including some of the options for the delivery of face to face training.
Info sessions taking place in:
Towoomba - Thursday 4th March 2pm to 4pm at Southern Queensland Institute of TAFE, 100 Bridge St, B Block room number B2.48
Brisbane - Friday 5th March 10am to 12pm at Chermside Lawn Bowls, 468 Rode Rd, Chermside.
If you would like any further information on these information sessions please contact the ACASPA office on 1300 555 787
ACASPA now provides Members with a national service via Australian Industry Group for Vic, NSW, SA and QLD, the Chamber Of Commerce and Industry for WA.
For the latest updates on Industrial Relations Legislation, and awards information relating to the Modern Manufacturing and Allied Occupations Award, simply log onto the Members Only section or phone the ACASPA Office.