ARTIFICIAL GRASS FIELDS

Transcription

1 Introduction Maintenance of Artificial Grass Irrigation System Drainage System Less Frequent Maintenance Pitch Surrounds Approved activities / Restricted objects HATKO Maintenance Goal Maintenance Equipment FAQ s Warranty Conditions PAGE 1 of 22

2 1. Introduction 1.1 Why Maintenance? 1.2 General Principals 2. Maintenance of Artificial grass 2.1 Weekly Maintenance Surface Cleaning and Waste Disposal Brushing Re-topping of the penalty point and stress zones Monthly Maintenance Brushing Yearly Maintenance Moss & Algae & Weeds Removal Stain Removal Bodily Fluids Inspection of the seams and game lines Replacement of penalty points Regeneration and Leveling the In-Fill ( Where Present) Inspection of Surface sports performance 3. Maintenance of irrigation system 3.1 Irrigation & Waterfall 3.2 Settling Period 3.3 Irrigation system maintenance 4. Maintenance of drainage system 5. Less Frequent Maintenance 5.1 Snow Removal 5.2 Vehicles 6. Pitch Surrounds 7. Approved activities / Restricted objects 8. HATKO Maintenance Goal 9. Maintenance Equipment 10. FAQ s 11. Warranty Conditions PAGE 2 of 22

3 INTRODUCTION Unless a pitch is maintained properly, it will lose some of its playing quality in the long term. The ball can become faster over the surface, it will roll unevenly and the ball bounce will vary from place to place. The players will feel uncomfortable running on an uneven surface and frustrated by the inability to control an unpredictable ball. Artificial turf certainly demands less investment in time and costs for maintenance and can be used for many more playing hours than natural turf but you can t just lay it and leave it to its own devices. Maintenance on an artificial turf pitch is different but just as important as it is on a natural grass pitch. The correct maintenance of a synthetic turf field ensures that the optimum performance of the facility is achieved for the longest period of time and that the clients is able to maximize his investment by lengthening the usable lifetime of his investment. Warranty to be given by HATKO shall be subject to the application of a regular maintenance programme, which shall depend on a maintenance contract basis with HATKO dealer. 1.1 Why Maintenance? The need to maintain an artificial turf field is fundamental for several reasons. These can be highlighted as follows: Aesthetics Safety Playing performance Longevity Purely from the overall appearance of the surface it is necessary to maintain an artificial turf field. A dirty unclean field is not an attractive venue to play any sport on and will in the long term deter participants from playing on the field. A neglected field will often be a dangerous field. Simply put, the field that is not maintained can present a number of hazards to the players, which can lead to a variety of injuries. This can further detract from the attraction of the facility and open the owners up to threat of litigation. The playing characteristics of the field will be severely impaired by a lack of maintenance. INTRODUCTION PAGE 3 of 22

4 1.2 GENERAL PRINCIPLES Do not undertake any action, which has not previously been authorized by HATKO sales agencies. Warranties are normally linked to the maintenance of the surface. Lack of maintenance will invalidate the warranty as will incorrect maintenance. Do not apply any chemicals onto the surface without prior consent. Many chemical substances can act to the detriment of the surface particularly petroleum-based products. Care must be taken to avoid all petroleumbased spillages including fuel for the tractor units. Always re-fuel off the playing surface. Chemicals are used on synthetic surfaces. These can include algaecides, mossicides, weed killers, de-icers, etc. INTRODUCTION PAGE 4 of 22

5 MAINTENANCE OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS No. Activity Weekly Monthly Yearly 1 2 Surface cleaning & waste disposal Moss & Algae & Weeds Removal 3 Brushing Inspection of seams and game lines Re-topping of the penalty point and stress zones Replacement of penalty points Regeneration and Leveling the In-Fill Maintenance Calendar Inspection of the field Brushing for cleaning Infill Levelling Products anti moss & algae Herbicide Snow / freeze Every day Every 30 to 35hrs use Every 30 to 35hrs use Once per year When needed When needed MAINTENANCE OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS PAGE 5 of 22

6 2.1 Weekly Maintenance Surface Cleaning and Waste Disposal All contaminants must be removed as soon as possible. It should be noted that no food or drink should be allowed on the ground. Equally problematic is the chewing gum although it can be simply remedied by freezing, which can then be take out once solid. It is strictly forbidden to smoke. All organic materials such as leaves, soil, seeds, etc., if left on the surface, will cause growth of algae, moss or weeds. They must be removed as soon as possible. This work can be done with leaf blower or by vacuum for some cases. The cleaning of the surface is to be scheduled according to the seasons and the needs. It may be necessary, under certain circumstances, to clean the surface several times a week Brushing The surface should normally be brushed at least once weekly. The brushing frequency will be related to the intensity of use, the more often it is used the more often will be the need for brushing. The main effect of brushing is to level the in-fill (where present) to ensure the uniformity of the surface. A second important reason for brushing a synthetic field is to prevent pile lean and pile flattening. A variety of brush types exist on the market with a variety of effectiveness. The most commonly used are drag brushes. These are normally attached to the rear of tractors units either hydraulically or as a simple attachment. They are particularly effective at leveling the in-fill ( where present) in the surface. Rotary brushes could also be used. These are typically attached to the front of the tractor unit. Normally they can rotate forward or in reverse. Rotating forward is particularly effective at removing material from the surface. Either modes of rotation are good for raising the pile of the carpet. Always brush in different directions, as brushing in one direction will tend to cause the fibers to lean in that direction. This will result in different ball roll characteristics in different directions. MAINTENANCE OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS PAGE 6 of 22

7 The high wear areas will require additional attention as these zones will obviously have the most disrupted infill and pile flattening due to the intensity of play. It is recommended not to exceed 5 km / hrs and avoid sharp turns It is usually most effective to brush the surface when it is dry Re-Topping Of The Penalty Point And Stress Zones The rubber granulate can not be maintained at high stress areas such as penalty points or the goal mouths, taking into account that the strong stresses concentrated on a very small surfaces. These areas must be treated with particular care. It is a matter of periodically filling them with granulate. This operation is very fast and could be done manually with a without any specialized tools. Add the granules which is available at site for maintenance and brush until the rubber gets into the fibers. MAINTENANCE OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS PAGE 7 of 22

8 2.2 Monthly Maintenance Brushing HATKO uses a brushing system combined with the vibrating sieve allowing to separate heavy waste (stones, cigarette end, organic waste, soil, glasses, paper,...) and rubber granules, The powerful vacuum and special filter will allow to clean very fine particles (dust, fibers,etc). Thus,, synthetic turf and rubber granulate are thoroughly cleaned. Equipped with adjustable depth rake, the REDEXIM machine and other tractor attachements allow us to decompact the rubber granules and to keep the surface elastisity. direction. This will result in different ball roll characteristics in different directions. 2.3 Yearly Maintenance Moss algae & weeds removal Weeds are easily removed by hand it the infestation has not become too excessive. Moss and algae require specialist treatment normally using specific chemicals and techniques to remove residues. Care should be used to prevent weeds from growing on the HATKO surface. Although regular care will prevent this, weeds can become established at the interface between artificial grass and the perimeter curb. Should seedlings appear, they should be treated with biodegradable weed killer, leaving no residue. Should the surface be severely neglected causing moss to become well established, several treatments and raking may be required. If necessary, you can use the 3 prong tool to dig out small areas with moss. Moss can grow in the surface only if the right conditions are present. They are: 1. If the surface is severely neglected over a long period of time 2. If there is the right amount of moisture over time 3. If there is the Right PH factor 4. If there is an unusual amount of shade on the field and no maintenance. Again, these phenomena can occur only if the field is severely neglected. Your HATKO representative should be contacted if such a condition should occur. MAINTENANCE OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS PAGE 8 of 22

9 2.3.2 Stain removal Using a commercially available neutral detergent can treat oil type stains. Hydraulic fluid spills can be absorbed with cat litter. The contaminated infill can then be replaced with new infill. Chewing gun can be removed by using an effective biodegradable solvent formulated for removing gum, tar, adhesives and resinous deposits from the HATKO surfaces. Be sure to properly flush the cleaning detergent from affected area to prevent slipping on the field surface. Your local distributor could advise you in this matter Bodily fluids An enzyme based cleaner can be used to remove bodily fluids and blood from the field. These enzyme-based products outperform germicidal cleaners in that they digest the host, thus eliminating the source whereby germicidal cleaners kill bacteria but do not eliminate the host material. Enzyme based products are harmless to humans and animals. They clean and deodorize the HATKO surfaces. Again, be sure to properly flush the cleaning detergent form the affected area to prevent from slipping on the field surface Verification of seams and playing lines A standard full size HATKO field requires some 3km of joints. It is possible, even if this eventuality is very rare, that a few meters of seams take off. Careful inspection is required during maintenance operations. Repairs must be made quickly after observing such disorders; so that this situation, which is not serious in the beginning, does not get worse. The seaming must be done by HATKO or its authorised agent, using a two-component polyurethane glue for synthetic turf Levelling the in-fill (where present) The penalty spots and corners are prone to disruption of the infill. The ground staff should be aware of this and be prepared to top up on a more regular basis than is necessary fort he general brushing. It may be necessary to top up these areas every day during intense usage. When material begins to accumulate at the edges of the field, debris should be removed from it and the accumulated material brushed back into the main field. MAINTENANCE OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS PAGE 9 of 22

10 2.3.6 Regeneration and leveling of the filling material (if present) Although the system is very flexible and absorbent, it can harden and compact depending on the intensity of the game and the years. The surface becomes less comfortable and the crampons penetrate less well. The permeability can also be slightly reduced. HATKO uses a special compaction brush specially adapted to artificial turf. It allows to aerate the surface without, of course, altering the quality. This operation must always be done after the surface cleaning, so as not to push debris into the infill. This operation will make it possible to recover the initial sports performance of the synthetic turf system, in particular increase shock absorption. HATKO has special machines of REDEXIM, using a vacuum cleaner it removes the filling material (EPDM) and puts it back. This unit is particularly well suited for cleaning and adding the desired amount of rubber. Once the filling material is put back on the ground, it is necessary to penetrate it by brushing. Penalty points and corners are subject to loss/ circulate of the infill. Ground staff should be aware of this and be prepared to maintain them more regularly. It may be necessary to repair these areas daily during heavy use. When the material begins to accumulate on the edges, the debris must be removed and the accumulated material must be brushed back into the main ground Control of the sports performance of the surface HATKO periodically checks ball rebound and ball roll to precise the existing artificial turf system maintenance needs. MAINTENANCE OF ARTIFICIAL GRASS PAGE 10 of 22

11 MAINTENANCE FOR THE WATERING SYSTEM 3.1 Irrigation And Cascade On the face of it seems a ridiculous proposition to water a synthetic field. However, on certain occasions it can benefit the performance of the field. Artificial fields will become hot during periods of warm or hot weather. The surfaces can become as warm as to be noticeable to the players. Furthermore the heated surface can contribute to a friction burn. This is simply due to the fact that it requires a skin temperature of approximately 60 C to produce a skin burn. On a hot day the combination with a hot surface in addition to the friction ( heat) generated when the player slides on the surface makes almost inevitable that a skin burn can occur. Water has several effects: It will lubricate the surface It will cool the surface It will stabilize the infill and consequentially reduce migration After heavy rainfall it is advisable to check the infill levels as they may have become disrupted. This can be particularly significant if the field has a slope and the infill has migrated with the slope. 3.2 Settling In Period Systems that utilize infill materials may require a period of settling in. At first, you may notice the field surface to be softer than anticipated. Full penetration of the infill into the fibers and its subsequent settling into a uniform playing surface occurs naturally with weathering processes, rainfall and initial play. This settling in as usually reached its optimum after 2 or 3 months of use. After this period of time the field will firm up to perform as it was designed. This will necessitate a regime of regular brushing on a more frequent basis than is normally required. The HATKO sales agency will give advice as to the necessity and added frequency of this extra brushing. 3.3 Maintenance Of The Watering System Cleaning Sprinkler Heads: Remove pebbles, dirt, sand, and other debris that could obstruct the water flow from the sprinkler heads. Checking Valves: The valves provide water distribution throughout the system. Any possible leakage wastes water and inflates the bill. Examine each valve for proper operation. Check the pumps and the electrical system. MAINTENANCE FOR THE WATERING SYSTEM PAGE 11 of 22

12 MAINTENANCE FOR THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM Check the drainage system to see that it works well. Inspection of drainage systems and their facilities: Secondary and main collectors should be inspected at least once a year, preferably in the spring and fall. Drained area: The drained area should be inspected at least once a year, especially after heavy rainfall to check the efficiency of the drainage system and its operation. Special attention should be paid to areas that do not dry continuously or very gently, as well as to individual drains that work less than neighboring drains. All structures (drainage, inspection, pumping station) must be controlled. MAINTENANCE FOR THE DRAINAGE SYSTEM PAGE 12 of 22

13 LESS FREQUENT MAINTENANCE You should also add to your maintenance contract the following items: 1. Check for compaction of the infill ( where present), particularly in the high usage areas. 2. Check the seams for any failings. 3. Check the drainage system to see that it still functioning well. 5.1 Snow removal Snow can be removed by the use of a snow plough. If the area is subject to regular heavy snowfalls ensure you have sufficient area around the field to deposit the snow removed from the field. We advise you to use a plough with a rubber blade on the lower edge to prevent damaging the surface. Remove the majority of snow with this plough but leave the final 5cm-10cm on the surface. Always turn the plough in large loops when coming to the edge of the field to prevent the plough from digging in to the surface. The final 5cm-10cm can be removed with a brush. A rotating brush is particularly useful for this. Snow blowers can also be useful to remove snow. 5.2 Vehicles HATKO is a very resistant product. However, when referencing vehicle use, the following conditions need to be stated: No vehicles, other than specialized cleaning vehicles, or service vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires should not be allowed onto field. Fields and field bases are designed for a specific load-bearing capacity. The maximum size of vehicle that is allowed on your field would be dictated by this load-bearing capacity design. Please refer to your internal design criteria. Care must be taken when driving any motorized unit on any artificial surface including on a HATKO surface. When driving any vehicle on the field, care should be taken and turning should be done in a wide radius. There should be no turning of the steering wheel unless vehicle is in motion. We also recommend no steering as the friction from the tires can cause burning of the fibers unless the vehicle is in motion. Driving slowly is always recommended. LESS FREQUENT MAINTENANCE PAGE 13 of 22

14 PITCH SURROUNDS The most important design feature is to avoid contamination. Contamination can come in several forms: Player borne contamination Surrounding vegetation Wind borne contamination Animal borne contamination Players will inevitably take the shortest path between the changing facilities and the pitch. If that pathway is dirty they will carry that dirt on their boots onto field. To avoid it ensure the pathway is clean. If other vegetation surrounds the field this will inevitable be deposited on the field. For example grass areas around the field when cut will deposit cuttings on the field. Try to leave a barrier between the natural area and the artificial field. This can be a physical barrier or a zone that is vegetation free. Contamination, particularly pollution and seeds, will be blown onto the field by the wind. Take this into consideration when deciding on the location of the field. Animals particularly birds will leave deposits on the field. Clean them off as soon as possible as the deposits will become the nutrient for moss, algae and weed growth. LESS FREQUENT MAINTENANCE PAGE 14 of 22

15 APPROVED ACTIVITIES / RESTRICTED OBJECTS Football Soccer Baseball/Softball Field Hockey Lacrosse Rugby Physical exercises Physical education Pedestrian light traffic Marching Band Pneumatic rubber tired maintenance Military marching drill Restricted Objects NO SHARP OBJECTS NO FIRE NO CHEWING GUM NOT USE METAL CRAMPONS NO SMOKING NOT USE SOLE SHOES LESS FREQUENT MAINTENANCE PAGE 15 of 22

16 HATKO MAINTENANCE GOAL An active maintenance programme will maximize the lifetime of the installation and ensure many satisfactory years of use. The maintenance regime is based around simple principles: Keeping the surface clean Keeping the infill level Keeping the fiber upright Reporting minor defects before they become major problems HATKO MAINTENANCE GOAL PAGE 16 of 22

17 MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT Triangle brush, drag mat and ball roll ramp Hand-held equipment such as a hard road-sweeping brush for brushing the infill material into the turf system High-pressure cleaner ( wet cleaning with a pressure of approx. 200 bar) Manually operated sweeping machines with an hourly capacity of around m 2 or a sweeping and suction machine, self propelled, with an hourly capacity of up to m 2. MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT PAGE 17 of 22

18 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What to do when static occurs on an outdoor HATKO surface? Static is likely to occur on outdoor and indoor fields where a build up of electricity due to dry atmospheric conditions and or friction. It creates a situation whereby the rubber particles cling to the fibers and make the surface appear dark. Spraying a mist of water over the entire field or affected area can immediately dissipate the static and allow the rubber particles to drop back into the surface. There is no static on fields that have been rained on or when the morning dew is on the field. What to do when static occurs on an indoor HATKO surface? For indoor fields, either misting of the field using water for these static areas. How does HATKO surface drain? The HATKO surface drains through a 2 tiered crushed stone base, which allows for maximum percolation of water through a porous aggregate system. The grass surface has perforations in the fabric that allows water to flow through the grass faster. What kind of base is needed for outdoor HATKO? The base under a HATKO field is designed for maximum drainage, and generally consists of two layers of permeable crushed stone. Proper analysis of local conditions will dictate the specific base requirements. HATKO is also installed on hard surfaces with addition of a drainage fabric in between the HATKO surface and the hard surface. Can you use urea on HATKO to melt snow and unfreeze? Some chemicals may have a detrimental effect on a HATKO surface. Urea is not acceptable to use on a HATKO surface because of environmental issues. How long is HATKO surface warranted? The HATKO warranty for workmanship in material, resulting in premature wear, during normal and ordinary use of the product is for between 5 to 8 years. How does the climate affect HATKO surface i.e., snow, rain? Climatic conditions do not adversely affect HATKO fibers or infill. The fibers are resistant to snow, extreme cold temperatures, and the sun s rays. What footwear can I use on HATKO? HATKO was designed to provide a resilient surface with a good grip and torque release using Standard molded cleats. Any athletic shoe used on natural grass can be worn on a HATKO. Metal and V cleats are not recommended for use of HATKO. The HATKO surface can accommodate a Standard metal cleat but it is not recommended and is not necessary for traction. Players using the long metal cleats will find, over FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS PAGE 18 of 22

19 HATKO ARTIFICIAL TURF WARRANTY / FEBRUARY, HATKO DOKUMA TEKSTIL INSAAT TAAH TIC LTD STI («HATKO») warrants its PP & PE Artificial Turf Systems ( Products ) against manufacturing procedures, production faults and ultraviolet degradation or unusual loss of color for a period in accordance to Table 1, from the date of supply for all artificial turf applications mentioned below. Product Type (mm) Dtex Yarn Type Solar Activity Warranty Period ( rubber filled) PE YEARS ( rubber filled) PE 241 and higher 8-6 YEARS ( rubber filled) PE YEARS ( rubber filled) PE 241 and higher 5-7 YEARS ( rubber filled) PE YEARS ( rubber filled) PE 241 and higher 3-5 YEARS ( sand filled) PP YEARS ( sand filled) PP 241 and higher 6-4 YEARS 10-5 ( recreational) 2200 PP & PE - 2 YEARS PP means polypropylene PE means polyethylene Solar activity of the turf installation site in W/m 2 is determined according to the climatologically map of the world published by the KNMI, a copy is attached hereto. HATKO ARTIFICIAL TURF WARRANTY / FEBRUARY, 2008 PAGE 19 of 22

20 2. The employees, distributors and agents of HATKO are not authorized to make modifications to this warranty or to make or give any additional warranties on behalf of HATKO. This warranty does not apply if the Product is used for any application other than mentioned in that warranty letter, to any damage caused during processing, installation or repairs, and shall not apply if and to the extent that any defect is caused by: a. Burns, cuts, accidents, vandalism, abuse, negligence or neglect; b. Improper design or failure of the sub-base of the sports field or court; c. Wear or abrasion caused by an inadequate sub-base; d. Use of infill products of an incorrect grade e. Failure to maintain infill products at the correct level f. Use of inappropriate footwear or sports equipment (flat soles or metal spikes); g. The playing surface being used other than for the purpose for which it was designed and installed; h. Use of cleaning chemicals, herbicides or pesticides; i. Use of improper cleaning methods; j. Any harmful chemical reaction to the product caused by infill materials; k. Acts of God or other conditions beyond the reasonable control of HATKO; l. Improper processing of the product (e.g., tufting, coating, texturizing or twisting); m. Post fibrillation after or during installation for purposes other than to get the infill materials in place; or n. Failure to properly maintain, protect or repair the products or the turf. o. High playing intensity of the fields is out of warranty coverage. Maximum load intensity is 1700 hours for full size fields ( 8000sq.m average). Each player should have at least 125square meters available. If the number of square meters is less than 125 square meters a warranty will not be issued. Downsizing the field furthermore under assumption the minimum 125 square meters per player is reached will give the following maximum playing hours per project (<<Field size>> X 1700hrs / 8000sqm) p. in case of excessive use of sports surfaces (eg 5-a-side or mini-football), the guarantee on durability is reduced proportionately; q. The surface of the sports field shall be placed in areas below 1,500 meters or 5,000 feet above sea level; r. When filling materials are used, they must be of good quality, with a low sulfur content. These fillers must also meet the requirements set by sports organizations (eg FIFA or UEFA); s. the lack of a maintenance program that must be based on a contract signed with the HATKO dealer. HATKO ARTIFICIAL TURF WARRANTY / FEBRUARY, 2008 PAGE 20 of 22

21 3. This warranty covers the use of HATKO products for the following activities: a. Football b. Baseball/Softball c. Lacrosse d. Physical exercises e. Pedestrian light traffic f. Pneumatic rubber tired maintenance g. Soccer h. Field hockey i. Rugby j. Physical education k. Marching Band l. Military marching drills 4. HATKO shall only agree to guarantee the amount invoiced on the Project. The guarantee will not be realized if the steps listed above are not applied. Claims under this warranty must be submitted in writing, together with proof of turf production and installation date, name of installation company, invoiced number, location of installation, product sample/fiber material, sample of infill material(s) and a minimum three clear Pictures showing the problem to : HATKO DOKUMA TEKSTIL INSAAT TAAH TIC LTD STI ISKENDERUN MARESAL CAKMAK CAD/ PARK APT NO 57 / AD1 HATAY TÜRKİYE A written complaint should be signed by a notary and sent to HATKO before any compensation can be paid. If an agreement can not be found between two parties the dispute shall be governed by Turkish Law and place of jurisdiction is Istanbul. HATKO ARTIFICIAL TURF WARRANTY / FEBRUARY, 2008 PAGE 21 of 22

22 ACCEPTED AND AGREED TO :... Customer Name :... Customer Signature :... Installation Date :... Project Name :... This Part will be filling and sign by the HATKO dealer : Product Name& Description :... Invoice Number :... This Part will be filling and sign by the manufacturer: Product Name& Description :... Invoice Number :... HATKO ARTIFICIAL TURF WARRANTY / FEBRUARY, 2008 PAGE 22 of 22