Customer Tile Care Instructions and Safety

Customer Care Instructions Must Read - Important Notice to Customers and Tilers

Safety Instructions • When opening your pallet, be mindful that tiles can be heavy and caution needs to be taken while handling.

• Tile boxes can weigh up to 35KG and we suggest that you have 2 people to lift anything larger than a 600mm x 600mm box.

• You must also be mindful that once the pallet is unwrapped that it will become less stable as you unpack it.

• You will notice tape around your pallet and in some cases along the top of the tiles. We suggest you only cut the tape as you remove each box. This will help hold everything together for you. Extra care needs to be taken when down to the final boxes.

• If your pallet is stacked in layers, we suggest cutting the wrap layer by layer to help hold it together.

• An extra person can be used to support the pallet once it has been unwrapped, however they need to be mindful of where there fingers and toes are. Do not try to catch a falling box, this increases your risk of a cut or crush injury.

• We strongly recommend correct manual handling techniques be used when lifting boxes of tiles - please see below Safe Manual Handling Tips.

before you lift Ensure the load is free to move

Assess/identify the weight of the load

Check to see if mechanical lifting aids are available

Get help with heavy or awkward loads

Check that the path is clear and free of grease, oil, water and objects

Ensure that you can lift the load without overexertion

lifting technique Sprains and strains from lifting and handling objects, working in awkward positions and performing repetitive tasks are some of the major causes of serious injury in the workplace. They can cause muscle damage, squashed nerves, back injuries and even permanent spinal damage. So, the next time you are about to do any of these things use the proper lifting technique!

• National Tiles also stock a manual handling aid - the Nemo Grabo - that can assist with lifting our larger format tiles - link to product. https://www.nationaltiles.com.au/catalogsearch/result/?q=grabo

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Think Safety First As a responsible supplier of first quality tiles into Australia, National Tiles is committed to the safety of our Customers when cutting tiles or mixing grout.

As a leading supplier of first quality tiles in Australia, National Tiles is committed to delivering an excellent customer experience.

Delivered Product • Please check that the tiles delivered to site are exactly what was ordered.

• Ensure batches and Sizing codes (on the sides of the box) are consistent and matching throughout the delivery.

• Check that the tiles/product delivered to site are of the correct quantity, shade and surface finish.

• All tiles may vary in size. The nominated sizes displayed in store, on packaging, on orders and invoices are general to actual working size. Please check your tiles for size before being installed.

• Check that the shade is consistent throughout the batch and ensure the batch is the same throughout the order.

• DO NOT start laying tiles or product until you have checked you have the required quantity. Ensure that there are enough tiles onsite for the project, if not order more of the same batch, size and date before work commences.

Important note: Shade variation can and does occur in all types of kiln fired clay products including tiles. This happens because the tile production process takes natural clay elements, bakes them at very high heat and depending on the raw materials and conditions may generate slight changes from batch to batch, as such Instore samples may differ to the delivered product.

Prior to Installation

Installation

• Place (assemble) 2-3m2 in the room the tiles are intended to be installed (for example: next to floor to ceiling windows, entrances, hallways, etc.) These should be observed at various times of the day and night, and from different viewpoints to ensure the product meets your expectations.

• Mix tiles from several boxes to ensure blending of any inherent shade variation.

• Check for any potential product defects as the works progresses, under adequate lighting as required by the Australian Standard AS 3958.1 “Guide to the Installation of Ceramic Tiles)” • Always clean adhesive, grout and wax from the surface of the tiles.

Important note: Any manufacturing defects in tiles, or variations in shade, should be brought to our notice prior to installation.

Installation of product constitutes as acceptance. No claim will be accepted after the product has been installed.

Maintaining the Appearance of Your Tiles • To remove grout haze, use National Tiles Residual Surface Cleaner (NATTC033). Direction of use (i) dilute in water 1 part to 10, (ii) Wipe surface with solution and scrub, and (iii) Rinse well with a diluted pH neutral cleaner such as the National Tiles All Purpose Cleaner (NATTC027).

• For regular cleaning (internal or external) use National Tiles All Purpose Cleaner. Directions of use (i) add 2-3 caps of National Tiles All Purpose Cleaner to 3L of tepid water, (ii) Wash tiles with solution and allow to dry, (iii) Change solution for every 50sqm.

• For problem stains, contact your nearest National Tiles store for more details on a suitable cleaner.

Disclaimer • No claim will be accepted after installation of the product. All tiling must be undertaken in accordance to AS 3958.1 “Guide to the Installation of Ceramic Tiles”.

• Installation of the product constitutes acceptance, no claims in respect to variation or noticeable defects will be accepted after tiles have been installed.

• Returns will be accepted within 30 days for unopened boxes.

www.nationaltiles.com.au

Think Safety First As a responsible supplier of first quality tiles into Australia, National Tiles is committed to the safety of our Customers when cutting tiles or mixing grout.

Exposure to dust can be harmful.

Simple steps to prevent exposure, include 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Adequate ventilations system(s), Power tools with a Class H dust capture and collection device, No uncontrolled dry cutting, Face masks certified to Australian Standards, Clean up dust with water or with a Class H vacuum cleaner.

Scan the QR Code to visit Safe Work Australia for further information on Crystalline Silica and Silicosis or click the link below: https://shorturl.at/mO059

What Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is required when cutting tiles or mixing grout?

• Ear muffs and ear plugs, to protect hearing.

• Eye protection, to prevent chips or dust from getting in to your eyes.

• Face mask (P2), disposable or half-face respirator, to prevent dust inhalation. The mask must seal to the wearer’s face in order to provide protection. A good fit means the respirator will seal to the skin, with air passing only through the filter.

Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) needs to comply with standard AS/NZ1716.

• Gloves, to guard against chipped, cracked or cut tiles.

• Long pants and sleeves, to guard against chopped, cracked or cut tiles.

• Safety boots, to prevent injuries to your feet when handling heavy items or using potentially hazardous tools.

Engineered controls to reduce dust when cutting tiles • Dry cutting with manual (score and snap) cutters, • When power tools are used to cut tiles, engineering controls may include: (i) Wet saw, (ii) Wet grinder or (iii) Grinder with an approved Class H dust capture and collection device.

• When drilling or cutting holes into tiles, engineering controls may include: (i) Wet drill/cutter or (ii) Drill/cutter with an approved Class H dust capture and collection device.

Controls to reduce dust when mixing grout or mortar • Place a whale tale on the bucket and connect Class H Vacuum cleaner or place vacuum hose on the rim of the bucket.

• To reduce dust, scoop grout or mortar into a bucket using a shovel or scoop • Add water to the bucket (follow instructions for quantity) and then add the grout.

• Always mix in a well ventilated area.

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Glue + Grout Cold Weather Tips Did you know changes in temperature and humidity greatly affects the cure time of glue and grout?

What are the effects?

• Tile movement • Aluminum trim corrosion, allergic reactions and dermatitis

How can I avoid these problems?

• Stick to the glue and grout manufacturer’s guidelines about water content, contained in technical data sheets.

• Minimise the amount of glue and grout that contacts aluminum Why does this happen? surfaces and clean up as soon as possible.

• At both lower temperature and higher humidity’s, cure time slows down, slower again when excessive water is applied, for • Change bucket of water frequently, especially during grout clean up to prevent high pH water contacting the trim. example: sloppy or wet mixtures to level out or “mud up” • Most glues and grouts are cementitious and alkaline in nature • Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). (they have a high pH value) • Use a quick set or accelerator material additive, such as Mapei Here’s the facts drinking water pH=7, for every 1 pH increase, Keraquick S1.

Example: pH=8, alkalinity increases 10x .

So what does all that mean?

• At the bottom is a pH chart. When mixed with water, pH of cementitious glues and grouts is over 13. Prolonged skin exposure to high alkalinity materials can lead to skin irritations, dryness and dermatities. High alkalinity will attack and etch aluminium surfaces. Etching occurs whilst glue and grout are in a mixed uncured state. The longer they take to cure, the longer they are able to attack the aluminium.

www.nationaltiles.com.au