EXPERT ADVICE
Continued from page 26
“I recommend finding an old parking lot nearby and get permission from the owner to do some free repairs.
Get a ton of fresh 3/8 mix to start with and just practice, practice. practice.”
Considering that infrared patching
equipment is being used in every state, Fil-
ion suggested that it won’t hurt to find an
existing, operating infrared business outside
of the market to talk with.
“In most cases you can talk with the own-
er and introduce yourself as a new infra-
red company looking for a little training,”
Filion said. “From past experiences, I have
found that if you are not located too close to
them most will be happy to help. This also
builds a good relationship with an indus-
try colleague with whom you can exchange
ideas, experiences, and problem-solving
solutions.”
Filion also offered another creative idea
for companies that are when first starting
out: “I recommend finding an old parking
lot nearby and get permission from the
owner to do some free repairs. Get a ton of
fresh 3/8 mix to start with and just practice,
practice. practice. I’ll tell you that within a
few hours you’ll be ready to go to work.”
Clearly, being well trained on techniques,
procedures, and the process will yield the
best results. There are dangers in not be-
ing adequately trained in infrared asphalt
patching.
Matt Kieswetter, an owner and VP of
technical sales with Heat Design Equip-
ment Inc., Kitchener, Ont., Canada, stated
the three biggest dangers of not having a
well-trained operator are (1) the danger of
an accident, (2) the potential of perform-
ing a poor-looking and performing fix, and
(3) the potential for loss of performance, so
that the company does not get production.
Kieswetter also warned that an ill-trained
operator producing shoddy work not only
reflects poorly on the company, but will
likely create rework, less profit, and shut
out future business.
Cameron added: “A lot of users think that
infrared is the answer for all asphalt defects.
Although infrared can be used in several
different applications, it is not a fix all. It
is important to train users to evaluate pave-
ment defects prior to deciding to infrared
the area.”
When completed correctly, infrared train-
ing can foster knowledgeable, productive,
technically-adept workers. Training can be
highly effective when the participants commit
to learning and understanding the process.
Training can create the foundation for
gaining experience and developing exper-
tise in infrared patching.
Jeff Winke is a business and construction writ-
er based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He can be
reached through [email protected].
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