So We Have a Radiation Problem, What does a Countertop Shop Do?
Many shops and slab yards are getting past the shock and admitting there is a problem. A problem with existing inventory and a problem with past sales. Now what?
The first thing that was started was a method of measuring granite blocks prior to purchase. Many of these stone operations are not vertically intergrated, slab processers buy the blocks from quarry owners, saw them then polish them. Importers buy the bundles and ship them to the slab yards who sell to the fabricators. By testing the block with a scintillator or geiger counter, the slab processor can increase his yeild of low radiation slabs. Stop as much of the bad stuff from reaching the saw as possible, then as it starts into the polishing line, another reading needs done to reject any slabs that have hot spots. Or mark them so that the hot spots can be cut out.
We are working with an instrument maker to develop a process, both to read 6′ thick blocks and 1 1/8″ thick slabs. It will be possible to do a Cat Scan type reading, showing where the radiation is coming from so a decision can be made to buy or reject the block.
So if the material is culled twice before polishing, then a final check is done before loading into the container for shipment, a lot of the cost has been eliminated. Fewer hot slabs…
From that point, we are working on developing a testing standard coupled with some sort of certification for the slab yards that makes sure they have proper meters, proper methods, yearly callibration, as well as spot checks by a third party. In return, the slab yard gets a sticker program showing that they are testing and being proactive on the issues. Each slab yard will have their own equipment to check the radiation level of each slab and stickers for a range of values, from low level up to the maxium level allowed.
A series of visits will be part of the program, spot checking that the slab yard is measuring properly, their meter is still accurate, and that records are being kept. Visits will be random, unannounced, making every effort to motivate the slab yard to keep on top the process.
The final test will be before a slab is sold, every customer seeing with their own eyes a quick scan of THEIR slab.
The purpose of all this is to provide fabricators a safe haven from future problems. Stand with us, help us get the hot granite out of inventory and out of homes, and we are your best friend. No doubt there will be some installed granite tops that need removed. Slab yards will have to provide the material and the fabricator the labor, no way out of that. Far better to deal with this head on than to wait for someone to hire a lawyer.
Really this is so simple. Business will go on for the smart businesses and those who continue to deny the issues will reap what they sow.
Slab yards and fabricators have already started signing on. If you wish to join, send us an email. We will help.
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