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Hardhouten planken

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FietsParKeur

Because the quality of many bicycle racks was below standard, FietsParKeur [Bicycle rack approval logo] was introduced in 1998 as a seal of approval for bicycle parking facilities. FietsParKeur is a standard that guarantees the quality of a bicycle rack. Bicycle parking facilities that meet this standard can be recognised by a sticker with the logo FietsParKeur.
FietsParKeur is an initiative of the cycling association in collaboration with Fipavo, the association of manufacturers and suppliers of bicycle racks.

This site provides a full survey of VelopA bicycle parking facilities that meet the requirements of FietsParKeur.

Requirements FietsParKeur
The FietsParKeur sets requirements with regard to the following points:
• ease with which a bicycle can be placed
• ease with which a bicycle can be secured
• risk of injury to the user or the passerby
• risk of damage to the bicycle
• resistance to theft
• resistance to vandalism
• durability
• information on the system
For cyclists the most important requirement for a bicycle rack is the ability to secure the bicycle to the bicycle rack with a lock in order to prevent bicycle theft.

The operation of FietsParKeur
The foundation ensures the proper application of the standards. The foundation has an independent chairman. The FietsParKeur is awarded when the bicycle parking system meets the standards and the manufacturer fulfils a contract with the foundation. The contract contains agreements on the application of the FietsParKeur and the information to be provided to the sellers. Bicycle parking systems that carry the FietsParKeur can be recognised by their logo. A Board of Experts with broad experience has been appointed to deal with differences of opinion with respect to the application of the FietsParKeur.
The most important standards for FietsParKeur are:
1. The distance between two clamps must be, pitch, 37,5 cm
2. The clamps must be suitable for different tyre thicknesses
3. There must be a facility for accepting lock cables/chains.

FSC-certified wood

More and more wood is being supplied to the market under the FSC-certificate. The FSC logo represents forests that are accredited to guidelines of the Forest Stewardship Council and ensures that certified wood is harvested in a sustainable and responsible manner. VelopA is a keen supporter of this development and is now accredited FSC supplier (SKAL-CoC-008531). Currently the supply is restricted and irregular.

FSC Trademark ©1996 Forest Stewardship Council A.C.

HPL

HPL (High Pressure Laminate) stands for gluing to a carrier such as chipboard, multiplex or MDF or similar materials. The panel quality meets ON EN 438 type HGS and is characterised by high wear and impact resistance, high scratch and heat resistance and extensive resistance to household chemicals.

Maintenance timber

Untreated timber can last a lifetime and requires little maintenance. We do however recommend that you clean the timber once per year (in particular green deposits must be removed). If you leave the green deposit undisturbed the timber will start to rot in time). Before painting untreated timber that has been exposed to wind and weather for some time, it should first be thoroughly sanded.

Timber that is used outside above ground can be protected by painting. Careful painting and proper maintenance of the paint or varnish layer is important for the lifetime of the timber and the protective layer. Annual inspection and regular painting are therefore very important. The horizontal sections (seats of benches) in particular merit extra attention: you can repair cracks etc with local sanding and repainting.
We recommend the following painting intervals per paint type.
- clear varnish /varnished timber: every 2 years
- timber with a covering paint layer: every 5 to 6 years.

Powder coating

Most steel products can be supplied in the RAL colour you require. In most cases this involves a powder coating applied to a zinc layer. Some products can be supplied in all RAL colours. In a number of cases you should allow for a once only surcharge (in connection with conversion costs) when a non-standard colour is required. Some RAL colours, such as for example metallic and fluorescent colours are not always available. Where they are available, a surcharge will be imposed.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel is a material that we use widely in the VelopA-product range. While stainless steel 304 would probably be sufficient we generally use stainless steel 316. By the way, Stainless steel is a material that can rust too! Where the surface becomes damaged (comes into contact with a lower type of steel, for example iron) a thin layer of fly rust will form. This will not rust further and can be simply polished off (for example with autocommandant). It is called stainless steel in daily life but it isn’t really!

Cleaning acrylic

Ordinary washing up liquid should be used for cleaning acrylic roofing panels. Use a soft brush to apply.

Cleaning HPL panels

HPL panels can be cleaned with car shampoo or green soap. Do not use aggressive detergents.