New protective coatings applicator training scheme

Citation

(2005), "New protective coatings applicator training scheme", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 52 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2005.12852dac.005

New protective coatings applicator training scheme

New protective coatings applicator training scheme

Keywords: Training, Coatings technology

The Institute of Corrosion has introduced a new competency scheme providing a universal standard for the application of protective coatings.

The Industrial Coatings Applicator Training and Certification Scheme is a specialist training programme that has been designed to meet client demands for evidence of skills competency gained through participation in a formal training programme.

The scope and content of the scheme has been structured to enable coating contractors and applicators to be trained and certificated to standards that will be recognised by clients including the Highways Agency, Network Rail and other specifying organisations.

Within the industrial coatings industry, the current risk is that protective coatings are unlikely to achieve their maximum potential due to inadequate operator appreciation of technical properties and application requirements.

To address the lack of appropriate industrial training, the scheme has been developed to improve both individual and company quality standards by including references to modern equipment, materials and methods plus the latest industry standards.

The scheme comprises a set of practical modules incorporating easy to follow notes, process animations and video clips to give a fully comprehensive appreciation of all the various aspects likely to be encountered in works or site applications.

Amongst the items covered in the basic Industrial Protective Treatment Applicator course are: health and safety, site access, plant and equipment, surface preparation, paint types and application, quality control.

Upon completion of this course, there will be an opportunity to attend any of the four specialist options comprising Abrasive Blast Cleaning Operator, Paint Sprayer, Thermal (Metal) Sprayer, and Water Jetting Operator.

It is intended that supervisory staff of painting contractors will, after training, be registered as approved trainers. These trainers will subsequently be responsible for ensuring that their own labour force is conversant with the scheme though in-house training and self-certification, which will be subject to monitoring by an independent body.

The training modules have been specially designed to be informative and easy to use, helping to increase the knowledge of the work force and improve the quality of work provided.

Ultimately it is expected that many major clients will require their contractors to be registered with the Institute of Corrosion under its Industrial Coatings Applicator Certification and Training Scheme for both new construction and maintenance contracts and involving all aspects of surface preparation and application of protective coatings (Plate 1).

Plate 1 Protective coatings applicator training scheme

Further information on the Institute of Corrosion's Coatings Applicator Certification and Training Scheme is available from Bob French. Contact, Tel: 0208 304 45 94; Fax: 0208 301 34 92.