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News

KTA Publishes New Quality Control Program for Contractors Seeking SSPC-QP 1 Certification

  • Available immediately, this written quality control program has been completely updated to conform to the requirements of the 2011 SSPC-QP 1 Contractor Certification Program. It features eighteen, easy-to-complete forms, a full color inspection instrument use supplement and is customized with your company name. Have it all at your fingertips in the field with a free PDF version for your eTablet. We wrote it – you implement it! Only $1500.00. Order on-line at www.ktagage.com. Quality Control Programs (PDF 288Kb).

KTA Announces New Buried Pipeline Coatings Course: Inaugural Offering – Watch for Fall 2012 Dates; KTA Corporate Headquarters – Pittsburgh, PA

  • Designed specifically for Corrosion Techs, Surface Preparation/Coating Installation Field Crews, Coatings Inspectors and Pipe Coating Manufacturers, this one-of-a-kind interactive course will provide you with comprehensive, yet practical training on the proper cleaning procedures  and installation of coating systems used to protect below grade pipe from corrosion. No other course in the industry dedicates 3 ½ days to protection of buried pipe using coating systems, and no other course provides you with more hands-on workshops. Geared for the adult learner, this course includes workshops on power tool cleaning and abrasive blast cleaning, application of liquid-applied coatings as well as tape wraps and other joint repair materials and methods, and several workshops on the proper use of inspection instruments and visual guides for verifying the quality of workmanship. Successful completion of the course includes 2.8 Continuing Education Units (KTA is an approved provider through the International Association of Continuing Education and Training [IACET]). Click here for the course syllabus. Space is limited. For more information or to register by telephone, contact Jessica Steele, Manager of Training Products and Services (1.800.245.6379, x212).

Articles

“Durability+Design” is a website journal associated with the architectural coatings industry. Each month KTA personnel dedicate their time to provide in-depth articles on various topics within the industry. To get the full article, click above to go to the Durability+Design (D+D) website, then click on the link below the D+D synopsis and log in.

  • “That New-Paint Look: Keys to Formulating a Plan for Restoring Metal Exteriors,” By Ken Trimber. Factory-applied finishes on roof panels, canopies, awnings, and curtain walls offer a superior combination of appearance and performance qualities, and typically consist of powder or liquid coatings that are thermally cured, or baked, after applications….April 2012. http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/archive/?fuseaction=view&articleid=4663
  • “The Holistic Approach to Sustainability Mandate: It’s Green and it Performs,” By Ken Trimber. It hardly comes as “news” that increased interest in the use of environmentally friendly materials in new construction and renovation has significantly altered, if not completely revolutionized, the marketplace…February 2012. http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/archive/?fuseaction=view&articleid=4632
  • “Restoration role powers the sustainability prowess of reflective roof coatings,” By Bob Brenk – Aldo Products Company Inc. and Jayson L. Helsel, PE - KTA. Field-applied, solar-reflective coatings offer a powerful sustainability option for the restoration and maintenance of low-slope roofs on a variety of commercial, institutional, educational, and other buildings. February 2012. http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/archive/?fuseaction=view&articleid=4631

  • “Flooring Formulas: A Primer on Selecting, Using Resinous Systems,” By Jayson L. Helsel, PE. Concrete floors are quite common in commercial, industrial, institutional, and other facilities, and designers, specifiers and owners can consider a variety of protective and/or decorative technologies to tailor the concrete surface for the given environment or setting. December 2011. http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/archive/?fuseaction=view&articleid=4588

  • “A Hard Assignment: Getting a Good Read on Moisture in Concrete,” By Kenneth A. Trimber. Water is good for taking a swim, floating a boat, boiling an egg, or washing the car. But in the case of concrete walls and slabs, too much of this normally good thing can sink a paint and coating project. Excessive amounts of moisture at the time of sealing or painting can destroy the performance of coating systems by interfering with film formation, adhesion, and/or inhibiting the cure of the coating.  December 2011. http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/archive/?fuseaction=view&articleid=4574

JPCL: Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings (JPCL) is a monthly publication that provides news, trends, and developments associated with and affecting the protective coatings industry. KTA provides monthly articles within the publication.

  • “Enforcing Regulations in Steel Fabrication and Coating Shops,” By Alison B. Kaelin, CQA, April 2012.  This article is part of the JPCL’s Top Thinker series. The article focuses on OSHA regulations and enforcement activities related to steel fabrication, shop coating, powder coatings, and galvanized operations that fall under OSHA’s General Industry Standards. The author also reviews EPA requirements for these facilities under NESHAP……..read more.
  • “The Ethics of Coatings Failure Investigations – Are you Getting What You Deserve?,” By Raymond S. Tombaugh, March 2012: “The Case of… Three (Consultants),” a two-part F-Files column published in the November and December 2010 issues of JPCL, described observations and conclusions reached by three different consultants, each looking at the same bridge coating system. The article pointed out that clients sometimes retain consultants to perform very specific and limited examinations of the alleged failing coatings. Clients may also request reports that address specific issues, questions, or requirements.
    This month’s column describes a set of circumstances that forces us further down the path, where a difference of opinion exists, “before the sun sets.” Sometimes the differences of opinion are legitimate and arise from alternative but reasonable interpretations of data and available information–other times, not so much……..read more.
  • “The Case of … One Too Many Choices,” by Eric S. Kline and Richard A. Burgess, January 2012: This is the story of a steel bridge in the northeastern U.S., but it could be true of a bridge anywhere in the U.S. The structure, although nearly 50 years old, was sturdy and still within its design life. The State Department of Transportation (DOT) District maintenance engineers, during review and planning, determined there was no need to consider demolition and replacement of the bridge. However, it was determined that a deck overlay replacement should be part of the bridge deck maintenance program. The DOT wanted to address the paint system as part of the same contract letting………..read more.

Interface: The Journal of RCI is a monthly technical/trade publication from commercial roofing, waterproofing and building envelope experts – featuring the latest technical information on today’s roofing issues.  Articles can be found by searching the RCI Technical Library at www.rci-online.org.  2012 articls are not yet posted on the website.

  • “Measuring Moisture in Walls,” by Kenneth A. Trimber and Kevin J. Brown, April 2012, pp. 29-36.
  • “Roofing Bitumen “Probaboly Carcinogenic,” Says IARC,” By Dan Adley, CIH, CSP, January 2012, pp. 35-37

MSC, Modern Steel Construction is devoted exclusively to the design, fabrication, and construction of structural steel buildings and bridges.  Articles can be found at www.modernsteel.com by clicking on “View Current Issue” or “Back Issue Archives.”

  • “A Layer of Quality,” by William D. Corbett, April 2012, pp. 22-24.  Stricter environmental and performance requirements continue to push steel coating systems to new levels.

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Conferences

National Institute for Storage Tank Maintenance, 14th Annual Conference & Trade Show, March 28-30, 2012

Michael P. Reina, P.E., presented a session Friday, March 30, 2012; “Fighting Corrosion in Above Ground Storage Tanks; Step 1 – Assessming the Existing Tank Condition.”

Corrosion control of steel above ground storage tanks is often the most difficult and costly item associated with tank maintenance.  Tanks made of steel are highly susceptible to corrosion.  Corrosion-related tank damage can be accelerated by the interaction of connected components, corrosive environmental conditions, or even stray electrical currents. Over time, uncontrolled corrosion can deteriorate tank components resulting in leaks, or possibly structure failure, and the release of the stored product into the environment.  However, corrosion is not a mystery; we know how to control its detrimental effects.  The first step to control corrosion is to conduct a thorough, independent assessment of the tank condition.  This presentation describes a novel approach for performing condition assessments of above ground steel storage tanks in conjunction with an API 653 tank condition assessment, with emphasis on tank details that are particularly susceptible to damaging corrosion.

KTA-Tator, Inc. presented numerous papers at the Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) annual GreenCOAT conference held in Tampa Bay, Florida January 30 through February 2, 2012.

Rich Burgess & Greg Richards: “Maintenance Painting of Galvanized Mast Arms: A Project Performed Despite Budget Constraints.”

Premature failures of coatings applied to galvanized mast arms is not an unfamiliar problem. The properties of galvanizing that make it a difficult substrate to coat, is when new don’t simply disappear from beneath the original coating system. When maintenance painting is necessary after a few years of service, long term success can be elusive. This paper will discuss the development of maintenance painting process developed to accommodate budget constraints and produce a satisfactory outcome.

 Bill Corbett & Carly McGee: “Slip Coefficient and Tension Creep Testing Protocol for Coatings Used in Bolted Connections.”

Appendix A of the Specification for Structural Steel Joints Using ASTM A325 or A490 Bolts published by the Research Council on Structural Connections describes the testing methods to determine the slip coefficient of coatings used in bolted connections. This paper will describe the importance of establishing the slip coefficient of faying surfaces, and will present the “soup-to-nuts” process associated with testing and certifying coatings used in slip-critical connections – from test panel fabrication to surface preparation, coating application (including thinning, thickness and curing variables), selection of mating surfaces, testing for resistance to slip and tensioned creep, and data reporting including A, B and C classifications. Data from various generic coatings types previously tested will also be presented, and research needs will be described. Finally, the importance of application and curing of the coating in the shop or field according to the variables employed during testing and certification will be reinforced.

 Cynthia L. O’Malley: “Women in Coatings: The Present State and a Glimpse of our Future.”

During the inaugural “Women in Coatings” session held at SSPC GreenCOAT 2011 a survey was developed and distributed to conference participants to determine the present state of the role of women in coatings industry. This presentation summarizes the data obtained from the survey responses. Once the present state is established and agreed upon, the group will establish a strategic plan and pursue gaols based upon defined strategy. This defined strategy will enable the group to achieve goals by measuring and evaluating our progress and ultimately our success as a group with a common vision. This process will be described in the presentation.

Alison B. Kaelin, ASQ: “Regulatory Update: Current and Emerging Trends in Occupational and Environmental Health.”  This annual paper summarizes and tracks environmental, health and safety issues that may impact painting contactors and facility owners. This paper summarizes regulatory and enforcement developments in the current year and reviews expected rulemaking for the coming year. Specific topics include OSHA’s proposed update to the Hazard Communications standard and the anticipated Silica rule in 2011. We will review new actions related to EPA’s NAAQS Lead standard and other EPA regulations. Most of the information is taken directly from the respective agency’s published regulatory agenda, supplemented by anecdotal information gathered from various professional journals, seminars and conferences.

Kenneth A. Trimber: “The New SSPC Commercial/Light Industrial Committee.”

SSPC has started a new committee to develop standards and guides for commercial, light industrial and institutional cleaning and painting; concrete floor polishing; the use of thin film coatings as air barriers; and commercial contractor certification (SSPC-QP 9). The presentation will describe the activities that are underway together with opportunities for participation.

Cindy O’Malley, KTA Laboratory Manager; Chuck Duffin and Steven Revnew, Sto Corportation, and The Sherwin-Williams Company. “Use of Atlas Test Cells to Assess the Performance of Coatings over CMU with Varied Permeance.”

The permeance of coatings applied to the walls of Single Wythe concrete masonry units (CMU) can affect the long-term performance of the coating, especially after being repainted multiple times. This paper describes the results of a study to determine if the Atlas Cell Test (NACE TM0174) can be modified to evaluate the performance of individual coating systems based upon permeance. Coating systems with permeance (WVP US perm ratings) from60 were used in the research. The goal of the test program is to establish a protocol that can eventually be used to determine the number of times that a given system can be repainted before the reduction in permeance causes concerns with blistering or peeling.

Committees

SSPC has reactivated the C.5.3.C Environmental Monitoring committee chaired by Alison B. Kaelin. The committee will review and update SSPC-TU 7, Conducting Ambient Air, Water, and Soil Monitoring During Surface Preparation and Paint Disturbance Activities.

KTA Tator, Inc (KTA) has worked with  SSPC to establish a new committee to chart a course of action for the commercial sector: The newly created SSPC Commercial/Light Industrial Interest Group had its first meeting during SSPC annual GreenCOAT Conference in Tampa Bay, Florida on January 30 through Februay 2, 2012 . During the meeting the committee established scopes for new standards and guides related to surface preparation, coatings selection and coatings application. 
http://www.durabilityanddesign.com/news/?fuseaction=view&id=6233

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Upcoming Webinars

KTA-Tator Inc. (KTA) will be presenting numerous webinars in the upcoming months on various subjects matters in conjunction with Durability+Design and JPCL.

Avoiding Pitfalls in Scaffolding: Stan Liang, May 30, 2012

  • Improper erection and use of scaffolding not only is one of the most common causes of accidents in the industrial painting industry, but also is the cause of many OSHA citations. This webinar will review what employers on industrial painting projects should consider to improve scaffold safety and to achieve OSHA compliance. In addition to discussing OSHA requirements, the webinar will give an overview of the elements of a scaffold safety program, such as inspections to identify and correct hazards.

Preparing and Recoating Factory-Finished Surfaces: Jim Machen, June 20, 2012

  • Baked factory finishes on roof panels, curtain walls, canopies and awnings provide a smooth, glossy and durable finish. At some point, however, recoating may be required to enhance the appearance, change color, or repair damage. Surface preparation and proper coating material selection are critical to achieve suitable adhesion, aesthetics, and long-term performance of the overcoating material.

Measuring Moisture in Concrete: Ken Trimber, June 27, 2012

  • Excessive moisture in cementitious substrates can cause coatings to fail, and surfaces to be disfigured from stains or efflorescence. Moisture problems can occur in poured-in-place concrete pre-cast, tilt-up, and CMU (concrete masonry units). Methods for determining the moisture content are presented, including relative humidity probes, anhydrous calcium chloride, plastic sheet tests, and a variety of electronic instruments.

Waterjetting–New Standards for Assessing End Condition Cleanliness: Rich Burgess, July 9, 2012

  • The current version of SSPC-SP 12/NACE No. 5, “Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Metals by Waterjetting Prior to Recoating (originally published in 2002), is somewhat different than the other SSPC/NACE Joint Surface Preparation Standards, in that it is comprised of 4 levels of surface cleanliness (WJ-1 through WJ-4 and three degrees of flash rust (as opposed to a single definition of surface cleanliness. Four new standards are being prepared, one for each of the WJ definitions. This presentation will address the new standards, and the value of experience and training in assessing end conditions and precautions when specifying cleaning pressures.

The New SSPC Surface Profile Measurement Conformance Standard: Bill Corbett, August 8, 2012

  • Organizations including ASTM, ISO, and NACE have published test methods for measurement of surface profile and surface roughness. However, none of these standards describe a process for determining whether the surface profile/roughness characteristics conform to the contract documents. This webinar describes a new SSPC standard intended to fill this void. A brief overview of measurement acquisition techniques will be provided; however, the focus of the webinar will be on the sections of the standard that describe how to establish a process control procedure, and the procedures associated with establishing a frequency of measurement and evaluating whether the measurements conform to the project specification.

Using SSPC’s VIS 4 and VIS 5 Surface Cleanliness Guides: Rick Huntley, September 7, 2012

  • The Society for Protective Coatings has published two pictorial guides to assist with the evaluation of surface cleanliness after water jetting and wet abrasive blasting, including SSPC-VIS 4/NACE-Vis7 and SSPC-VIS 5/NACE-VIS 9. This webinar will describe the proper use of these visual guides, and how they are designed to work in conjunction with the SSPC/NACE written standards for water jetting and wet abrasive blast cleaning.

New PA 2: Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry Coating Thickness: Bill Corbett, October 17, 2012

  • SSPC’s coating thickness measurement standard, which was first published in 1973 and from then until recently has had only editorial revisions, now has received a much needed overhaul. The revised standard focuses on the frequency and acceptability of measurement acquisition, while leaving gage usage procedures to ASTM D7091. This webinar will describe the new PA 2, including 8 appendices that provide guidance for special applications of the standard. The basic content of ASTM D7091 will also be described.

Understanding OSHA’s Confined Space Construction Industry Standard: Stan Liang, November 21, 2012

  • After many years in development, OSHA is issuing a comprehensive confined space regulation under the Construction Industry standards. This webinar presents an overview of the impact of the requirements of this new OSHA standard on industrial painting projects, including air monitoring, ventilation, and rescue equipment and procedures. OSHA has had a comprehensive confined space standard under the General Industry standards for many years. Depending on the circumstances, some industrial painting projects are defined by OSHA as construction work and others as falling under the General Industry Standards. This webinar will describe when the General Industry (versus the Construction Industry standard is likely to be enforced by OSHA and the differences between the two standards.

Coating Systems for Single Wythe Concrete Masonry Units (CMU): Ken Trimber, November 28, 2012

  • Coating systems applied to single wythe CMU have to protect the building from wind-driven rain, and, in some climates, exhibit adequate permeance to allow moisture vapor from inside the building to escape through the film without blistering or peeling. This webinar describes the selection of coatings for application to CMU and addresses the concerns with permeance of the film after repeated repainting.

Standards and Activities of the SSPC Commercial Coating Committee: Ken Trimber, December 12, 2012

  • The SSPC Commercial Coatings Committee has been in place for a little over one year. This webinar will present the status of the standards and guides being developed by the committee related to field cleaning and painting of cementitious and metallic substrates, coating material selection, use of thin films as air-vapor barriers on CMU, certification of commercial painting contractors, and the testing and treatment of concrete floors.

Selecting Sealants for Parking Decks: Jayson Helsel, P.E., December 19, 2012

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Personal Accreditation

Amy Zorn recently took her Professional Engineering exam and is now a full-fledged Professional Engineer. Amy has a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from Auburn University and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Ms. Zorn has successfully completed various industry seminars including ACI Field Testing Technician Grade I, PCI Level I & II, Ultrsonic Testing Level I & II, KTA Level I Coatings and KTA Galvanizing Observation.

KTA-Tator’s, Inc. (KTA’s)  Laboratory Manager Cindy O’Malley was featured as the SSPC Protective Coatings Specialist of the month in the Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings (JPCL’s) January 2012 publication.

On December 5, 2011 Mr. William D. Corbett, KTA Professional Services Business Unit Manager, passed the Protective Coatings Inspector Program (PCI) – Level 3 Certified Inspector course given by SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. KTA-Tator, Inc. (KTA) congratulates Mr. Corbett on his recent achievement.

Alison B. Kaelin, CQA met all professional and technical requirements to attain status of a Senior Member of the American Society of Quality (ASQ). Criteria for senior membership include: 10 years of active professional experience, active membership in ASQ, at least one of the following: holding current ASQ certification; conducting quality-related engineering, inspection or audit, or statistical work; applying methods and principles of quality on the job for at least two (2) years; or teaching quality or related arts or sciences at an accredited institution for at least two (2) years.

KTA-Tator, Inc. (KTA) congratulates Mr. Ken Trimber (President) and Ms. Alison B. Kaelin, CQA (QA Manager) for their recognition by JPCL: Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings, as two of the top thinkers in the industry. JPCL has announced the Clive Hare Honors, a unique award that recognizes the distinguished achievements of 24 thought leaders worldwide who have advanced the technology of protective and marine coatings in the past decade. KTA was the only firm with two employees to be honored. This is the second time Mr. Trimber has been recongnized. He was previously recognized in the 1990s along with Ken Tator. Ms. Kaelin is the first woman ever to be recognized as a top thinker by JPCL.

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Promotions

Amy Zorn

Amy Zorn was recently promoted to a Project Management Specialist for the Steel Group. She is responsible for the management of several state departments of transportation, toll authorities and private industry clients as well as developing and pursuing new business opportunities within the concrete and steel inspection industry. She has a variety of experience including design of roadway construction projects, disaster recovery and transmission tower assessments.

Kimmer Cline

Kimmer Cline was recently promoted to Project Management Specialist for the Coatings Group.

Kimmer Cline is the Project Manager for all Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and Allegheny County projects. In this capacity, he is responsible for writing proposals, working with engineering firms to schedule deployment of KTAs professionals and inspectors to jobsites, verifying that inspectors are properly trained and equipped for the work assignments, visiting jobsites at start-up, periodically visiting jobsites throughout project duration, and reviewing daily inspection reports for accuracy and completeness.

 

 

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