News & Events

Awards

KTA Receives Standing Firm Employer Award
 KTA was honored as one of 2 recipients of the inaugural Standing Firm Employer Award presented by the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater.…Read More and Watch The Interview

Commercial Services

Assessment and Restoration of Historic Brick Buildings, Kevin Brown, KTA
Abstract:  Assessment and restoration of the walls of historic buildings calls for different approaches than modern buildings, as there are many variables with old buildings that are not present in newer construction. Evaluating and restoring old buildings in the same manner as modern buildings can be ineffective and sometimes lead to failures.  This webinar discusses the assessment of historic buildings that were experiencing building envelope-related moisture intrusion problems, and recommendations for restoration. March 20,2013

Investigating Sources of Moisture Intrusion in Single Wythe CMU, Ken Trimber and Kevin Brown, KTA
Abstract: Moisture intrusion is a common problem in single wythe masonry buildings.  If the sources of moisture are not addressed, the application of additional interior and exterior coatings can lead to extensive blistering, peeling, and disbonding.  This webinar addresses sources of moisture intrusion, including parapet walls, leaking gutters and downspouts, deficiencies in insulation, problems with air leakage, and poor wind-driven rain resistance of the coating. May 1, 2013

Slip Testing of Floors: Kevin Brown, October 24, 2012
Over 25,000 deaths and 8.9 million injuries occur every year as a result of slips and falls. Some of these can be avoided by understanding the dynamics of slip resistance and measuring the coefficient of friction (COF) of floors. This webinar reviews the factors associated with slips and falls, methods and standards for measuring wet and dry COF, and generally accepted acceptance criteria.

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.

Articles

“Coating System Concerns For Single-Wythe Construction” by Ken Trimber November 2012…Read More

“How Business Savvy FMs Brush Up Their Brand With Paint”,  PRSM staff interviewed Kevin Brown to discuss best practices for repainting retail commercial buildings. PRSM-Professional Retail Store Maintenance Magazine, March 2013 Edition

“Investigating Sources of Moisture Intrusion In Single Wythe CMU”, Ken Trimber and Kevin Brown, KTA. March 2013

“Assessment and Restoration of Historic Brick Buildings”, Kevin Brown, KTA. Feb 2013.

“Building Repairs Prior to Painting” by Ken Trimber and Kevin Brown. Coming Soon to D&D. Jan/Feb 2013

“Polished concrete vs Coated Concrete”  Panel discussion with Phil Scisciani with SPECIALTY COATINGS & CONSULTING, INC, Jim Cuviello with the Concrete Polishing Association and Kevin Brown. Coming Soon to D&D February 2013.

 

Coatings Consulting & Inspection

NIAC, Nuclear Industry Assessment Committee Audit, July 2012:
The first audit was conducted on behalf of the members of NIAC, the Nuclear Industry Assessment Committee, which is a group of approximately 150 suppliers to the nuclear industry.  The audit was conducted in July of 2012 and assessed our abilities for coating inspection and laboratory testing services, and training.  A group of seven members requested the audit so that the information and approvals of our Quality Management  system can be shared, thereby avoiding them individually having to do annual or 3-year audits of KTA.   Alison Kaelin worked hard over a period of many months to demonstrate our compliance with nuclear regulatory requirements of both existing nuclear power plants and new plants being built here in the United States and overseas.  Last year, KTA inspectors staffed approximately 30 projects that involved the application of service level 1 safety related coating systems.  

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 procedure 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.

Field Inspection and Repair of Transmission Pipeline Coatings: Bud Senkowski, P.E., October 25, 2012
Below-grade pipe coating systems are subject to accelerated deterioration and potential section loss of the pipe wall if the coating system is not properly maintained. When coating damage is indicated by above-ground surveys, the affected pipeline sections must be excavated and repaired. This webinar will discuss the methods and materials used to repair pipeline coating systems such as asphalt enamel, fusion-bonded epoxy, liquid-applied epoxy, polyethylene tape, and extruded, multi-layer polyethylene and polypropylene. The webinar will also describe the field inspection techniques used to evaluate the condition of coatings exposed during routine pipeline maintenance operations.

Articles

“The Case of…Failure in a Filter House,” By Rick Huntley, September 2012.
How long does it take for a premature coating failure to occur? The likelihood of failure is high shortly after application: from days to perhaps a year. In this month’s Case from the F-Files, a coating delaminated shortly after installation of the coated assemblies. Repairs were made, and the units went into service. Can failure after six years be considered premature? … Read More (Cases from the F-Files)
 

EH&S

Articles

“Roofing Bitumen “Probably Carcinogenic,” Says IARC,” By Dan Adley, CIH, CSP, January 2012.
Interface: The Journal of RCI, pp. 35-37… Read More.

News

OSHA Begins Enforcement of the Revised Hazard Communication Standard

OSHA recently revised its Hazard Communication Standard to bring the requirements for material safety data sheets and labeling into compliance with the United Nations’ Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS).   This change has prompted OSHA to begin enforcing labeling requirements on industrial painting projects.   As an example, an industrial painting contractor in the Pittsburgh area was recently cited on two separate projects for not labeling their grit recycler and dust collector in accordance with the requirements of the Hazard Communication Standard (29 CFR 1926.59 paragraph (f) (6)).

If you need assistance in understanding and/or complying with the requirements of the new Hazard Communication Standard, a Certified Safety Professional/Certified Industrial Hygienist from KTA-Tator, Inc. (KTA) can answer your questions.   For more information on services offered by KTA  that may be of assistance, such as compliance program development and implementation, training, or air monitoring, visit the EH&S “Industrial Hygiene Services” page.  For additional information regarding the revisions to the OSHA Hazard Communication Standard, read “Going Global: OSHA Revises Hazard Communication Standard” written by KTA’s Quality Assurance Manager for “Regulation News” in the August 2012 issue of The Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings (JPCL).

Abrasive Manufacturer Revises Material Safety Data Sheets to Include Toxic Metals

HARSCO, the largest coal slag manufacturer in the United States, recently revised their material safety data sheets (MSDS) for their Black Beauty abrasive blast cleaning media products.  The revised MSDS indicate the presence of hazardous metals, such as arsenic and beryllium. This information was not disclosed previously since the concentrations of these metals were below the disclosure thresholds of OSHA (a concentration of one percent for non-carcinogens or 0.1 % for carcinogens).  Employers should be aware that many types of abrasive blast media may contain trace amounts of hazardous metals.  Be sure to evaluate the abrasive blast media you are using and comply with applicable worker safety, environmental protection, and waste management regulations. If you need assistance in evaluating the abrasive media you are using or complying with regulatory requirements, a Certified Safety Professional/Certified Industrial Hygienist from KTA-Tator, Inc. can answer your questions.  For more information on services offered by KTA-Tator, Inc. that may be of assistance, such as waste management, compliance program development and implementation, training, and air monitoring, visit the EH&S “Industrial Hygiene Services” page.\

KTA Offers Safety and Hygiene Support Services to the Hydraulic Fracturing Industry

A National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) hazard assessment at hydraulic fracturing sites found that workers were exposed to crystalline silica above the OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit. NIOSH is recommending that all hydraulic fracturing sites evaluate their operations to determine the potential for worker exposure to crystalline silica and implement controls as necessary to protect workers. Uncontrolled silica exposure can result in serious occupational illness in workers, including lung cancer and silicosis, a potentially fatal respiratory disease.  Employers may also be subject to regulatory citations and fines if their workplace is inspected by an OSHA compliance officer.  A Certified Safety Professional/Certified Industrial Hygienist from KTA-Tator, Inc. can provide services such as site audits, air monitoring, respiratory protection program development/evaluation, and training to assist you in evaluating and controlling worker exposure to silica.  For more information, visit the EH&S “Industrial Hygiene Services” page.

ISNetworld Safety and Health Compliance Program Development – KTA offers assistance to firms required to submit Safety and Health programs for ISNetworld compliance

Facility owners have contracted with third party auditing firms like ISNetworld for review of contractor safety and health programs. The program elements required by these third party firms can be very onerous for the contractor, and the content beyond what would normally be covered by a traditional Corporate Safety and Health Program. You have better things to do with your time. Save yourself aggravation and let a KTA Certified Industrial Hygienist/Certified Safety Professional assist you in developing a Safety and Health Program for your company that meets the requirements of these auditing firms. For more information download our flyer, “ISNetworld-Compliant Safety and Health Flyer”  (PDF 146Kb) or visit the EH&S “Safety and Health Program Evaluation/Development” page.

How Safe Is Your Steel Fabrication Shop?

Several OSHA General Industry Standards may have applicability in the steel fabrication shop and “blast and paint shops.” Violation of these standards can lead to OSHA citations and fines, increased insurance premiums and decreased profit due to equipment and/or personnel down time. Let a Certified Safety Professional/Certified Industrial Hygienist from KTA-Tator, Inc. visit your shop and independently evaluate safety and health work practices and procedures before OSHA shows up. For more information download our flyer, “How Safe Is Your Fab Shop” (PDF 138Kb) or visit the EH&S “Safety Services” page.

 

Steel & Concrete

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

“A Layer of Quality,” by William D. Corbett, April 2012, MSC, Modern Steel Construction, pp. 22-24.
Stricter environmental and performance requirements continue to push steel coating systems to new levels… Read More.

 

Training

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).

 

Conferences & Seminars

The Pittsburgh AIHA held a half-day session on Expert Witness Testimony on Thursday, March 21, 2013.  The event was held at The Club At Nevillewood and included a buffet lunch, followed by afternoon presentations.  Speakers for the event include Dan Adley, CIH, CSP (Chief Executive Officer, KTA Tator, Inc.)

PRSM National Conference, Dallas, TX –   KTA will be exhibiting and presenting at PRSM.  Booth #330. 

Terry Carroll with KTA presented “Building Envelope Evaluations”  Presentation will provide helpful insights to Facility Managers on deficiencies to look for in the building envelope.  Certain clues provide an indication of a bigger problem that in many cases can increase energy costs.  The problems discussed can impact the performance of the whole building and can turn out to be a lot more than a simple aesthetic issue.

SSPC GreenCOAT 2013 • San Antonio, TX • January 14-17, 2013

 KTA was at booth #307 this year.  KTA presented the following technical papers at the show.

Session 1 on Tuesday January 15 2:00-2:30 “Moisture in Historic Commercial Building Walls – Approaches To Assessment and Restoration”  Kevin Brown and John Harry, John Harry Restoration Services. Assessment and restoration of the walls of historic buildings calls for different approaches than modern buildings.  Evaluating and restoring old buildings in the same manner as modern buildings can be ineffective and sometimes lead to failures. 

Session 3, Monday, January 14, 2013 – 4:00pm-4:30pm
SSPC Education Committee Update, Bill Corbett – SSPC has 32 training products that are delivered using live, on-line and/or modular CD formats. In addition, five “certification-only” products are offered (PCI Level 3, MCI, CAS, ACAS and PCS). The Mission of the Education Committee is to provide SSPC members and the industry as a whole with technically accurate, effective, IACET-compliant coatings education products and training services. This presentation described the goal of the committee, its organization and duties, provided a status regarding product review/updating, and described the interactions with the SSPC Instructor Committee moving forward.

Session 1, Tuesday, January 15, 2013 – 11:00am-11:30am
No Place for Hipsters When the Substance Behind a Pretty Façade is Required, Cindy O’Malley – In contrast to the Hipster projected or “posed” image based solely upon appearance in lieu of substance, a company’s brand-image projected by paints & coatings requires performance characteristics derived from consistently sound chemistry and manufacturing. The protective paints and coatings on the façade of commercial buildings are a significant aspect of the image associated with the owner organization. A coating with chemical functionality and consistent performance is required in order for the façade to remain an asset and not become a liability. In other words, the “substance” of the coating material itself is critical. The posed image of a hipster, that lacks actual substance, won’t cut it. Let’s assume that, due to good foresight, the coating chosen to convey an image was selected based on a proven track record and tested performance. But what assurance do you have that the coating materials actually supplied to the project are comparable to the products that were tested when the original selection was made?

Required baseline characterization of candidate coating materials subjected to performance evaluations is added insurance that materials supplied in the future are consistent with the materials that performed well during qualification testing. Although this is a relatively common practice in the industrial coatings arena, the concept of baseline characterization of coatings is yet to be widely implemented in the commercial building field. A brief synopsis of applicable performance evaluations in both industrial and commercial sectors will be presented together with the concept of baseline characterization of the coatings. Specific examples of applicability of the commercial coatings field will be included.

Session 2, Tuesday, January 15, 2013 – 11:00am-11:30am
San Antonio Power Plant Asset Corrosion Protection Program, Kirk Wissmar, PE and Mario SanJuan, PE (CPS Energy) – CPS Energy, the largest municipally owned Energy Company in the nation, owns a fleet of power generation plants in Bexar county with a combined output of over 4,700 MW. In 2012, CPS initiated an Asset Corrosion-Protection Study for their fossil fueled power generating facilities to proactively protect the assets from coating degradation and premature corrosion. This paper details the asset protection study from conception to completion.

Session 1, Tuesday, January 15, 2013 – 2:00pm-2:30pm
SSPC Commercial Coatings Committee Update, Ken Trimber – The SSPC Commercial Coatings Committee was formed one year ago in October 2011, with kick-off meetings of each the committees held during the SSPC convention in Tampa, FL in February 2012. A great deal of progress has been made since the February meetings as can be seen from the summaries below. The previous-person meetings of the committee was held during the SSPC 2013 conference in San Antonio, TX, January 2013.

Session 2, Thursday, January 17, 2013 – 11:00am-11:30am
Regulatory Update: Current and Emerging Trends in Occupational and Environmental Health, Alison B. Kaelin – This annual paper summarizes environmental, health and safety issues that may impact SSPC members. This paper discusses current and expected regulatory rulemaking, emphasis programs, enforcement initiatives of other similar topics. This paper will include a review of OSHA’s new final Hazard Communication Standard. 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.

Session 3, Thursday, January 17, 2013 – 10:00am-12:00pm
Agree to Disagree: Exploring Differing Views on Causes of Coating Failures, Ken Trimber – A panel of coating specialists with experience in analyzing the causes of premature coating failures reviewed the same photos and laboratory data about a specific case, and then, in turn, explained their views on what happened and why. The catch? Each represented a different party in the dispute—Owner, General Contractor, Painting Contractor, and Paint Manufacturer. The panel moderator  lead a discussion about the differences in interpretation of the same facts.

 

Committees

SSPC President Bob McMurdy has approved the nomination of William Corbett, PCS, for the new Chair of the SSPC C.6 Education and Individual Certification Advisory Committee (Education Committee).
Bill is a 25-year member of SSPC, Chair of SSPC C.3.2 (Coating Thickness), member of the SSPC Education Committee, and member/liaison to the SSPC Instructor Committee. He became the Chair of the Education Committee on April 3. The Committee is responsible for the technical content, quality, and presentation of over 20 SSPC training products (some offered as eCourses), as well as making recommendations for improvement to training courses administered by SSPC.

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 February 2, 2012 . During the meeting the committee established scopes for new standards and guides related to surface preparation, coatings selection and coatings application… Read More. 

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Personal Accreditation 

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 recognized. 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. Also recognized for past achievements were Bill Corbett who received the John D. Keane Award of Merit in 2010 and the Education Award in 2005; and Eric Kline who received the Honorary Life Member Award in 2008 and the Technical Achievement Award in 2010.  Click here to read the articles in the August 2012 issue of The Journal of Protective Coatings (JPCL).

 

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