Training for paint applicators to be compulsory

All paint applicators, whether site or factory based, will be required to undertake a new training programme from next year for the painting of all steelwork to be used on infrastructure projects.

The new requirements will be implemented during 2007, and will become compulsory by the end of January 2008 for contracts to be undertaken for the Highways Agency, Network Rail, Welsh Assembly, local authorities and other clients.

Dr Derek Tordoff, BCSA Director General, said it was client driven and is aimed to improve the performance of paint coatings on steelwork.

“It will become a compulsory requirement on all infrastructure projects,” he added. Painting will have to be done by trained applicators supervised by a painting coordinator under an audited quality management system.

The Register of Qualified Steelwork Contractors (RQSC) Scheme is in the process of introducing this new requirement for companies registered to undertake bridgework. The Industrial Coatings Applicator Training and Certification Scheme (ICATS) is organised by the Institute of Corrosion.