News from Certified Coating Specialists
Professionalism Pays Off!
July 21, 2010
Especially when it comes to hazardous materials abatement and coating application.
Certified Coating Specialists, an SSPC QP1 & QP2 certified contractor, has been awarded the Pakan Bridge Lead Abatement and Coating Rehabilitation for $2.4 mm.
For the third time in two years, BC based Certified has been awarded another lead abatement and rehabilitation contract in Alberta. This time it is the Alberta Ministry of Transportation that has selected Certified to remove the existing lead based coating and replace with a new coating system on the Pakan bridge approximately 85 KM north east of Sherwood Park and 10 KM south of Smokey Lake Ab.
Lead abatement requires the development and adherence to a detailed safe work plan focused on ensuring workers and the public are kept safe. The primary risk associated with lead in dry paint is the potential to inhale lead dust which can lead to very serious health concerns. Certified has been executing lead abatement projects for over 12 years and has developed a level of expertise second to none.
With Certified having completed the Finley Bridge in Medicine Hat last season and on the final leg of completing the Dawson Bridge in Edmonton, Certified has effectively established its self in the Alberta market place as an experienced, professional and qualified, large project lead abatement contractor. The Pakan bridge is scheduled to be completed in a 90 day period with Darren Ponte as project manager.
“Our people are certified in lead abatement and have the experience to tackle any abatement project.”
Certified Coating Specialists Awarded $2.2 mil Lead Abatement and Repaint Project in Edmonton Alberta
May 25, 2010
Certified Coating Specialists Inc. has been awarded the bridge lead abatement and repainting contract for the rehabilitation of the Dawson Bridge in Edmonton Alberta. General contractor USL Concreate opted to award a subcontract to Certified to manage and execute the removal of the existing lead based coating and recoat the structure as per the tender requirements of the City of Edmonton.
Mr. Randy Tilley, CCS project manager states the biggest challenge in repainting this bridge is the design and engineering required to gain access to scaffold and contain the work areas as the bridge was not designed for these types of additional loads. CCS is working closely with Concreate USL and SDF to execute the lead abatement and primer application prior to the structural reinforcement being executed by SDF. This method minimizes the risk of lead exposure to the associated trades. Tilley states further that every bridge presents its own challenges and he has no doubt that the construction team will develop a plan to address the challenges associated with this one.
Certified Coating Specialists Selected by BCIT for Hazardous Lead Abatement Project
May 20, 2010
CCS has been awarded the Lead Abatement, Coatings and Linings of thirteen tanks in their new Instrumentation lab. BCIT had issued a Request for Proposal to determine the requirements and correct methodology to reline 13 tanks to be used in the new lab. On inspection of the work site CCS suggested that a lead test should be done to ensure all contractors would know if a lead risk factor existed. BCIT executed the lead testing and found that the tanks were indeed lined and exterior painted with lead based coating materials. An added complexity was that the tanks have already been installed within the lab and the extensive mechanical work is well underway. CCS’s drafted a proposal that took all risks into account and offered a program that would control the risks while meeting the colleges goal of removing all the lead paint and re-coat the 13 tanks while protecting the facility, students and work force in the area.
States Kevin Leigh-Project Manager ” this operation will see the utilization of the extensive and comprehensive training that is a core fundamental of the CCS vision. CCS will assign to this job two trained SSPC C3 Certified Lead Abatement Supervisors to ensure compliance with lead abatement regulations and procedures. The deployment of one of our steel grit Recycler Abrasive Blast units will allow continuous retrieval of the media thus minimizing air born dust risk to all parties. Class 1A Containment will be utilized to contain the tanks and both Occupational and Ambient Air sampling will be used throughout as part of our diligence to Health and Safety”. CCS will work after hours to minimize the impact to the busy school environment, with upwards of 40 000 students coming and going from campus. “We expect challenges”, says Kevin Leigh, “but the training that all staff receive at CCS, effective management and clear communication with the Client will result in another successful project.
Bleach Tower of Pulp Mill Lined While Mill Remains in Operation
May 20, 2010
Certified Coating Specialists was selected by Zellstoff Celgar Pulp and Paper in Castlegar, BC to apply a Vinyl Ester Resin Liner inside the number 1 bleach tower while the mill’s Bleach Line remained in full operation following the annual maintenance shutdown. Celgar isolated the tower from other operations, installed scaffolding and Certified set up dust collection and warm dehumidified air ( 23% RH and 31°C) to create the ambient atmosphere required for the abrasive blasting and coating application to the internal structure.
Being as the isolation of the bleach tower while the mill continued to run had never been tried before, safety was of primary concern. Darren Ponte, CSO of CCS, worked hand-in-hand with Celgar Safety Resources to ensure everyone got through the project in a healthy and productive manner. This was a difficult project with many obstacles that both Celgar and CCS managed to overcome resulting in a successful and professionally executed project. Ponte stated that, ”a key to the success of the project was constant communication, between our crew members and the Celgar team, it was of critical importance.
Celgar representative Gord Matson commented that, “Complete safety planning and crew performance was excellent. Project planning, quality expectations and overall job completion was successful”.
Certified Coating Specialists Inc. Signs Union Labour agreement in Alberta
May 11, 2010
Over the last couple of years Certified Coating Specialists Inc. has successfully established a market presence in Alberta which has demanded an increase in access to man power in Alberta. To fill the need for additional man power and to support continued expansion in Alberta and western Canada as a whole Certified Coating Specialists Inc. has entered into a labour agreement with IBPAT Loc 177 for the Province of Alberta.
Certified Coating Specialists wraps up W.T. Finlay Bridge Rehabilitation
January 26, 2010
January 26, 2010, Vancouver, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc. has reached substantial completion of the rehabilitation construction project on the W.T. Finlay Bridge in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Certified was contracted by the City for the removal and replacement of the bridge deck, concrete sidewalk panels, and the guard and hand rails. A major component of the work in this project was the removal of all the old lead based paint. As a SSPC (Society of Protective Coatings) QP‐2 Lead Abatement Certified contractor, CCS was up to the challenge and delivered outstanding results. “The protection of people and the environment on a lead abatement project requires effective, knowledge based planning and controlled removal of the hazardous waste,” says Randy Tilley, CCS Operations Manager. “Our lead abatement program does just that. We have the trained and experienced staff, certification and equipment.” Tilley adds.
The 28 Day Dash: Coatings Crew Sprint to the Finish featured article in CoatingsPro Magazine
November 17, 2009
November 2009 Issue – There would be hurdles, of course, Cliff Harper was sure of that. As the CEO for Certified Coating Specialists, Inc. (CCS), he’d seen his fair share of them over the years. They’d run into hurdles, passed over them, and moved on to the next challenge. The question was: would their latest contract prove too tall to overcome?
The next challenge: a 68,000 square foot coatings job (6,417.2m2) to complete in only 28 days. They had to lead-abate and coat potash ship loaders for Neptune Bulk Terminals Canada Ltd. of North Vancouver, British Columbia. Their two man opponents – Read full story…
BC Based Industrial Painting Contractor Certified Coating Specialists achieves COR Certification in Alberta
November 12, 2009
November 12, 2009, Vancouver, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) an industrial painting contractor based in British Columbia, achieves The Certificate of Recognition (COR) for Safety, in Alberta. Certificates are issued by the Alberta Construction Safety Association.
The COR certification is issued to employers who develop and implement health and safety programs that meet established standards such as:
- Employer policy and management commitment
- Worker competency and training
- Hazard identification
- Hazard control measures
- Inspection programs
- Incident reporting and investigation
- Emergency response planning
- Program administration
CCS provides lead abatement and corrosion protection to the industrial and marine sectors in Western Canada promoting safe and healthy working conditions and attitudes within their company. CCS has already received the COR Certification from the Construction Safety Association of British Columbia.
“Workplace health and safety is paramount for us at CCS.” says Darren Ponte, CCS Resource Manager and CSO.
He adds, “Obtaining certification in both provinces will help solidify our commitment to our Safety policies for our staff and clients.”
Achieving and maintaining a valid COR is required for earning a financial incentive through the WCB Partnership in Injury Reduction program, where savings are passed onto clients.
Ponte says, “COR certification is fast becoming an expectation in the industry, and we’re very proud to have made this accomplishment in both BC and AB.”
Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) area of expertise is corrosion prevention and aesthetic enhancement of corporate assets through the rehabilitation of coating systems. Through the continual advancement, certification and accreditation within this area, CCS has emerged as the major player in lead abatement for any, and all, coating removal requirements. CCS is committed to providing the resources, education, training and daily reinforcement to empower everyone that CCS employs; to meet this goal of exceeding customer expectations.
The Alberta Construction Safety Association (ACSA) is a non‐profit organization funded and directed by industry. The Association consists of construction industry volunteers supported by a team of professionals based out of offices in Edmonton, Calgary and in Fort McMurray. All the people involved with the ACSA, from the origin of the idea to the present, share a common vision: through cooperative efforts of all those involved, the construction environment in Alberta will be the safest anywhere.
Certified Coating Specialists awarded Afloat Refit project on BC Ferries MV Quinsam
November 4, 2009
November 4, 2009, Vancouver, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) has been awarded to clean and paint BC Ferries, the MV Quinsam. The 27 year old vessel will undergo abrasive blasting to clean and prepare its surface for her new coat of paint, by CCS.
CCS has over 15 years of experience providing blasting, painting and lead abatement in the industrial and marine sectors in Western Canada. In their commitment to reducing the negative environmental impacts of surface preparation and waste management they plan to use their environmentally friendly ARS Advanced Recycling equipment on the Quinsam, enabling their crew to abrasively blast with steel grit to remove existing coatings and will recycle and reuse the steel grit over and over. This method within a completely contained work area reduces the amount of waste blast media traditionally needed to prepare a surface by as much as 90%.
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Certified Coating Specialists is connecting to Clients on ISNetworld
October 26, 2009
October 26, 2009, Vancouver, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) is now subscribed to ISNetworld, a resource for connecting organizations around the world with safe, reliable industrial contractors. With over 400,000 man hours worked without a lost time incident, and holding an impressive low WCB rate, CCS now has the ability to showcase their credentials, experiences, and safety records to existing and potential clients through ISNetworld.
“The industries we work in require that contractors like ourselves are able to offer a safe work environment,” says Darren Ponte, CCS Resource Manger and CSO. “…being subscribed to ISNetworld is an added assurance that we have provided the necessary safety, procurement, and compliance data required by each owner/client.”
Through its innovative data-systems, superior customer service, and global reach, ISNetworld fosters safer work environments, stronger partnerships, and a healthier bottom-line. By enabling these decision makers to find the resources that best fit their needs, they spend less time performing due diligence on the wrong resources and more time on finding the right fit.
Ponte adds, “We are confident that being subscribed to ISNetworld will enable CCS to communicate our expertise and safety history to our clients easily and quickly.”
About Certified Coating Specialists Inc.
Certified Coating Specialists (CCS) area of expertise is corrosion prevention and aesthetic enhancement of corporate assets through the rehabilitation of coating systems. Through the continual advancement, certification and accreditation within this area, CCS has emerged as the major player in lead abatement for any, and all, coating removal requirements. CCS is committed to providing the resources, education, training and daily reinforcement to empower everyone that CCS employs; to meet this goal of exceeding customer expectations.
About ISNetworld
ISNetworld is a global resource for connecting corporations with safe, reliable vendors from capital-intensive industries. ISN collects self-reported conformance information from vendors, verifies its accuracy, and then reports the results in an easy-to-follow format. This allows corporations to select those resources that best meet internal and governmental requirements, while providing vendors and suppliers the opportunity to centralize their conformance information, saving time and gaining presence in the marketplace.
Certified Coating Specialists Inc. the First Industrial and Marine Painting Contractor to receive Certificate of Recognition from Construction Safety Association of B.C.
September 22, 2009
September 22, 2009 Burnaby, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc. (CCS) has received the well regarded Health & Safety Certificate of Recognition (COR) from the Construction Safety Association of B.C. Another first for industry leading Certified Coating Specialists Inc.
The Certification, developed in cooperation with WorkSafe BC, is an initiative that recognizes employers who go beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act, and the occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Companies are approved by the CSABC based on their natural affiliation with construction and concern for safety in the industry.
“We are excited to add Certified Coating Specialists to the growing list of COR certified companies across BC. They have demonstrated their commitment to providing a safer and healthier work environment for their employees and we are proud to recognize them for this.” Cathy Lange, CSABC Executive Director.
CCS provides lead abatement and corrosion protection to the industrial and marine industries promoting safe and healthy working conditions and attitudes within the company. Having earned this type of certification reinforces the ongoing commitment of staff to each other and their clients in maintaining adequate equipment, work procedures, and proper training and education of all CCS employees. A commitment CCS has long been known for.
“We’re very proud to have earned this certification,” said Byran Place, CCS President. “It recognizes the ‘safety culture’ we’ve instilled in our workforce – and the best practices safety standards that our workers employ in all the work we do. The COR Certificate also qualifies Certified Coating Specialists for a 10% reimbursement of our 2009 base WorkSafe assessment, which is an added bonus that can be passed onto our clients in savings.”
Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) area of expertise is corrosion prevention and aesthetic enhancement of corporate assets through the rehabilitation of coating systems. Through the continual advancement, certification and accreditation within this area, CCS has emerged as the major player in lead abatement for any, and all, coating removal requirements. CCS is committed to providing the resources, education, training and daily reinforcement to empower everyone that CCS employs; to meet the goal of exceeding customer expectations.
CCS Awarded the Horton CBI Tank Coating project in Mt Hayes
August 26, 2009
LNG Plant Tanks to be painted at Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc facility
August 26, 2009, Burnaby, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (CCS) has been awarded the surface preparation and application of specialized protective coatings to three new tanks at the Mt. Hayes Gas Peak
Shaving Facility in Ladysmith, British Columbia, owned and operated by Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc.
Hired by Horton CBI, a subsidiary of CB&I, CCS is required to blast the facility’s new Firewater Tank, Diesel Tank, and an 110 ft high LNG (liquefied natural gas) Tank to the SSPC (the Society for Protective Coatings) SP10 surface preparation standards and to provide the clean up, removal and disposal of the bulk blast waste material from the project. Any fuel burning equipment will be placed within containments to prevent fuel or oil spills and risk to the property. “We have made a commitment to minimize any environmental impact associated with the application of coatings while meeting the needs of our clients” says Randy Tilley, CCS Operations Manager. CCS has an Environmental Stewardship Policy supported by a $2 million dollar pollution liability insurance.
“We’ve executed many tank coating and lining projects in the past…” says Tilley, “we look forward to working with Horton CBI and are confident the job will be seamless.” The project is scheduled to commence in August 2009 and complete by the spring of 2010.
About Horton CBI
(a subsidiary of) CB&I combines proven process technology with global capabilities in engineering, procurement and construction to deliver comprehensive solutions to customers in the energy and natural resource industries. www.CBI.com
About CCS
Certified Coating Specialists Inc., are experts in corrosion prevention and aesthetic enhancement of corporate assets through the rehabilitation of coating systems. Through the continual advancement, certification and accreditation within this area, CCS has emerged as the major player in lead abatement for any, and all, coating removal requirements. CCS is committed to providing the resources, education, training and daily reinforcement to empower everyone that CCS employs; to meet the goal of exceeding customer expectations. www.ccscoatings.ca



