News from Certified Coating Specialists
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
W.T. Finlay Bridge Rehabilitation by Certified Coating Specialists (CCS)
August 6, 2009
Landmark Bridge under construction
August 6, 2009 Burnaby, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc. (CCS) has begun the deck and paint rehabilitation on the W.T. Finlay Bridge in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, a town of 61,000 citizens. Located at the junction of Highways 1 and 3, it is the most south‐eastern city in Alberta, and is within easy driving distance of both the Saskatchewan and US borders. The Finlay Bridge was part of the original Trans Canada Highway, and remains the support structure for the main Shaw Cross Canada fibre optic cable.
CCS’s Lead Abatement program will entail complete contained blasting using recycled steel grit abrasive blasting technology to clean and prepare the bridge for its new coating. The historic two lane monument will be coated with International Paint’s, zinc, epoxy, urethane system. CCS strives to minimize the environmental impact associated with the application of coatings in all of their jobs by implementing their Environmental Stewardship Policy within their Quality Control Program. “We have a commitment to our clients and to the environment” says Steve Boyle, CCS Project Manager. He adds, “We always provide each client with quality workmanship delivered in an environmentally safe and efficient manner.”
In 1905, Medicine Hat’s first representative in the new Alberta Legislature, William Thomas (W.T.) Finlay, made the promise that if a bridge could be procured for the people of Medicine Hat he would get it built. At the very first Executive Council meeting of the newly created Government of Alberta, Finlay began to advocate for the bridge, and despite opposition to its $140,000 price tag, he did not stop until construction began.
The bridge is now more than 100 years old, and without significant investment the service level of the bridge will continue to deteriorate, and became unsafe for vehicles and pedestrians. Over the years the bridge has been modified to accept trolley buses, which are no longer used in Medicine Hat, and has subsequently been de-rated to a 15 tonne load limit. The last significant work done to the bridge was in 1976. In order for Finlay Bridge to remain in service beyond 2040, the following rehabilitation measures were deemed necessary:
- Deck replacement (asphalt and timber) as the current deck has passed its serviceable life,
- Painting to prevent further structural degradation of the steel on the bridge,
- Replacement of the sidewalk concrete panels,
- Replacement of the bridge guardrails with galvanized steel rails,
- And, blasting, powder coating and installation of metal mesh on the handrail lattice panels.
“The community has been supportive of the upgrade,” says Boyle, “…and although traffic has been disrupted with detours, everything is running smoothly.” CCS has been under way with the construction since the 23rd of June, with the rehabilitation expected to be complete in October.
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 all coating removal requirements. CCS is committed to providing the resources, education, training and daily reinforcement to empower everyone CCS employs to meet the goal of exceeding customer expectations. www.ccscoatings.ca
Certified Coating Specialists ranked one of Canada’s fastest-growing companies
August 4, 2009
21st annual PROFIT 100 ranking of Canada’s Fastest-Growing Companies
August 4, 2009, Burnaby, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (“CCS”) has been ranked one of Canada’s fastest growing companies in 2009 by PROFIT. Ranking Canada’s Fastest‐Growing Companies by five year revenue growth, the PROFIT 100 profiles the country’s most successful growth companies. Published in the June issue of PROFIT and online at PROFIT100.com, the PROFIT 100 is Canada’s largest annual celebration of entrepreneurial achievement.
In 1994, founders Clifford and Joy Harper incorporated Kootenay Powder Coating Ltd. in Castlegar, BC opening its doors with 3‐full time employees. At the time, the operational focus was primarily powder coatings in a Plant setting. Soon after opening the doors, Kootenay Powder Coating also became more vertical by starting to branch out into the surface preparation side of the coatings industry and soon added abrasive blasting to the arsenal.
Cliff Harper continues to excel at having the foresight to anticipate the needs of the coatings application market by embracing new technologies and continued diversification of the services and programs KPC was able to offer. The evolution of the original Kootenay Powder Coating Ltd. has transformed into Certified Coating Specialists Inc., a recognized industry leader in British Columbia. This latest evolution better exemplifies the abilities of the Company in all aspects relating to the size, type, and complexity of projects undertaken, the services offered, the geographical area serviced, and the technologies and programs offer. CCS now has over 15 full-time employees and upwards of 50 hourly employees with 4 offices throughout British Columbia.
“The PROFIT 100 are an inspiration to entrepreneurs at all stages of growth, from startup to major corporation” says Ian Portsmouth, editor of PROFIT. “Their business practices and product innovations are exemplary of how businesses can succeed in uncertain times.”
PROFIT: Your Guide to Business Success is Canada’s preeminent publication dedicated to the management issues and opportunities facing small and mid‐sized businesses. For more than 25 years, Canadian entrepreneurs across a vast array of economic sectors have remained loyal to PROFIT because it’s a timely and reliable source of actionable information that helps them increase their revenues, boost their profitability and get the recognition they deserve for generating positive economic and social change. Published six times a year by Rogers Publishing Ltd., PROFIT is distributed almost exclusively to the chief executives of companies with 5 to 250 employees and annual revenue of $1 million to $25 million, reaching 306,000 readers across Canada. Visit PROFIT online at http://www.PROFITmagazine.ca.
Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (“CCS”) area of enterprise 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.
CCS gains SSPC Certification in Ultra High Pressure Water Jetting
June 1, 2009
CCS Is the Only Canadian Company with UHPWJ Certification
Burnaby, BC – Certified Coating Specialists Inc., invested in sending 13 crew members to the training and certification by SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings), in Ultra High Pressure Water Jetting, making CCS the only UHPWJ Certified company in Canada. Candidates are certified through a brief written exam and a practical hands‐on skill assessment. This is not a training program for beginners. It is a certification program for waterjetters meeting specific experience requirements.
Ultra High Pressure Water Jetting (UHPWJ) has found its optimal position within industrial and marine market
sectors as an environmentally friendly, cost effective, acceptable alternative to abrasive blasting. UHPWJ is as simple as technology comes; a water supply to the pump equivalent to the pumps draw capacity of 3‐6 GPM, a high pressure/low volume water pump, UHP water line to a task specific discharge gun.
CCS does not just talk safety, we invest in it. Darren Ponte of CCS stated, “The training was excellent, this shall become normal practice within CCS as more and more men gain experience in this trade. If you wish to advance in this area, with our company you will need this certification”.
Joe McGory, course attendee stated, “We had to give up a weekend to take this course, which honestly most of us weren’t too happy about, but now that it is all said and done I and most everyone here is glad we came, the instructor had a great sense of humor and a lot to offer, everyone picked up a new trick or two”.
In addition to the training, SSPC requires that Jetters have a minimum number of hours on the job before they can qualify to be certified. This work experience of the CCS Jetters team has been acknowledged by SSPC in both industrial and marine environments. The training and certification was a means to enhance established safe work practices, as well as increase productivity.
Certified Coating Specialists Inc., (“CCS”) area of enterprise 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.
SSPC, The Society for Protective Coatings is a non‐profit association that is focused on the protection and preservation of concrete, steel, and other industrial and marine structures and surfaces through the use of high performance industrial coatings.
Sales Team is Stronger Today at Certified Coating Specialists Inc.
May 19, 2009
Janet Nacario A Welcome Addition
In order to “get the message out about what CCS can do for industry” and enhance response time to customer needs, CCS has added an assistant sales manager to the management team. Janet Nacario is a welcomed addition who shall assume responsibility for marketing and direct sales development.
Her Langara College education in business administration and communications and work experience is well-matched for her focus at CCS. Janet has been a team member in expanding the business of a manufacturer of custom teak products into the North American market, expanding an American software company into Canada, the coordination of a million dollar heavy equipment retro-fit project, with her last position as a coordinator of a national sales force for a contractor supply company.
Janet’s strengths lie in the administrative and web-based aspects of marketing and sales. With a mandate to develop effective marketing programs for CCS services and coordinating direct sales efforts for the management team, Janet is expected to make a significant contribution to the realization of corporate positioning and revenue goals.
On asked what she thought about her decision to come over to CCS, “I am thrilled at the opportunity of joining such a dynamic group … at CCS”.
C.C.S. excels in lead abatement, industrial and marine coating. The company is SSPC QP1 and QP2, and COR certified, the first BC company to achieve this status, a direct result of a commitment to exceed customer expectations.4
George Campbell Award: Berth Two East and West Potash Ship Loaders
May 19, 2009
Two structures tied for the George Campbell Award: the Berth Two East and West Potash Ship Loaders, and the Liard River Bridge.
The award, which honors outstanding achievement in the completion of a difficult or complex industrial or commercial coatings project, is named for the late George Campbell, founder of Campbell Painting Company in New York.
