News from Certified Coating Specialists
Alex Atamenenko, MP for the Southern Interior of BC, Sends a Letter of Praise to CCS
April 14, 2009
Mr. Atamenenko has offered his congratulations to CCS for winning the George Campbell Award. Click here to view the letter.
CHANGES TO REGULATIONS GOVERNING CRYSTALLINE SILICA USE
April 13, 2009
Bureaucratic changes implemented 15 months ago are expected to result in more frequent and more stringent site inspections by OSHA
OSHA has been directed to ensure that minimum 2% of their annual inspections are at facilities that create high silica content, specifically, industrial coating sites.
They have been instructed to target the following industries:
a) Painting and paper hanging
b) General contractors
c) Highway and street construction
d) Bridge and tunnel construction
e) Heavy construction
f) Concrete work
g) Wrecking and demolition
Focus of the site inspections is to be on:
a) Monitoring for respirable silica and collecting bulk samples for testing
b) Equipment and procedures in place to isolate the sources of the dust and to clear the site at clean-up
c) Respiratory equipment provided to employees, the employees’ understanding of their rights to
confidentiality, and the employer’s record-keeping practices
d) Proper labeling and MSDS of crystalline silica products
The program changes also suggest, but do not mandate, different medical monitoring tests coordinated with lower levels of crystalline silica exposure.
For further details on the implications of the new regulations and specific site conduct, refer to the JPCL article as published in June 2008.
C.C.S. excels in industrial marine coatings and lead abatement. We are market share leaders in Western Canada with a 15-year history. We hold SSPC QP1 and COR certification.
If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Darren Ponte, Resource Manager/CSO at 1-866-522-5900, or dponte@ccscoatings.ca.
JPCL Cites CCS In Their Article On Award Winners
April 13, 2009
In addition to the pride of winning the George Campbell Award from SSPC, CCS is grateful to the SSPC publication, Journal of Protective Coatings and Linings, for committing space to writing about the award winners. Read the full article on all of the award winners at the recent PACE conference.
Coordinated Efforts Promoting Healthy and Safe Industrial Painting Job Sites
March 27, 2009
Worksafe BC Considers CCS Job a Training Site
A team from Worksafe BC revisited the Ironworkers’ Memorial Bridge on Mar. 25, 2009. Their mandate included reviewing CCS’ procedures for protecting the workers during lead abatement, and reviewing the policies dictating safe use and application of industrial coatings. When asked for a reason for the visit, Project Manager, Darren Ponte, replied “Initially the site was inspected around the beginning of the month. They were so impressed that they wanted to come back and use it as a bit of an instruction base for the doctors to physically see and ask questions.”
The Worksafe BC team included:
- Jeff Pasternak, Occupational Hygiene Officer
- Dr. Sami Youakim, Medical Advisor
- Dr. Shannon Waters, Medical Trainee
The CCS team included:
- Charlie Tuck, SSPC C3 Competent Person for De-Leading Structures
- Kevin Leigh, Quality Control Supervisor
- Darren Ponte, Project Manager
Because of the lead abatement component of the project, there was an extensive assessment of systems in place for the protection of all from lead poisoning. The CCS team outlined the biological monitoring in the form of blood tests on all employees that was done at the start of the job. Another battery of blood tests was done at 45 days on the job to confirm the effectiveness of the precautionary procedures, and will be done yet again at the end of the job.
Some of the precautionary procedures outlined to the Worksafe BC team included decontamination and personal hygiene, respiratory protection, and action limits in all areas monitored and adhered to by CCS.
A site tour included the decontamination trailer with related proper procedures, the negative air dust collection system, the steel grit recycler blast system, the power system, containments, and transfer rooms. As well, the actual work being performed was surveyed.
The impression left with CCS is that the Worksafe BC team was very impressed with the site set-up and function.
Should you wish more information on this matter, please contact Mr. Charlie Tuck:
Phone: 604-320-7891
Cell.: 778-888-9447
Toll Free: 866-822-5900
ctuck@ccscoatings.ca
Jobs win big for local firm
March 19, 2009
By Francisco Canjura – Castlegar News
Award winners — Left, Byran Place, president of CCS and Darren Ponte show off the company’s George Campbell award for their coating projects in Vancouver and northern B.C.
Certified Coatings Specialists Inc. (CCS) — which originated in Castlegar and now has offices in Vancouver and Nanaimo — received the 2008 George Campbell award.
The award is provided by the Society of Protective Coatings (SSPC) and is given to a contractor who exceeds standards while completing a project where the structure is very complex, there are difficult environmental conditions and where there are time constraints, among others.
CCS president, Byran Place, said two different projects were submitted and the company received the award for both projects. Those being the Neptune Terminal Potash Ship loader in North Vancouver and the Liard River Bridge on the Alaska Highway in northern B.C. The two CCS projects were compared against hundreds of projects in Canada and the U.S.
“We see this award strictly as validation for all the hard work and the preparation that we’ve done to date.
“It’s nice to get recognized for all the hard work that all the people within this company have put forth over the last few years,” he said.
He added the award has been six years in the making as the company had defined goals of what they wanted to achieve from the very beginning.
“We saw there was an area for us to grow geographically and the type of projects we wanted to undertake and that was the direction we were going,” he said.
The firm is especially thrilled because they were up against tough international competition.
“We are standing up very, very well in a highly competitive market of very large players from the U.S,” said CCS Business Development manager Randy Tilley.
“I think it’s icing on the cake and it’s nice to see a Castlegar company such as ourselves achieve such success that’s recognized throughout north america.
“It’s a case of local boys doing well,” added Tilley.
Certified Coating Specialists wins industrial painting award
March 6, 2009
The Daily Star
Certified Coating Specialists (C.C.S.) Inc. has won the George Campbell Award for two projects, one of them in northern British Columbia.
The company won the prize for the Neptune Terminals Potash Ship Loaders in North Vancouver and the Liard River Bridge on the Alaska Highway.
The George Campbell Award is given to a contractor who exceeds standards while completing a project where the structure is very complex, where there are difficult or harsh environmental conditions, and where there are time constraints, among other strenuous conditions.
The Liard River Bridge is more than 300 metres long, and one lane had to be kept open at all times.
The sections of work were performed in full containment and abrasive blasted in 120-metre sections that required the use of heaters and dehumidification to maintain ambient conditions.
Application of a zinc primer, epoxy mid-coat and finish coat of urethane were applied under strict quality control procedures.
“In northern B.C., the weather was only one of a few distinct challenges our crews mastered on the project,” the company said this week.
Other notable challenges that were recognized by the awards committee as worthy of commendation were the remoteness of the location, extensive coating failure to the trusses, and the short time limits for completion.
“Once again, the C.C.S. executive management team has praise for the team members who contributed to this success,” the company said.
“These two difficult projects were brought to fruition while maintaining both our high qualifications and our laudable Worksafe B.C. record.”
The Neptune Potash Ship Loaders project required full containment and were prepared by a more-than 30,000 psi water jet.
Structures were then dehumidified prior to coating applications.
The total surface requiring protective coating was over 70,000 sq.ft. of structural steel.
“C.C.S. crews worked under the pressures of a shutdown for 24hours per day 28 days long – and we were successful at meeting the deadline on time and on budget,” the company said.
“The executive management team is very proud of the C.C.S. crew who took this project thru to completion.
C.C.S.’ resource manager, Darren Ponte, attended a convention in New Orleans to accept the George Campbell Award, along with Jim Andersen, maintenance superintendent of Neptune Terminals, and Percy Liang, the Liard River Bridge project manager, on behalf of Public Works and Government Services Canada.
Certified Coating Specialists Inc. has won the George Campbell Award for two projects!
February 26, 2009
SSPC (Society for Protective Coatings) has awarded C.C.S. this esteemed prize for the Neptune Terminals Potash Ship Loaders in North Vancouver, B.C. and the Liard River Bridge on the Alaska Highway in Northern B.C.
The George Campbell Award is given to a contractor who exceeds standards while completing a project where the structure is very complex, where there are difficult or harsh environmental conditions, and where there are time constraints, among other strenuous conditions.
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News Release, Capilano Fish Hatchery
January 21, 2009
Certified Coating Specialists (CCS) is very pleased to announce our receipt of award of the Capilano Fish Hatchery contract by the British Columbia Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans. The scope of the project includes resurfacing of concrete channels used for holding and rearing salmon over a period of several months, to be completed by September 2010.
This is an especially satisfying contract for CCS to have been awarded, considering the high importance British Columbians place on protecting our natural environment – our SSPC QP1 classification gives us confidence in knowing that the work we complete will have a minimal effect on the Capilano River as well as the rearing fry and holding salmon. Additionally, many of our crew members who reside in Vancouver, B.C. have a personal interest in maintaining the pristine condition of this incredible glacial river as it is in their backyard recreational area. Mr. Kevin Leigh (Project Manager of CCS) stated “to be a part of a project that will help conserve the legacy of one of British Columbia’s most valued iconic symbols (salmon) is very gratifying as it aligns with my own personal, as well as corporate values”.
In 2004 CCS achieved SSPC QP1 classification. This classification is one that CCS takes great pride in, not only due to the stringent requirements that must be adhered to in order to maintain said classification, but the individual pride amongst CCS’s team members with respect to safe, quality work they provide on an hourly basis.
The bid team leader who compiled the successful bid to the Ministry was Mr. Randy Tilley (rtilley@ccscoatings.ca, 250-713-4505). As always, he worked diligently with Mr. Charlie Tuck (ctuck@ccscoatings.ca, 604- 320-7891) to ensure competitive pricing and schedule.
On award of tender operations, Resource Manager, Mr. Darren Ponte (866-822-5900), appointed Mr. Kevin Leigh as CCS Project Manager.
Certified Coating Specialists is eager to get started on the project and anticipate full crews who will meet all contract deadlines.
Kudos to CCS and PKS by Work Safe BC
November 28, 2008
Certified Coating Specialists is performing coating works to the interior of the Penstocks at the Cloudworks “run of river” hydroelectric project at Upper Harrison Lake.
An unannounced inspection was carried out by Worksafe BC on November 6, 2008. Below is a reproduction of their resulting inspection report.
Issued on: 2008/11/13
This report is being generated to record an inspection at the Tipella Creek work location. Certified Coatings has been hired to perform the work of coating the welded joints of the penstock. While on site we reviewed their confined space entry documentation and spoke with the workers.
Both the Prime Contractor and subcontractor are to be commended for the excellent job developing and implementing the safe work procedures.
Another Significant Investment in the Provision of Professional Lead Abatement Services
November 15, 2008
Certified Coating Specialists Inc Makes Another Significant Investment in the Provision of Professional Lead Abatement Services.
With the number of contracts for lead abatement being awarded to CCS continuing to escalate, and customers not having the time to acquire all the legislation, regulation and best management practices required to direct the technological requirements of lead abatement, the Executive Management Team of CCS determined that it was time to assemble all CCS knowledge of the requirements into one detailed, and indexed compendium.
This document is now available to CCS customers to guide them in their understanding and management of lead abatement projects.
Byran Place, CCS President stated that ” It is a core principle of CCS to operate at all times from a position of integrity and cooperation and we see this information tool as one way of significantly reducing customer costs in planning for and managing lead abatement projects.”
For further information please contact Mr. Place at 866-822-5900.
Ironworkers’ Maintenance
November 14, 2008
Occasional single-lane closures for maintenance work on the Ironworkers’ Memorial Second Narrows Bridge should be limited to nighttimes, the province announced on Monday.
The work, which is expected to begin at the end of November of the beginning of December, includes washing, sandblasting and recoating the floor beams supporting the bridge deck and a portion of adjacent stringers supporting the deck. The job is scheduled to finish in April 2009.
The maintenance is budgeted at $2.7 million; the contract for the job was awarded to Certified Coating Specialists. All of the work will be done underneath the bridge, and closures will only be necessary to load and unload equipment over the railings.
The bridge is almost 50 years old, and is crossed by about 120,000 vehicles each day.
- Bethany Lindsay, North Shore News, November 14, 2008.
Certified Coating Specialists Inc. Negotiates Fixed Price Contract with Peter Kiewit and Sons Co. for the Kwalsa Upper Stave Run of River Hydro Project
October 20, 2008
Following onsite inspections and a specification review, CCS has been awarded the coating repair works for hundreds of penstock joints along thousands of meters of large diameter piping. Working with PKS and ICI Devoe Coatings, an efficient, effective system of coating the joints for the penstock piping was developed, allowing the entire penstock sections to be welded and buried prior to coating work being performed. This allowed substantial savings based on economy of scale for the recoating work, as well as making the completion of the coating work less dependent on weather conditions.
CCS has extensive experience working on hydro generation facilities having recently completed the penstock joint repair program for Western Versatile Construction Corporation at the Aberfeldie Redevelopment. As well, CCS has completed projects for BC Hydro at numerous sites around the province including Peace Canyon and the GM Shrum Generating Station.
Certified Coating Specialists experience, equipment, job specific management programs and reputation has made them the “GO TO” industrial painting contractor most commonly called on in the province.
