Industrial Coatings Applicator Training and Certification Scheme
Correx Launches Seminars for Engineer, Specifiers for ICATS
Correx Ltd was established four years ago as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute of Corrosion to handle ICorr's commercial activities and to generate funds for the Institute. The Board of Correx, which comprises David Deacon as Managing Director, Stuart Lyon as Company Secretary, Tony Collins as Finance Director, Brian Wyatt and Michael Sellars as Commercial Directors and also the current President, Brenda Peters.

Correx have initially been handling the Development, Promotion and Marketing of the Industrial Coating Applicator Training Scheme (ICATS) and this has taken up much of the Correx time and efforts. To manage this scheme, Correx have appointed David Eyre as the ICATS scheme co-ordinator. David until recently was the Manager of the Coatings Division of Corus International Projects and has had over 25yrs experience in the Coatings Industry in both the UK and Overseas. David will be managing the day to day running of the scheme, ensuring that all the participating Companies and Organisations receive the necessary support that they require during qualification and the subsequent implementation of the scheme. A series of One Day Courses have also been organised by Correx to educate Specifiers, Engineers and Structure owners of the importance of the ICATS link in the protective coating chain. Six courses have been organised in 2008 on the following dates and locations.

Leeds February 13th 2008.
Oxford April 22nd 2008.
Edinburgh May 27th 2008.
London (TBC) September 2008.
Exeter (TBC) October 2008.
Birmingham (TBC) November 2008.


The One Day Courses will cover Specifications, Surface preparation, Coating types and the ICATS Scheme, the lecturers on the Courses will be, Roger Hudson, David Deacon, David Eyre and Brendan Fitzsimons. In addition to the ICATS development and promotion, Correx have also now signed a Contract with Hill Media to organise and promote the Correx Exhibitions and Conferences in 2009, 2011 and 2013. The first of these re-launched major national exhibitions will be held in October 2009 at the Birmingham Exhibition Centre and in addition to the Corrosion Control Exhibition there will also be a series of Workshops, Training Courses, Practical Demonstrations and Topical Practical Corrosion Conference Sessions. Correx have arranged for the event to be widely published in National Technical Press at increasing frequencies over the buildup to the 2009 event. As well as the short term and long term marketing activities of Correx, the Correx Board has agreed to retain Hill Media Publications to produce a Corrosion Directory to be launched in 2008 and copies of this comprehensive directory will be available to members and widely circulated to Specifiers and all those involved in the Corrosion Control Processes.

Discussions have been held between Brian Wyatt and British Standards for Correx to sell Corrosion related Standards at a discounted rate, not only to Members of the Institute but also to sustaining Member Companies, again on a discounted basis.

Michael Sellars has created a Web Site for Correx and details can be found on www. correx.org The Correx activities will be building significantly over the next few months and years with regular updates included in Corrosion Management to keep Members aware of the commercial activities which are being promoted to help fund the Institute.

David H. Deacon CSd, FTSC, Fl Corr Director


“News Flash”
Click here for full pdf file (1.72MB)

“News Flash”
The electrical & gas companies working within the National Grid (such as Transco etc) have confirmed that they will be specifying all painting contractors quoting for their work next year should be registered with ICATS. Highways Agency have also announced that they will be specifying ICATS with Network Rail expected to recognise the scheme in the very near future.

These continuing developments will result in significantly increased demand for ICATS trained and certificated painting applicators. Painting Contractors continue to join the scheme in order to train their own personnel within the ICATS framework About ICATS (pdf file 27 kB)
- click here
Application forms Application Form for Train the ICATS Trainer Course for Certification as an ICATS Trainer (0.04MB) - click here
Application Form for Company Registration (0.04MB) - click here
Powerpoint Presentations
Development of the Scheme (8MB)
- click here
Control and Quality Management (0.1MB)
- click here
HA Requirements for Skill Comp (0.06MB)
- click here

The Scheme Provider
Argyll Ruane Ltd., Meadowbank Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S61 2NF
Telephone: +44 (0)1709 560459
Telefax: +44 (0)1709 740813
E-mail: enquiries@ruanetpo.com
Contacts: David Betts, Martin Dawson, or Dave Griffiths


What is ICATS?
ICATS stands for 'Industrial Coatings Applicator Training Scheme'.

Who owns ICATS?
ICATS is owned by Institute of Corrosion and operated through Correx Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of the Institute, and forms part of the Institute's training and certification portfolio.

What is the ICATS Scheme and how does it operate?
The ICATS scheme is a new comprehensive structured training scheme for the training, certification and registration of industrial surface preparation and coating operatives. The scheme has a mandatory Basic Unit 'Industrial Coatings Applicator' that comprises 6 modules - Health & Safety, Site Access, Plant & Equipment, Surface Preparation, Paint Types & Application and Quality Control. There are also 4 optional specialist modules; Abrasive Blast Cleaning Operator, Paint Sprayer, Thermal (Metal) Sprayer & Water Jetting Operator. (These specialist modules are to be released later). Certification is awarded to candidates when they have successfully completed each individual course. Companies wishing to have a workforce certificated under ICATS must first register with Correx Ltd. Upon acceptance, registered companies may nominate individuals from their company to attend an ICATS 'Train the Trainer' course. Subject to meeting the acceptance criteria, the individuals then attend the 2/3 day ICATS 'Train the Trainer' course at the Scheme Provider's premises. After successful completion of the course, certification as an ICATS trainer is awarded by the Institute of Corrosion. Certificated trainers are then qualified to train and assess operatives for individual certification as Industrial Coatings Applicators by the Institute of Corrosion. Trainers and operatives would require re-certification after 3 years and renewal after 9 years.

Why was ICATS developed?
ICATS was produced in response to demands from specifying/procurement authorities for evidence of practical training and competency in industrial surface preparation and protective coating application to complement other industrial skills sector schemes. Additionally, ICATS enables contractors to provide 'best value' service to maximise coating performance over structure life and to reduce whole life costs.

Who is the ICATS Scheme Provider?
Argyll Ruane Ltd. in Rotherham, South Yorkshire is the Correx Ltd. appointed scheme provider. Argyll Ruane Ltd. also delivers the Institute of Corrosion Coating Inspector Training and Certification Scheme.

How is the ICATS Scheme managed and controlled?
The scheme is operated by Correx Ltd. in accordance with The Institute of Corrosion Requirements Document for the Certification of Personnel Engaged in Industrial Coatings Application (ICORR REQ DOC- ICATS).

Who is the certificating body for ICATS accreditation?
Correx Ltd. on behalf of the Institute of Corrosion.

How do I apply for ICATS training?
This is a two stage process.
Firstly, companies must complete and submit the 'Company Registration form - click here - to Correx Ltd. After acceptance, Correx Ltd will advise the Scheme Provider (Argyll Ruane Ltd.) of a registered company's intent to nominate individuals for the 'Train the Trainer' course. Subsequently, the nominated individuals would then apply to join an ICATS course by completing the ICATS Applicator Trainer form - click here - and returning this to the Scheme Provider. Suitable candidates will be offered a place on the first available 'Train the Trainer' course. A qualified trainer can then train company identified operatives who after a satisfactory assessment will be certificated. Trainers and operatives achievements are recorded on the Trainer's and Operatives issued wallet card and registered on the ICATS database.

Who should be ICATS trained?
Supervisors/trainers for the 'Train the Trainer' course who are considered suitable to train and assess operatives working in-house and/or operatives working on site with industrial surface preparation and coating application skills.

What are the benefits of ICATS?
Registered contracting companies will benefit as they will have proven documentation of a competent work force. Many major authorities intend to make ICATS a mandatory requirement for companies submitting tenders for contracts. ICATS certification also gives companies a competitive edge when applying for registration on approved contractors lists and quoting for contracts. Turnover Registration Fee+VAT* Annual audit fee after 1st year
Up to £5m £1,500
£750 Between £5-£10m £2,500
Between £10-£25m £3,500
Over £25m £5,000
* includes first year audit
Clients will benefit as the Scheme facilitates a compilation of accurate approved contractors lists for tender requirements and the courses comprehensive training programme should minimise technical, safety and quality control difficulties/issues on site.

How does ICATS relate to other skills and competency schemes?
ICATS delivers practical training for industrial surface preparation and coating operatives not offered by any other sector scheme. It incorporates up to date practices and use of current coating materials. ICATS exceeds the evidence of training requirements of existing NVQ's for Decorative, Finishing and Industrial Painting Operations.

What are the minimum entry requirements for ICATS?
Candidates for the ICATS Trainer qualification shall have at least five years experience related to the competencies set out in Section 3.2 of the REQ. DOC. (ICATS) which shall include at least 1 year's experience at supervisory and/or management level. There is no minimum experience requirement that must be met by candidates for the Industrial Coatings Applicator qualification. All candidates for Abrasive Blast Cleaning Operator, Spray Painter, Thermal (Metal) Sprayer and Water Jetting Operator modules must hold the Industrial Coatings Applicator qualification prior to commencing a specialist module course.

Who supports the ICATS Scheme?
Initially, the Highways Agency, Network Rail, BCSA, The British Coating Federation and its member paint manufacturers, Consulting Engineers, Local Government and Structural Engineering Specifiers. Other major organisations are expected to follow. ICATS is also supported by CITB and the scheme aligns with the NVQ assessment requirements for industrial painting.

How long do the courses last?
The 'Train the Trainer' course for the Industrial Coatings Applicator basic unit is 2/3 consecutive days. Training of industrial surface preparation and coating operatives for qualification of 'Industrial Coatings Applicator' should take approximately 40 hours but this is not required to be continuous and can be completed in a module format either at the registered company's premises or on site. Training for the four specialist modules should be approximately 8 hours.

What will it cost?
Companies registering with the Scheme will be subject to an initial and a subsequent annual fee based upon to the annual turnover of the protective treatments/painting divisions within the company. The fee payable is according to the following scale;
BCSA members of the RQSC scheme may register at a 50% discount from the appropriate fee.
Non coating applicator companies may register as Associate Members of ICATS to enable their staff to apply for the 'Train the trainer' course.
The fee is £1500 per annum.
Individuals may be trained as 'Industrial Coatings Applicator' with an initial registration fee of £25 plus £50 upon successful completion of the course to receive the certificate and wallet card.
The 'Train the Trainer' course is charged at £395 + VAT per candidate.
Companies registered with the CITB can claim for refunds from CITB for ICATS courses.

Liability
Whilst the scheme is responsible for training it cannot be held liable for faults or shortcomings in the performance of the operative at the workplace. Other Training Courses for Specifiers and Engineers The comprehensive content of the ICATS course provides informative material for additional courses for those wishing to have an appreciation of industrial surface preparation and protective coatings application. It is intended to make available an appreciation course based upon ICATS for release in the near future. Such courses will be eligible for Continuous Professional Development (CPD) points.

For many years now there has been increasing demands placed upon contractors engaged on new and maintenance projects to meet more complex health and safety requirements in works and at site.

In addition surface preparation and application equipment has become more expensive, powerful and sophisticated. These factors mean that all operatives using surface preparation and application equipment packages have to be fully conversant with their working parts and servicing otherwise expensive breakdowns and disruption of work programmes can occur.

Using unskilled labour for surface preparation and application of coatings can result In poor quality of work, costly delays to the construction programme and potential safety issues.

Modern coatings are not as tolerant, as earlier products, of inadequate surface preparation and application. Consequently greater consideration has to be taken when specifying to ensure the products meet the specification requirements. Care has also to be taken during storage, mixing and application to ensure that the manufacturers instructions are followed. Failure to comply with these can lead to an early breakdown of the coating system with expensive costs incurred to cover access, removal and disposal of defective coatings, surface preparation and application of remedial coating system and potential safety issues.

The Institute of Corrosion is pleased to announce the release of their new Industrial Coatings Application Training And Certification Scheme

This specialist training programme has been designed in response to clients requiring evidence of skills competency gained through an approved training programme. The scope and content of .the scheme are structured to enable coating contractors and applicators to be trained and certificated to a universal standard that will be recognised by clients including the Highways Agency, Network Rail and other specifying organisations.

Within the industrial coatings industry, there currently exists the risk that protective coatings are unlikely to achieve their maximum potential due to inadequate operative appreciation of their properties and application requirements.

To address the lack of appropriate industrial training, the scheme has been developed to provide an opportunity for individual and company quality improvement by including reference to modern equipment, materials and methods plus the latest industry standards. The scheme has been organised into a set of essentially practical modules comprising easy to follow notes, process animations and video clips to give a fully comprehensive appreciation of all the various aspects likely to be encountered in works or site applications.

Amongst the items covered in the basic Industrial Protective Treatment Applicator course are; health and safety, site access, plant and equipment, surface preparation, paint types and application, quality control.

Upon completion of this course, there will be the opportunity to attend any of 4 specialist options, namely Abrasive Blast Cleaning Operator, Paint Sprayer, Thermal (Metal) Sprayer & Water Jetting Operator.

It is intended that supervisory staff of painting contractors will, after training, be registered as approved trainers. These trainers will subsequently be responsible for ensuring that their own labour force is conversant with the scheme though in-house training and self-certification, which will be subject to monitoring by an independent body.

With the training modules being so informative and easy to use, it is expected that the level of knowledge of the work force will be broadened with the consequent benefits of improvement and pride in their own work.

Ultimately it is expected that many major clients will require their contractors to be registered with the Institute of Corrosion under its Industrial Coatings Applicator Certification and Training Scheme for both new construction and maintenance contracts involving all aspects of surface preparation and application of protective coatings.

For futher information please contact:
Corrosion House
Vimy Court
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 1FG

tel: + 44 (0)1525 851 771
fax: + 44 (0)1525 376 690
e-mail: admin@icorr.org
Correx Ltd
(A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Institute of Corrosion)


The Scheme Provider
Argyll Ruane Ltd., Meadowbank Road, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S61 2NF
Telephone: +44 (0)1709 560459
Telefax: +44 (0)1709 740813
E-mail: enquiries@ruanetpo.com
Contacts: David Betts, Martin Dawson, or Dave Griffiths


Technology Offshore Onshore Ltd have been accepted as ICATS Trainers who can assist in the training of contractors operatives at their works or sites within the UK. This is suitable where contractors have no supervisors etc available to attend the ICATS Train the Trainer courses.

Contact Bob McGibbon on Tel: 01623 654254
Technology Offshore Onshore Ltd, of Woodcroft House, Crow Hill Drive, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire NG19 7AE
Please note that the painting contractor has still to register with ICATS before any training can commence.