2008 has been a very significant year in the development of ICATS. David Eyre, scheme coordinator and the team at Correx Ltd have been busy ensuring that both Company and painter registrations were processed as smoothly as possible. Below are some significant matters that were finalised during 2008.

CSCS recognise ICATS
A significant breakthrough was made when CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) agreed to allow painters who have completed the ICATS basic module to apply for a CRO (Construction Related Occupation) card. CSCS would only grant this once ICATS had demonstrated that the basic module delivers skills requirements to a minimum of NVQ level2. Mr Gordon Jenkins CSCS scheme manager commented ‘We are impressed with the level of skills that ICATS delivers and that this can only raise standards of safety and workmanship on construction sites’. Previously it has been very difficult for industrial coating applicators to apply for a card as the scheme only recognises qualifications. ICATS qualified applicators can apply for their CSCS card via the CSCS website.

Lloyds Register audit ICATS
Correx Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of LRQA to audit ICATS registered companies. Every ICATS registered company will be audited on an annual basis to ensure that ICATS is delivered in line with the schemes requirements document. The first ICATS audits were successfully carried out in October.

Highways Agency SS19A
ICATS is now included in the new Highways Agency sector scheme document 19A. The document requires that ALL companies who tender for contracts that include the protection of ferrous structures must be ICATS registered and use ICATS qualified applicators for the projects. Correx Ltd assisted the Highways Agency during the roll out of sector scheme 19A and will continue to work with other sector schemes such as the Highways Electrical Academy to ensure that the skills required to carry out painting projects are catered for.

Network Rail
Network Rail mandated that all applicators wishing to carry out the application of coating systems on their infrastructure must be trained to a minimum of the ICATS basic module. This requirement came in to place on the 7th June 2008.

Hampshire County Council
Hampshire CC have decided that their 2009 tender list for bridge painting will only include companies that are ICATS registered and have applicators trained to a minimum of the ICATS basic module. Tenders for 2009 contracts will be issued to the qualifying companies soon.

ICATS Specialist Modules
Late in 2008 the specialist modules for Spray Painters and Blast Cleaning Operatives were launched at trainers seminars held in Harrogate and Bristol. The first specialist trainers have been appointed and training in these disciplines is now taking place. It is expected that the first ICATS specialist modules will be awarded in February 2009.

David Eyre, ICATS coordinator, commented ‘2008 has been a very significant year for ICATS and recognition of the schemes importance not only as a training resource but also a quality control tool is widening’ in addition ‘We will be looking to ensure that more major structure owners and project managers understand the benefits of using an ICATS registered company in 2009’. Should you require additional information contact David Eyre at Correx Ltd. Tel: 01525 851771 Mail: admin@correx .org

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