FEATURE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT
PREPARING BUILDINGS for the challenges of winter
At this time of year we may not want to think about winter but industrial facilities managers need to prepare for the challenges ahead. Chris Budd from Watco shares tips on jobs to be done now
WATERPROOFING Winter weather in the UK usually means rain, rain and more rain so it is really important that buildings are prepared and damp proofed as soon as possible both inside and out. Damp can be an expensive and dangerous problem; it can affect plaster and rendering and cause timber decay while excess moisture may damage office equipment, furniture and paperwork. In many industries where hygiene is imperative it is particularly important that mould or mildew is not allowed to develop. Applying a flexible waterproof coating
bridges gaps and cracks in walls and allows the substrate to breathe. A damp proof or anti-mould paint helps resist mould growth, particularly useful in basements.
PREVENT SLIPS AND TRIPS HSE reports that slips, trips and falls at work account for over a third of employee injuries and make up more than half of all reported major/specified injuries. With wet weather, leaves and icy conditions becoming a hazard outdoors anti-slip flooring is a necessity. Anti-slip coatings, indestructible GRP products and anti slip tapes can help prevent these accidents. For hazardous areas heavy duty anti slip epoxy resin floor paint is designed to provide excellent slip resistance and minimise the risk of accidents. Matting can help prevent slips and used as a temporary or permanent measure, especially on roofs. Asphalt and tarmac presents an increased risk in winter because ice tends
to be invisible on its dark surface. One preventative measure is adding anti-slip traffic paint. GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) is an excellent winter safety product for external and internal applications, available in many different styles including sheets, treads and step covers. Furthermore, it can be installed at any temperature.
GENERAL ROOF CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE Damaged, tired and worn out roofs can cause problems. Roof leaks can be incredibly costly in the long term if not repaired, causing a range of problems including mould, damp and plaster damage. Regular checks should be made to keep track of the condition of the roof and in particular:
GRP is an excellent winter safety product for external and internal applications
Beware of debris: tree limbs, built-up leaves and twigs can block drains, causing water to pond on the roof resulting in leaks and costly repairs. Keep nearby trees trimmed as shade can boost the growth of moss and algae which bring their own concerns including erosion of asphalt
roofing materials. Test your drains and gutters at regular intervals: debris can be washed down causing a clog. Pour water down the drain
and make sure it flushes out properly. Watch out for blisters on your roof surface: these are signs that it might be time to
replace a sealant. Thoroughly clean roof before applying a new coating: a roof cleaner is an excellent option to apply before power washing. It can lift dirt and grease from the surface, removing contaminants that can cause discolouring or reduce the adhesive properties of the coating. Simply rinse
afterward with clean water. Check all seals and edges and use an industrial caulk gun to touch up any places
where the caulking might be coming loose. A fibre reinforced rubber and bitumen coating will prolong the life of a roof by weathering the elements and bridging cracks. Fix a leaking roof using repair mortar which is trowellable, flexible and waterproof, particularly on flat or slate roofs and when repairing gutters.
Watco T: 01483 791465
www.watco.co.uk
LIMESCALE PREVENTION SYSTEM PREVENTS DAMAGE AND DOWNTIME A WRAS-approved electrolytic scale inhibitor device for commercial hot
A global food manufacturer has installed a 28mm KalGUARD limescale prevention water treatment system from Sentinel Commercial to solve limescale issues previously affecting the batch sugar dissolution tank feed system at one of its UK plants. Two further units have since been installed to treat all of the factory’s process water and mains water supplies. In the batch sugar dissolution tank feed system large amounts of
granulated sugar are dissolved in hot water at 80°C using a stirrer. The water used is pre-heated in a separate vessel with a steam jacket lining. Prior to adopting KalGUARD the vessel suffered from hard and tenacious
limescale deposits on its inner surfaces as might be expected of water heated to this high temperature. The deposits detached from the walls and pass forward in the system causing blockages and damaged pump impellers resulting in wear and premature failure. Scale problems meant the tank had to be taken out of service for deep
cleaning, resulting in unscheduled downtime. In order to tackle the limescale issues a dual water feed system had to be installed.
6 SEPTEMBER 2016 | FACTORY EQUIPMENT
water systems KalGUARD represents an extremely low maintenance way to protect facilities against the damaging and expensive impact of limescale. The technology it uses is listed in the Building Services Compliance Guide to Part L of the UK Building Regulations and has been independently proven as effective in preventing limescale build-up. KalGUARD works by releasing tiny amounts of zinc into the water which turns deposit-forming calcite (limescale) into non deposit-forming aragonite. This process requires no salt and does not waste any water. Shortly after KalGUARD’s installation the manufacturing plant noticed a substantial difference to the tank base which for the first time appeared clean and free of deposits (power tool scoring marks from a pre- installation clean were still visible).
Sentinel Commercial T: 01928 704330
www.sentinelprotects.com/uk / FACTORYEQUIPMENT
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