British Steel, Nitrogen Sphere Painting and Associated Pipework, Scunthorpe.

British Steel is one of the leading steel manufacturers in Europe, producing around 3 million tonnes of quality steel products every year. They have manufacturing facilities across the UK and Europe, supplying premium products around the world. In March 2020, British Steel was bought by Jingye Group, a leading Chinese multi-industrial company specialising in iron and steel manufacturing.

In March 2022, Jack Tighe Ltd was awarded the contract to provide surface preparation and application of protective coatings to the nitrogen sphere externally, the handrails, stairs, and all associated pipework.

The Nitrogen Sphere itself is located on the Scunthorpe site within the nitrogen compound adjacent to T96 and is the primary storage for the onsite nitrogen supply.

Following the completion of British Steel site inductions, work commenced on site in mid May 2022 for approximately one month. There were five operatives working on the project including one apprentice.

Access to the working areas was provided via a selection of different methods including MEWPS (all Operators held current IPAF certification), ladders and some areas were accessed via mobile aluminium towers erected and checked by a competent trained Pasma operative.

The Specification Procedure was as follows: –

All areas will be pressure washed down to remove surface contaminates
Mechanically clean to BS EN ISO 8501-1:2007 Standard St3.
Abrade sound coating to provide a key/profile
Apply stripe coat of interseal 670HS to all edges, welds
Apply first coat of interseal 670HS to achieve 125 microns dry film thickness (150 wet film thickness).
Apply second coat of interseal 670HS to achieve 125 microns dry film thickness (150 wet film thickness).
Apply topcoat of interthane 990 to achieve 50 microns dry film thickness (90 wet film thickness

With the possibility of lead contamination in the old paint system and the potential risk to operatives during the paint removal, the Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 applied.

Plant and equipment utilised on site included Compressor, Diesel Bowsers, MEWPS, Mobile Towers, Decontamination unit, Welfare unit, Generator, Pressure Washer, ladders, and lighting.

Jack Tighe Ltd worked at all times under the British Steel permit to ensure safe access into the gated compound. Plant specific PPE requirements included Safety Helmet with chin strap, safety boots, gas monitors, flame retardant overalls and hearing protection.

British Steel, Nitrogen Sphere Painting and Associated Pipework, Scunthorpe.

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