CORROSION
EFFECTIVE CORROSION
PROTECTION ESSENTIAL
FOR BOTH SAFETY AND SAVINGS
Corrosion, or the deterioration of
Corrosion can be a serious challenge for many industries, with the potential for it to cause hazardous
and expensive mechanical or structural failures that put lives at risks, plus cost money. The use
of fit-for-purpose corrosion protection – applied safely following best-practice techniques – can
significantly minimise the risk to people and plant, as well as reduce the financial impacts of corrosion.
metal or other substances due
to chemical or electrochemical
reactions, is caused by exposure
to weathering, moisture, chemicals
or other agents in the environment
that react with the material in
question to break it down.
Corrosion can be prevalent in industries that use
metal products extensively; or operate in harsh
conditions such as marine environments, industrial
atmospheres, chemical plants or other workplaces
where moisture or harsh environmental elements
are present.
If not checked, corrosion can present great risk to
people, with structural collapses and equipment
failures potentially causing severe injuries or loss
of life; or serious illness or disease caused by
exposure to hazardous substances when materials
break down or storage vessels fail.
Environmental risks include pollution from products
escaping from corroded equipment or plants, and
the leeching of the corroded product itself in to
the environment; but generally speaking, the most
widespread impact of corrosion is often financial.
Replacement of equipment or buildings;
maintenance and repair requirements; loss of
product; fines or legal fees resulting from pollution;
and loss of productivity due to downtime, are just
some of the costs that can result from corrosion
damage.
Although most industries can minimise the
potential for corrosion by using corrosion resistant,
fit-for-purpose materials – the establishment of
robust construction, maintenance and repair
programmes that use barriers and galvanised
coatings, specifically formulated for corrosion
resistance – are an added defence against
corrosion.
There are a wide range of products available to
provide a barrier between the environment and a
material to coat and protect it against corrosion,
and these are often categorised in to three product
types – protectants, primers and paints.
Protectant sprays are designed to provide longterm
protection of steel and other metal surfaces
from rusts or to provide corrosion resistance to
welds and joins; primers should be suited to the
metal type and help provide excellent adhesion
and corrosion resistance and are available in a
range of fast-drying, easy sanding, and light rust
penetrating options; and lastly, specially formulated
paints provide an added level of protection, with
great adhesion and abrasion resistance.
Corrosion control solutions come in multiple
options, so if you are unsure of your requirements,
it is recommended to consult a professional who
can provide options and advice.
NZ Safety Blackwoods has an experienced team
who can advise on projects ranging from quick
touch-ups to repair a weld, through to unique
coating requirements for structural steel protection.
From primers through to enamel based hard
coatings with various colour options for a
professional finish, the team can advise on the
right solutions – based on your environment and
conditions – to ensure your work is protected
from air and moisture for long term durability.
As well as assisting with selecting the right
corrosion protection for your project, the team
can assist with advice and equipment for surface
preparation, including brushes, sandpaper,
grinders, discs and sandblasting equipment.
When working with surface preparation and
corrosion protection products and equipment,
it is critical not to overlook safety – professional
advice should be sourced to develop a plan
around removal, capture and proper disposal
of hazardous materials like lead-based paints
or asbestos-based coatings; work should be
carried out in well ventilated areas; and personal
protective equipment including safety footwear,
protective clothing, gloves, eye protection,
hearing protection and respiratory protection
should be worn.
NZ Safety Blackwoods stocks a wide range of
market-leading corrosion protection products;
tools and consumables for surface preparation;
and an extensive selection of compliant safety
equipment. Experienced team members can help
you select the right equipment for your task, plus
provide safety advice and PPE, helping you to
both prevent corrosion in your work environment,
and keep your team safe on the job.
20 June 2019