9 BimagripLS-MethodStatement _2_
METHOD STATEMENT
Page 1 of 3 BIMAGRIP LS
PREPARATION AND PRIMING OF STEEL SURFACES
See the full Method Statement for Acraprime SP. PROTECTION OF SPECIAL AREAS
a) Works Perimeter, Inspection Ports and Grids
Any areas not already protected prior to the application
of the Acraprime SP primer should now be protected
prior to the application of Bimagrip LS resin. The
reason for this is the neatness of the anti-slip work and
the protection of areas where access may be required.
The perimeter of the area being treated with the
Bimagrip LS, along with any grids, inspection points
and manholes, should be protected with masking tape.
This tape must be removed within 20 minutes of the
Bimagrip LS being applied.
b) Lashing Points Protection
We recognise that the protection of lashing points is
important so as to keep them functioning freely. In
order not to allow any of the Bimagrip LS system to
contaminate them they must be protected. This can be
achieved by the use of suitably designed rubber plugs
or caps, or by masking tape. The tape and caps should
be removed approximately 20 minutes following application of the aggregate dressing.
c) Application
After the areas requiring protection have been completed and the primed surface is clean, dust free and not damp or wet, the Bimagrip LS resins can be applied.
Important Note
Under no circumstances should Bimagrip LS surfacing
applications be carried out if the substrate is not perfectly dry, dust free or if rain is threatened. The temperature of the primed surface must be at least 3 degrees Celcius higher than the dew point, and the RH below 85%. MIXING AND APPLICATION OF BIMAGRIP LS
a) Description of Bimagrip LS
Bimagrip LS is a three component system, Pack A, Pack B and Pack C, all supplied in pre-weighed packages. The three Bimagrip LS materials should be properly mixed and applied as soon as possible after the Acraprime SP has cured to a tack-free finish.
b) Equipment
The essential equipment required is a slow speed high
torque drill and mixing paddle (Refina Megamixer type),
suitable power source, mixing vessel, serrated squeegees, shovels/scoops and stiff bristled brooms and wheelbarrows. Empty sacks are required to store the recovered excess aggregates.
c) Pot Life
The three blended components of Bimagrip LS react
very rapidly and consequently the mix has a short pot
life of approximately 10 minutes at 20°C. It is very important that mixing times are not exceeded as over-
mixing will reduce the pot life of Bimagrip LS and therefore, workability time.
d) Mixing Area and Tools
The area and tools used to prepare the materials for mixing must be protected from pollution or contamination from dust, water, oils, greases, naked flames or excessive temperatures of heat or cold.
If working outside it is advisable to protect the working
area if rain is likely to occur.
Personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with the Health & safety information provided by R.S. Clare.
Marine Industry
METHOD STATEMENT
Page 2 of 3
e) STEP ONE – Mixing Pack A and Pack B
All of Pack A, the curing agent, and all of Pack B, the resin component, are poured into the mixing vessel and blended together with the drill and paddle. These two components are to be thoroughly mixed for some 15-20 seconds into a smooth consistency.
f) STEP TWO – Mixing Pack C
After the first mixing cycle in Step One, all of the graded
fillers in Pack C are then added slowly to avoid lumps,
to the blend of Pack A and Pack B, whilst continuing to
mix.
Mixing lasts for a further 30-40 seconds after all of Pack
C has been added, until a smooth, lump free blend is
produced.
g) STEP THREE – Applying the Bimagrip Resin
T he blended resins are then immediately poured from the mixing vessel onto the prepared and primed surface and spread with a serrated spreader (squeegee) at the specified coverage rate. The Bimagrip LS is allowed to self-level.
h) STEP FOUR– Applying the Anti-slip Aggregates
The selected anti-slip aggregate is then generously scattered by hand over the freshly applied Bimagrip LS
resin to excess, ensuring no bare resin is visible through the aggregate dressing. The process of casting aggregates onto the Bimagrip LS resin is achieved by shovel (spade) and by hand in small confined areas.
i) STEP FIVE – Removal of Excess Aggregates
After a minimum of one hour (at 20o C) has elapsed all
the excess aggregate may be swept up, removed and correctly stored. Use stiff brushes or a mechanical sweeping machine to ensure efficient removal. Such sweeping operations must be carried out vigorously to ensure full removal occurs.
Provided the aggregates have not become contaminated in any way they may be re-used.
Contamination includes dust, water, oils, greases, wood, paper, etc. j) STEP SIX – Top Coating
For ease of cleaning and consolidation of the aggregates we recommend the application of a coating of either an epoxy or polyurethane paint (in the colours to match the general décor of the vessel).
There is no loss of surface profile or anti slip properties as long as the coatings are correctly applied.
For PCTC’s such a coating must be applied in accordance with the following specification:
As soon as is logistically possible following application and curing of the Bimagrip surfacing all excess aggregates must be thoroughly and vigorously swept up and removed. Such sweeping operations should be carried out 2-3 times. The use of a small mechanical sweeper for the initial pass is beneficial.
Immediately prior to applying the coating the Bimagrip surface should be blown clean with compressed air to ensure the thorough removal of any remaining dust and deleterious matter.
An application of the selected coating should then be made at a minimum dft of 250 microns.
Immediately prior to handover of the vessel a second application of a minimum100 microns dft should be made. FAILURE TO CARRY OUT THE SWEEPING AND COATING PROCEDURES CORRECTLY WILL RESULT IN THE DISLODGING OF AGGREGATE PARTICLES DURING INITIAL LOADING AND UNLOADING OPERATIONS.
ON PCTC’S THIS CAN HAVE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS.
k) STEP SEVEN – Opening to Traffic
At an ambient temperature of 20°C the site can be re-
opened to trafficking two hours following application.
At 5°C the open to traffic time extends to four hours.
BIMAGRIP LS Marine Industry
METHOD STATEMENT
Page 3 of 3
OTHER INFORMATION
a) Gradients
Where the area to be treated is on an incline, the
application of the aggregate dressing must be delayed
to prevent surface rippling. Please contact RS Clare’s
Technical Department for advice.
b) Storage
All materials should be stored in a secure place free
from contamination and pollution from dust, water and
spillage of hydrocarbon fuels. Protection from
extremes of temperatures is advisable.
c) Disposal of Containers
See the Health & Safety Information.