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Tubes, pipes and scaffoldingneutralising solution, then into apaint primer and finally into anenamel finishing coat.At year 9 after purchase, therefurbishment process was repeatedat a cost of 40% of the originalpurchase price of the scaffolding.Upon realisation of the totalrefurbishment expense, GCP decided tostop all further rust control measuresand allow the equipment to deteriorateover time, to scrap value. This decisionin itself was problematic in that workingsafely had been prioritised by GCP andit was impossible to accuratelydetermine to what extent the rust hadreduced the load-bearing capability ofthe various components. In reality, itcame down to a visual inspection andwhether or not the scaffold tubingdeformed under the light impact of ahammer, clearly not a very sophisticatedor reliable test. From year 20 to 25, theequipment was progressively convertedinto scrap value ending the life cycle ofthe investment.Other than being cleaned of cement deposits, which do not affect the life of the coating, the hotdip galvanized scaffolding can be easily monitored for its performance over its service life.valued between R50 and R100 millionand was runner-up in the NationalCompetition. The Hot Dip GalvanizersAssociation of SA has displayed keeninterest with regard to monitoring theperformance of the zinc coating overtime and has agreed, on an annualbasis, to inspect pre-identifiedcomponents, record the deteriorationand report on the performance in theprotective coating.Rodney van der Walt –Managing Director.When GCP identified the need toinvest a further R4.0 million in accessscaffolding and having learnt frombitter experience, the decision wasmade to go with hot dippedgalvanizing. The logic being that thesacrificial zinc coating would protectthe base metal for hopefully 25 yearsor more and only thereafter wouldmaintenance programmes beimplemented to slow down thedeterioration of the equipment due torust. Hopefully the life cycle of theequipment will at least double. Amajor benefit is the peace of mindknowing that the structural capabilityof the support equipment will not beimpaired during the life span of thesacrificial zinc coating. The safety ofour employees and sub-contractorswho operate off our scaffolding isextremely important to us. GCP isvery safety conscious and employs afull-time health and safety manager, ahealth and safety training officer aswell as safety compliance officers.In 2008 GCP won the MBA RegionalSafety Competition in for buildingsVolume 5 Issue 4 2008 Hot Dip Galvanizing Today 7