Four Steps to Stop Corrosion
According to a landmark study published by NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers), 50% of all corrosion costs are preventable, and 85% of these are in the area of protective coatings. In order to control these costs, protect the value of infrastructure assets, and safeguard public health and the environment, municipalities and other facility owners and operators should consider these corrosion control best practices.
1. Manage Corrosion Proactively
Ensure budgets for all new projects include adequate resources for corrosion prevention and maintenance throughout the lifecycle of the asset. Additionally, ensure that corrosion prevention is a standard part of all existing asset maintenance contracts.
2. Adopt High Standards
Ensure building codes require – and master specifications recommend – the highest quality protective coating materials. Ensure that all municipal infrastructure assets subject to corrosion require a corrosion management system.
“Whether it is a pipeline, an airplane, a water treatment plant or highway bridge, corrosion prevention and control is essential to avoiding catastrophic events before it’s too late.”
– Bob Chalker, CEO, NACE International
3. Ensure Quality Work
Mandate the use of qualified, certified corrosion management specialists – including CAS-certified workers – on all corrosion control projects.
4. Monitor Rigorously
Safeguard the integrity of the inspection process by adopting proactive policies and mandating the use of qualified inspectors trained in corrosion management to regularly inspect all assets.