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2004 | PROJECT BLUE STRUCTURE ENCAPSULATION PROJECT, US POSTAL WAREHOUSE STERLING, VIRGINIA
In 2004, United Coatings was contracted to encapsulate the interior structure of a large US postal warehouse. This warehouse had been exposed to Anthrax contamination with state department contract personnel involved.¹
The internal structure had been decontaminated by an Environmental Firm and a permanent wall, ceiling and floor coating was specified to completely seal the internal structure, and make the structure impermeable to Acids, Alkalis, and Chemicals & Toxins. The facility will have the capability to completely decontaminate the internal structure without damaging the applied coatings.
Several Coatings were considered, to include fiberglass sheeting. United Coatings recommended specialty coatings from TNEMEC Company that would meet the requirements of the project. The specialty coatings were 100% solids epoxy with a very low Volatile Organic Compounds.
The coating selected for this project were innovative, and specifically designed to meet the requirements of this project. Specialized training and equipment was provided for the United Coatings technical applicators.
Project:
Warehouse Floor: 50,000 Square feet of area.
Coatings applied: 956 gallons.
Containment Area Floor: 11,000 Square feet area.
Coatings applied: 367 gallons.
Walls & Ceiling, Containment Areas: 41,000 Square feet of area.
Coatings applied: 1,395 gallons.
Warehouse Walls, Ceilings & Office Areas: 142,000 Square Feet of area.
Coatings applied: 2,242 gallons.
Total square feet of area coated: 244,000 sq/ft.
Total gallons of coatings applied: 4,406 gallons.
Environmental and Personal Protection:
Ventilation: Several COPPUS ventilation units were utilized to extract paint vapors and odors to the exterior of the warehouse. COPPUS supplied air ventilation were utilized to provide six clean air exchanges during paint operations and during paint drying (curing) time.
Air Monitoring: Air monitoring was conducted during spray painting operation to ensure that LEL and Oxygen levels remained within the safe required levels.
Personal Protective Equipment and Training: Chemical protective outer garments and respiratory protection was utilized during spray painting operations.
Personnel assigned to the project were trained in the hazards involved and in the application of the specialized coatings being applied.
Decontamination of Coatings Surfaces: A complete 100% solids, epoxy coatings system with a topcoat, provides a seamless surface which can be cleaned with decontamination products and pressurized hot water.
The coatings system specified and applied by United Coatings will provide many years of continuing biological and hazardous material protection to the facility and its employees, and prevent further actions that may threaten the continuing use of the facility.
¹U.S. Department of State, Office of the Spokesman, “Decontamination of Sterling Mail Facility” December 16, 2002