Certification in Place for UK Nozzlemen

The process of certifying experienced nozzlemen in recognition of their exemplary theoretical and practical skills has begun in earnest with the certification of Paul Brown, senior contracts engineer at BAM Ritchies, as an EFNARC (European Federation for Specialist Construction Chemicals and Concrete Systems) Examiner , the first UK-based engineer to receive this certification.

This will enable Brown to train and certificate both BAM Ritchies and external nozzlemen to the EFNARC Standard. BAM Ritchies intends to use the EFNARC Nozzleman Certification Scheme as part of the continuing improvements in sprayed concrete being carried out at a major underground contract in Scotland and other contracts including those for new nuclear facilities and Crossrail.

The Nozzleman Certification Scheme has been developed by EFNARC in recognition that the tunnelling and mining industry requires a means of identifying expert nozzlemen.

The scheme offers certification to nozzlemen who have already gained the necessary experience and skills in the underground mechanised wet sprayed concrete method and can demonstrate their technical knowledge and practical ability. The scheme operates through examiners who assess experienced nozzlemen for their theoretical and practical skills at their workplace.

Article courtesy of Concrete - January 2011