Construction World February 2019

in the Northern Cape used Passport 360 to replace paper-based systems and processes with online automation and mobility. One of the largest opencast mines in South Africa, Kumba has 600 contractors, employs over 8 000 workers, and produces over 1,5 Mt of iron ore. The paper-based process adopted traditionally by Kumba was not only drawn- out and tedious, but resulted in costly delays and inefficiencies. The resultant inconsistent standards and requirements across all sites caused much confusion, duplication, and cost inflation, not to mention added risk. “Kumba’s operations called for constant monitoring of compliance in real-time, with the added benefit of readily-accessible information in the event of any incident,” Whitehead elaborates. The mining giant subsequently implemented the Passport 360 onboarding solution to streamline and improve its contractor onboarding times, resulting in significant cost-savings. The solution was rolled out at four sites, namely Kolomela, Sishen, Saldanha Bay, and Kumba Iron Ore Head Office. “We met with Kumba to assess its requirements for contractor management, which allowed us to customise an online solution for its specific requirements,” Simon Warne, System Architect and Co- Founder of Passport 360, outlines. The system essentially integrates the following four elements.

These comprise: •

The service provider package assists in speeding up the onboarding process, and also optimises client engagement and interaction. Online safety packs replace the need to submit hard-copy safety files to clients for every new project. Company documentation can be uploaded and stored for clients to peruse and validate compliance. The site is able to view contractor packs in advance, red-flagging any discrepancies before going to site. The Passport 360 app gives clients full mobility, allowing for easy approvals and uploads in the field. Whitehead points out that, apart from service providers and corporates, individuals can also create free profiles on Passport w360 in order to manage their own compliance records, ensuring a perfect fit with client requirements, which allows for speedy project completion. “Our system is quick to join, easy to understand, and can assist individuals in securing contracting work when needed,” she concludes. 

Individual people compliance, including an online profile for every person on- site, accessible via a QR code, and full learner management, with online training service and micro learning capability Service provider profiles, including vendor pre-qualification and star rating system • Tools The safety management system overlays and integrates across all these four elements. The client package incorporates a simple, step-by-step activation wizard that allows the corporate client to set and manage its procurement and compliance requirements with consummate ease. All necessary documentation can be uploaded by service providers, linking employees, tools, and equipment to form a cohesive online contractor information pack. • • Plant and equipment in terms of tracking and monitoring

FLOORING SYSTEM FOR WINERY WALLS Three components of a.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ popular abecote flooring system were used for both new flooring and walls at the Douglas Green Winery in Wellington in the Western Cape.

J ohnie Emmerich, flooring technical sales consultant for a.b.e. in the Western Cape, says abecote primer was initially applied as floor primer by the a.b.e.-approved applicators, Walrus Coatings of Paarl. Solvent-free abecote primer is a widely-used epoxy for the priming of flooring systems. Among its varied advantages are economy, non-slip finishing, chemical resistance, and low odour. “After vacuum-grinding was completed, Walrus Coatings then applied abecote 441 to the floors. abecote 441 is a protective and decorative coating that can be applied to

concrete, steel and timber surfaces. The clear material is non-toxic when dry and resists solvent stains – essential for an area where wines are stored. The coating will also not chalk, and has excellent water resistance,” Emmerich says. Finally, abecote 337 was applied to the walls of the Douglas Green Winery warehouse now to be used as a cellar after the same product – diluted with 10% water — was used as primer. An airless spray was used to ensure that all voids in the brickwork were covered. “Usually applied to floors, abecote 337

is a two component, solvent-free, water- dispersed epoxy emulsion that produces a paint smooth finish which at Douglas Green served ideally as a wall coating. abecote 337 is not only decorative but robust enough to have been applied as protection for factory and warehouse floors throughout Southern Africa. Floors at chicken farms, dairies, motor workshops and even battery plants are protected with abecote 337,” Emmerich explains. A total of 600 square metres of floors and 1 250 square metres of walling were covered by the abecote finishes. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD FEBRUARY 2019