Jotun ‘Steelmaster’ protects major landmarks in the UAE

Jotun Paints, one of the world’s leading producers and distributors of paints and powder coatings, has revealed that some of the major landmarks in the UAE are ably protected by Jotun ‘Steelmaster’, a fireproof Intumescent coating that protects steel structure against cellulosic fire. The leading company has also announced its participation at this year’s 2nd Annual Middle East FireSafe 2011, which opened today (September 26, 2011) and will run until to September 28 at the Habtoor Grand Resort and Spa. During the event, the leading paint company will be highlighting the technology used for this breakthrough fireproof coating. Major UAE landmarks protected by Jotun ‘Steelmaster’ include Dubai Metro, the Meydan Race Course, the GCAA New Navigation Centre and the Abu Dhabi Marina Mall expansion. 

According to recent reports, the Middle East construction industry is projected to deliver projects worth USD 500 billion by 2015, this influx is also expected to key in an increased investment towards more health, safety and environment (HSE) products and services to help ensure safety in the work environment and to drive down operational costs. Jotun ‘Steelmaster 60WB’ is specially formulated water based, full EPA VOC compliant and advanced technology thin film Intumescent coating. The product has been designed for use as a reactive midcoat in a full passive fire protection system of steel structures in commercial buildings, airports, shopping malls, public buildings and warehouses. Jotun is seeing a growing demand for protective coatings supporting architects, developers and consultants to adopt and implement better HSE standards among current projects.

“We are seeing an influx of construction projects worldwide, and in the Middle East the key countries are UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Along with this increase comes the growing concern for more HSE standards that can assure the safety and security of workers on site,” said John Warner, Category Manager Intumescent Coatings, Jotun Coatings. “Our participation at FireSafe 2011 will give us the opportunity to highlight our unique technology used for our new fire resistant coatings ‘Steelmaster’, and show its significance across today’s growing number of development projects.”

Safety experts have shared that in the outbreak of a fire, unprotected steelwork can easily reach a temperature of 550”C in only a matter of minutes. At this temperature, the steelwork can lose its load bearing capacity and cause the supporting structure to collapse. During a fire, 'Steelmaster' expands into a char-like insulating layer and greatly extends the time needed for the steelwork to be weakened by rising temperatures. ‘Steelmaster’ protects steel structure against cellulosic fire for a period of 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes allowing more time for safe evacuation and for the fire services to bring the fire under control.

“With the vibrancy of the construction segment, developers have placed a high premium on the delivery and completion of projects without sacrificing on quality and services. We see this as the perfect opportunity to leverage our protective coatings across a high potential audience like consultants, architects and HSE experts. We look forward to develop new alliances and opportunities within the region at Firesafe 2011,” concluded John Warner.

quality and services. We see this as the perfect opportunity to leverage our protective coatings across a high potential audience like consultants, architects and HSE experts. We look forward to develop new alliances and opportunities within the region at Firesafe 2011,” concluded John Warner.