Commitment to Quality and Compliance
Kildare Shotblasting & Priming Ltd are independently audited by inspectors from the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI). This audit was performed to ensure compliance with rigorous global standards. As a result of our successful audit, we were awarded ISO certification in Quality Management Systems by the NSAI — a testament to our commitment to quality and operational excellence.
This certification places us among a distinguished group of Irish organisations that meet these internationally recognised standards across various sectors.
NSAI Certification – Structural Steel Compliance
Kildare Shotblasting & Priming Ltd, based in County Kildare, was also awarded the I.S. EN 1090-1:2009+A1:2011 certification for the Execution of Steel Structures and Aluminium Structures – Part 1: Requirements for Conformity Assessment of Structural Components.
The NSAI issued us a Certificate of Conformity of the Factory Production Control for structural steel components.
Scope of Registration:
Fabrication of structural steel components up to and including Execution Class 2 (EXC 2) as defined in EN 1090-2.
The Importance of CE Marking
The CE mark signifies that a product complies with all relevant EU legislation, ensuring it meets the essential requirements of applicable directives. For structural steelwork and aluminium, CE marking has been mandatory since July 2014 under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR).
Fabricated structural steel must carry CE marking to demonstrate compliance with EN 1090-1:2009 +A1:2011. To meet this legal requirement, steelwork contractors must be certified to the appropriate Execution Class that corresponds to the complexity and safety demands of their work.
Transition to Water-Based Primer
At Kildare Shotblasting & Priming Ltd, we are proud to be among the first facilities in Ireland to implement water-based primer in an automated spray system. This major transition, initiated in 2024, represents a critical step forward in our commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices.
Traditional phosphate primers can contain up to 50% volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which release harmful emissions into the atmosphere. These emissions pose risks to both human health and the environment. In contrast, our new approach significantly reduces these impacts.
Environmental Impact
VOCs contribute heavily to the formation of ground-level ozone (smog), which damages crops, forests, and ecosystems, and affects air quality. By adopting REM Aqua Primer, which contains just 2.6% VOCs, we have reduced our VOC emissions by 90% — from 16.2 tonnes in 2024 to a projected 1.6 tonnes in 2025.
This reduction is supported by rigorous, independent annual solvent management reports and audits, and aligns with environmental best practices monitored by Kildare County Council.
Every tonne of steel painted with our water-based system reduces VOC emissions by up to 285 kg. Low-VOC products also support compliance with green building standards such as LEED, WELL, and BREEAM.
Health & Safety Benefits
The shift to low-VOC coatings has also delivered major improvements in workplace safety. Exposure to high-VOC coatings is associated with a range of serious health risks, including headaches, dizziness, eye and throat irritation, respiratory issues, and long-term conditions such as liver damage, kidney disease, and increased cancer risk.
Previously, employees needed full-face respiratory protection and had limited exposure time in the spray booth. With our new water-based system, workers benefit from a safer, cleaner work environment — boosting both health and productivity.
Industry Collaboration
This initiative was made possible through collaboration with our partners at Rembrandtin (Austria), who engineered the transition, and Advanced Coatings (Ireland), who provided essential local support and expertise. Together, we overhauled our spray and piping systems to accommodate the new primer technology.
Looking Ahead
As environmental standards tighten, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to introduce industry-wide mandates for water-based primers. Kildare Shotblasting has proactively embraced this shift, underscoring our dedication to protecting both people and the planet.