BS 3416:1991

Reprinted, incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Specification for

Bitumen-based coatings
for cold application,
suitable for use in
contact with potable
water
BS 3416:1991

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Figments, Paints
and Varnishes Standards Policy Committee (PVC/-) to Technical Committee
PVC/27, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Aluminium Federation
Aluminium Finishing Association
Aluminium Window Association
British Railways Board
British ‘Ielecommunications plc
Consumer Policy Committee of BSI
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
European Resin Manufacturers’ Association
Institute of Corrosion
Institute of Metal Finishing
Institution of Structural Engineers
Institution of Water and Environment.al Management (IWEM)
London Regional Transport
Metcom
Ministry of Defence
National Federation of Painting and Decorating Contractors
Oil and Colour Chemists’ Association
Faint Research Association
Paintmakers Association of Great Britain Ltd.
Society of Chemical Industry
Steel Window Association
Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians
Zinc Development Association

Amendments issued since publication

Amd. No. Date Text affected

Indicated by a double line in the margjn

 AMD 7288
Amendment No. 1
published and effective from 15 September 1992
to BS 3416 : 1991
STANDARDS
Specification for bitumen-based coatings for
cold application, suitable for use in contact with
potable water

Revised text

__-_-____-____-__------------------------ _---

AMD 7288 Clause 12 Marking

Seprember 1992
In item (f), delete ‘and a statement to the effect that the bitumen-based coating has a shelf
life of 12 months when stored in unopened containers at a temperature not exceeding
30 Oc’.
 BS 3416 : 1991

Contents

Pase
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword 2
Specification
Scope
Definitions
Classification
Sampling
Flash point
Drying and over-coating times
Finish
Protection against corrosion
9 Bend resistance 4
10 Effect on potable water 4
11 Shelf life 4
12 Marking 4
Appendices
A Guidance on the use of bitumen-based coatings for cold application 5
B Methods of test for performance requirements 6
C Preparation and coating of test panels 7
Foreword

This British Standard was prepared under the direction of the Pigments, Paints
and Varnishes Standards Policy Committee. It supersedes BS 3416 : 1988, which
is withdrawn.
This edition introduces technical changes but it does not reflect a full review or
revision of the standard, which will be undertaken in due course.
The main technical changes are:
(a) introduction of separate immersion periods for type 1 and type 2 materials;
(b) a change in the size of the panel used in appendix 8.

This edition includes provisions to satisfy the requirements of EEC Directive

80/778/EEC ‘The quality of water intended for human consumption’ which
specifies admissible concentrations and guide levels for a wide range of
parameters in respect of all drinking water and water used in food and drink
manufacture. It applies to the water at the point where it is made available to
the user. Compliance with the EEC Directive is required by UK law.
The statutory water supplier has a responsibility to ensure that the components
of the water service connected to the water supply do not adversely affect the
quality of the water supplied if that water is likely to be ingested of could be
back syphoned into a part of the service from which it is likely to be ingested.
The various water authorities will therefore require evidence that bitumen-based
coatings in contact with potable water are satisfactory in this respect.
All types and classes of bitumen-based coatings in BS 3416 give films that are
suitable for use in contact with potable water and that may be submitted for
approval by the UK Water Fittings Byelaws Scheme administered by the Water
Research Centre, 660 Ajax Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL14BG.
This British Standard also takes account of recent developments in this type of
paint enabling the use of mineral fillers and alternative solvents.
This British Standard specifies requirements for two types of bitumen coatings
for cold application, each type having three classes relating to the solvent system
used for the solution.
Attention is drawn to BS 6949, which specifies requirements for bitumen-based
coatings not intended for use in contact with potable water.
Guidance on the use of these materials is given in appendix A, and reference
should also be made to BS 5493 and to BS 6150.
Product certification. Attention is drawn to the fact that bitumen-based coatings
for use in contact with potable water must be certified by the Water Research
Centre under the UK Water Fittings Byelaws Scheme in order to comply with
EEC Directive 80/778/EEC. For full details, apply to the Water Research Centre,
660 Ajax Avenue, Slough, Berkshire SL14BG.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity from
legal obligations.
 BS 3416:1991

Specification

(D) Class B, using either a solvent other than white spirit

1 Scope
or a solvent mixture with a flash point of or above
This British Standard specifies performance and marking 21 “C and below 32 “C as the carrier.
reouirements for a ranqe of bitumen-based solvent-borne
(c) Class C, using either a solvent other than white spirit,
coatings. It covers coatings for cold application by either
or a solvent mixture with a flash point of or above
brushing. spraying, rolling or dipping processes intended
32 “C as the carrier.
to give a coat for the corrosion protection and water-
proofing of substrates including iron and steel.
Two types, each with three classes, are included. All of
these give films that are suitable for use on potable wafer
4 Sampling
tanks and cisterns as well as for general applications. Take and store in accordance with BS 3900 : Part Al
The level of gloss of the finished film is not specified in representative samples of not less than 1000 mL of the
this British Standard. coating either at the filling stage or from one or more
previously unopened containers. Condition the samples
for at least 12 h at 23 f 2 “C before carrying out any
tests.

5 Flash point
When tested in accordance with B.1, coatings shall comply
with the following.
(a) Coatings of classes A and C shall not flash at a
temperature below 32 “C.
2 Definitions
(b) Coatings of class B shall not flash at a temperature
For the purposes of this British Standard, the definitions below 21 ‘C.
given in BS 2015 apply together with the following.

2.1 bitumen. A viscous liquid, or a solid, consisting

essentially of hydrocarbons and their derivatives, which is 6 Drying and over-coating times
soluble in trichloroethylene and is substantially non-volatile
and softens gradually when heated. It is black or brown in 6.1 Surface-drv time
colour and possesses waterproofing and adhesive properties. When tested in accordance with B.2.1, films of coatings shall
It is obtained by refinery processes from petroleum, and is be surface dry:
also found as a natural deposit or as a component of (a) if type 1, in not more than 4 h;
naturally occurring asphalt in which it is associated with
(b) if type 2, in not more than 8 h.
mineral matter.

6.2 Over-coating time

When tested in accordance with B.2.2, the film shall show
no cissing, crawling, sinking, lifting or wrinkling during
2.2 bitumen-based coating. A liquid mixture of bitumen in application or after 24 h drying time.
a carrier (solvent or solvent mixture), usually paraffinic
hydrocarbons, chlorinated hydrocarbons and aromatic
hydrocarbons. with or without fillers, to give a consistency 7 Finish
suitable for brushing, spraying, rolling or dipping in
When tested in accordance with B.3. the film shall be
accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.
The coating may exhibit thixotropy. smooth, opaque and free from sags or runs or other
surface imperfections.

3 Classification
8 Protection against corrosion
3.1 Bitumen-based coatings shall be classified into two
8.1 Resistance to tap water immersion
types as follows.
(a) Type 1, without fillers. 8.1.1 When tested in accordance with B.4.1.1, the film shall
remain completely adherent to the substrate.
(b) Type 2, with fillers.
Any blistering shall not exceed rating 2 (S3) in accordance
3.2 Each type shall be furtner sub-classified as follows. with BS 3900 : Part H2.
(a) Class A, using white spirit complying with BS 245
8.1.2 When tested in accordance with B.4.1.2, the surface
as the carrier
of exposed metal revealed shall show no visible rust or pitting.

3
BS-3416: 1991

8.2 Resistance to artificial sea water immersion

12 Marking
8.2.1 When tested in accordance with B.4.2.1, the film shall Each container of bitumen-based coating shall be clearly
show no signs of breakdown. Any blistering shall not exceed labelled with the following information:
rating 2 (s3) in accordance with BS 3900 : Part H2. (a) the manufacturer’s identification;

8.2.2 When tested in accordance with B.4.2.2, the surface lb) the number of this British Standard and the
of exposed metal revealed shall show no visible rust or appropriate type and class of the product.
pitting. e.g. BS 3416 : 1991’. type 1, class A;
(c) a statement that it is suitable for use in contact
with potable water;
9 Bend resistance (dl the nominal content by mass or volume;
(e) the batch number from which the container was
When tested in accordance with 8.5, the film shall show
filled;
no signs of cracking or of becoming detached from the
substrate. (f) the month and year in which the batch was
manufactured :
(g) whether the coating is suitable for brushing.
10 Effect on potable water spraying, rolling or dipping.

A coating of the product applied and left to dry in

accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions shall
comply with BS 6920 : Part 1 : 1988.

11 Shelf life
The product, if stored in unopened containers for
12 months at a temperature not exceeding 30 ‘C. shall
meet the requirements of clauses 5 to 9. No separation
shall take place which cannot be removed by stirring.
 BS3416: 1991

Appendices

provided that the film is of adequate thickness it will

Appendix A. Guidance on the use of
continue to give protection. In situations protected from
bitumen-based coatings for cold such attack, the gloss is maintained longer.
application Crazing sometimes occurs with bitumen coatings but
bitumen-coated ferrous metals are seldom subject to early
A.1 Safety instructions
corrosion from this cause.
Consult the safety instructions of the manufacturer before
application and, especially. before spraying these materials. A.6 Thinning
NOTE. Attention is drawn to the Health and Safety Executive
Guidance Note GS5 ‘Entry into Confined Spaces’ regarding the safe Where thinning is necessary, e.g. as a first coat On very
working in confined spacer. porous surfaces, only white spirit, in the case of class A
coatings, or the manufacturer’s recommended thinners
A.2 General properties should be used. In all cares thinning should be kept to a
minimum for the type of use required.
Like some other protective coatings referred to in BS 5493
and BS 6150, bitumen coatings are used to protect surfaces
rather than to decorate them. their function being to
A.6 Primer
exclude moisture or other corrosive agents. It is thus In order to prevent under-rusting on ferrous metals,
important that each coat is applied in a continuous manner, a system of rust-inhibiting primer and bitumen coating is
without holidays or ‘misses’. Bitumen coatings have little often advocated. Reference should be made to the
power to inhibit corrosion. Hence, if ferrous surfaces are bitumen-coating manufacturer. It is important to allow
not adequately cleaned to be free from rust and mill-scale adequate time for the hardening of primers prior to the
before these coatings are applied, under-rusting may occur application of bitumen-based coatings. Lead-based primers
with consequent failure of the film. They have good and other primers containing toxic material are not to be
adhesion to most surfaces commonly found in building, used in conjunction with materials in contact with potable
e.g. ferrous metals. slightly etched galvanized iron and steel, water.
concrete and brick, and will withstand moderate concen-
trations of acids and alkalis. A.7 Preparation of surfaces
These bitumen coatings are neither intended to withstand
hot conditions, as on boilers. smoke stacks, etc.. for which Establish that the substrate and the bitumen-based coating
special coatings should be obtained, nor to resist contami- are compatible and prepare the substrate according to its
nation with mineral oils or paint solvents, all of which type as follows.
conditions will cause softening of the film. (a) Bare non-porous surfaces. All dirt, including loosely
adhering rust, mill-scale and grease should be removed.
A.3 Precautions (b) Surfaces previously covered with bitumen coating.
All dirt, grease and loosely adhering bitumen coat
Provide adequate ventilation, particularly of closed vessels.
should be removed by washing or other suitable means.
while the material is being applied and until it is thoroughly
Any bare patches of metal should be spot-orimed with
dry. The use of air fed masks for personal ventilation is
bitumen coating before the general coating is applied.
recommended. When painting the interiors of tanks, use a
forced air supply to disperse the solvent and prevent (c) Porous surfaces. All dirt and dust should be removed
residual solvent condensing on the coating and washing by thorough brushing and any loosely adhering flakes
it off. Avoid naked lights in or near the tanks or cisterns of material should be detached. Washing of porous
during these periods. Use appropriate barrier creams and surfaces is not usually satisfactory unless adequate time
protective clothing to prevent skin sensitisation. Skin should is given for the water to evaporate.
be thoroughly washed and clothing removed and cleaned (d) Other surfaces. Reference should be made to the-
as soon as possible after the work has been completed. manufacturer of the bitumen-based coatings.

A.4 Durability A.6 Painting

The durability of bitumen coatings depends mainly upon All surfaces should be allowed to dry following the
(a) the thickness of the film and lb1 the degree of exposure. preparation. Painting during humid weather, or in other
It is important to apply the products liberally in a number conditions giving rise to condensation. should be avoided.
of coats, as thick films give proportionately greater Further details of the establishment of conditions and
protection than thin ones, and to ensure that all areas appropriate application of coatings are given in (a) to (e)
of a surface are covered. and in BS 6150.
The degree of exposure largely controls the rate of (a) Application fo non-poroous surfaces. A full coat
deterioration of the film surface. Bitumen is sensitive to should be applied by the appropriate method taking
sunlight and other strong light, which quickly cause care to obtain a uniform and continuous film at the
complete loss of gloss, followed later by a form of recommended spreading rate. Particular care should be
chalking. This is, however, confined to the surface and taken to coat thoroughly all recesses. edges, joints.
intersections of members, rivet and bolt heads and nuts.

5
BS 3416:1991

No subsequent coat should be applied until the previous Appendix B. Methods of test for
coat has dried thoroughly.
performance requirements
(b) Systems of bitumen-based coatings and corrosion-
inhibitive primer on bare steel. One or more coats of B.1 Flash point
primer should be applied followed by at least two coats
of bitumen-based coating. Test the coating in accordance with the method described
NOTE. The final coat Of bitumen-based mating may, with in BS 3900 : Part A8 or Part A13.
advanttage, be one Which contains leafing aluminium as an
Record the results.
additive to minimize the effect Of sunlight (see A.41.
(c) Systems of bitumen-based coatings on cementitious
B.2 Drying and over-coating times
surfaces. These surfaces should be sealed with a thinned
coating of type 1 bitumen-based coating (see A.5). B2.1 Surface-dry time
If the original surface has a high degree of porosity a
Apply a single coat of the coating as described in
second thinned seal coating should be used. Two subse-
appendix C to a burnished nominal 150 mm x 100 mm
quent coats of non-thinned bitumen-based coating are
steel panel. Test in accordance with BS 3900 : Part C2.
usually necessary, all coatings being applied after ensur-
ing the previouscoating is thoroughly dry. The spreading Record the results after 4 h, for type 1 coatings, or after
rate of the material should be adjusted so as to give a 8h. for type 2 coatings.
satisfactory final film. If the original surface has a high
degree of porosity, an additional thinned priming coat B.2.2 Over-coating time
should be used. Allow the coating obtained after the test of B.2.1 to dry
If the surface is rough, as with some concrete surfaces, for 24 h with free access of air at 23 ’ + 2 “C and a relative
or irregular or jointed, as with brickwork, the method humidity of 50 f 5 %.
and coating should be agreed with the manufacturer. Overcoat with a second coat in accordance with C.3.
(d) Use of bitumen-based coatings with other systems. Inspect the film visually, by normal or corrected vision,
Bitumen-based coatings are unsuitable where it is during application and again after the over-coating has
desired to finish the work with many other types of been allowed to dry for 24 h.
paint, since bleeding of the bitumen through the top Record the observations
coat and crazing of the finish is likely to result. Where
it is necessary to apply an oil paint over a bitumen B.3 Finish
coating these faults may be mitigated by the use of a
barrier coat of a preparation made especially for this Apply a single coat of the coating as described in
purpose. appendix C to a burnished nominal 300 mm x 300 mm
steel panel to give the appropriate dry film thickness for
(e) Application of material when used for coating
its type given in C.2.
drinking wafer tanks or cisterns. Surfaces should be dry
and cleaned free of mill-scale, rust and dirt, All surfaces. Inspect the resultant film visually by normal or corrected
new or otherwise, should then be degreased immediately vision.
before coating. Two coats are recommended and on bare Record the observations.
metal; brush application of the first coat is preferable.
Full coats should be applied, particular care being taken B.4 Protection against corrosion
to coat thoroughly all recesses, edges, rivet and bolt
heads and nuts. In no case should a second coat be B.4.1 Resistance to tap water immersion
applied until the first coat is thoroughly dry and a
B.4.1.1 Apply two coats as described in appendix C to a
period of 48 h should normally be allowed for this.
burnished nominal 150 mm x 100 mm steel panel. Then
Drying may be assisted materially by the provision
72 h after application, test in accordance with procedure A,
of a forced draught. It is essential to use clean brushes
Method 1 of BS 3900 : Part G5 : 1976 using tap water
or spray equipment; such tools contaminated with other
and an immersion period of 4 days for type 1 material and
types of bitumen paint or with tar paint are unsuitable.
14 days for type 2 material.
After thorough drying of the two-coat system, and before Inspect the film visually by normal or corrected vision.
being put into service, the tank or cistern should be
filled with cold drinking water, and drained after not Record the observations.
less than 4 h. If a taste is detected in this water,
the flushing should be repeated. This procedure is B.4.1.2 Remove the film with a non-corrosive paint
necessary as a safeguard against initial contamination remover complying with BS 3761.
of the water because of entrapped solvent in the Inspect the surface of the exposed metal by normal or
bitumen coat. corrected vision.
Record the observations.
 BS 3416:1991

B.4.2 Resistance to artificial sea water immersion Appendix C. Preparation and coating of
test panels
B.4.2.1 Apply two coats as described in appendix C to a
burnished nominal 150 mm x 100 mm steel panel. Then 72 h C.1 Material and dimensions
after application, test in accordance with procedure A,
method 1 of BS 3900 : Part G5 : 1976. Use artificial sea water use test panels of the material specified in BS 3900
complying with 6.1 of BS 3900 : Part F4 : 1968, with an Part A3 and of the specified dimensions.
immersion period of 4 days for type 1 material and 14 days
for type 2 material. C.2 Preparation and coating
Inspect the film visually by normal or corrected vision. Prepare the test panels in accordance with BS 3900 : Part A3
Record the observations. and then coat by brushing, spraying, rolling or dipping as
recommended by the manufacturer, to give a dry film
8.4.2.2 Remove the film with a non-corrosive paint remover thickness of 35 f 5 pm for type 1 coatings or 75 + 10 pm
complying with BS 3761. for type 2 coatings.

Inspect the surface of the exposed metal by normal or

corrected vision.
C.3 Drying of test panels
Record the observations. Dry the test panels in a vertical position at a temperature
of 23 + 2 ‘C and a relative humidity of 50 * 5 % for the
B.5 Bend resistance specified time.
Allow the first coat to dry for 24 h before application of
Apply a single coat as described in appendix C to a
the second coat.
burnished nominal 100 mm x 50 mm x 0.3 mm thick
tinplate panel. Allow to dry for 7 days. For the tests required in clause 8 coat the backs and edger
of the panels with a protective paint system.
Test as described in BS 3900 : Part El, using type 1
apparatus. For type 1 coatings use a 6 mm mandrel.
For type 2 coatings use a 10 mm mandrel.
Inspect the film visually by normal or corrected vision.
Record the observations.

7
8 blank
 BS 3416 : 1991

Publication(s) referred to

BS 245 Specification for mineral solvents (white spirit and related hydrocarbon solvents) for paints
and other purposes
BS 2015 Glossary of paint terms
BS 2523 Specification for lead-based priming paints
BS 3761 Specification for solvent-based paint remover
BS 3900 Methods of test for paints
Part Al Sampling
Part A3 Standard panels for paint testing
Part A8 Test for flash/no flash (closed cup equilibrium method)
Part Al3 Test for flash/no flash (rapid equilibrium method)
Part C2 Surface-drying test (ballotini method)
Part El Bend test (cylindrical mandrel)
Part F4 Resistance to continuous salt spray
Part G5 Determination of resistance to liquids
Part H2 Designation of degree of blistering
BS 5493 Code of practice for protective coating of iron and steel structures against corrosion
BS 6150 Code of practice for painting of buildings
BS 6920 Suitability of non-metallic products for use in contact with water intended for human
consumption with regard to their effect on the quality of the water
Part 1 Specification
BS 6949 Specification for bitumen-based coatings for cold application, excluding use in contact with
potable water.

EEC Directive 80/778/EEC. The quality of water intended for human consumption (also referred to
under the reference EEC Council Directive of 15 July 1980 relating to the quality of water intended for
human consumption (Official Journal of the European Communities L229 pp 11-29))
UK Water Fittings Byelaws Scheme Information and Guidance Note No 5-01-02
Health and Safety Executive Guidance Note GS5 - Entry into Confined Spaces (obtainable from HMSO)
 BS 3416 : 1991

BSI - British Standards Institution

BSI is the independent national body responsible for preparing British

Standards. It presents the UK view on standards in Europe and at the
international level. It is incorporated by Royal Charter.
Contract requirements
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct
application.
Revisions
British Standards are updated by amendment or revision. Users of British
Standards should make sure that they possess the latest amendments or
editions.
4ny person who finds an inaccuracy or ambiguity while using this British
Standard should notify BSI without delay so that the matter may be
nvestigated swiftly.
BSI offers members an individual updating service called PLUS which ensures
that subscribers automatically receive the latest editions of standards.
Buying British Standards
Orders for all British Standard publications should be addressed to the Sales
Department at Milton Keynes.
Information on standards
BSI provides a wide range of information on national, European and
international standards through its Library, the Standardline Database, the BSI
[nfonnation echnology Service (BITS) and its Technical Help to Exporters
Service. Contact Customer Information at Milton Keynes: Tel: 0908 221166.
5ubscribing members of BSI are kept up to date with standards developments
and receive substantial discounts on the purchase price of standards. For
details of these and other benefits contact the Manager, Membership
development at Milton Keynes: Tel: 0908 220022.
Copyright
Copyright subsists in all BSI publications. No part of this publication may be
‘eproduced in any form without the prior permission in writing of BSI. This
does not preclude the free use, in the course of implementing the standard, of
details such as symbols and size, type or grade designations. Enquiries about
copyright should be made to the Copyright Manager, Marketing at Milton
Keynes.

BSI
2 Park Street
London
WlA 2BS

BSI
Linford Wood
Milton Keynes
MK14 6LE

9402-5