I. Surface Inspection

West Coast Coating Consultants observes NACE-certified coating inspection standards. Whether for surface preparation, coating application, maintenance surveys, corrosion prevention or failure analysis, WCCC Coating Inspectors and Engineers are determined to provide cost-effective, unbiased quality assurance for every industrial coating project.

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Pre-Preparation Surface Inspection

1. Prior to the Contractor conducting specified surface preparation(s), the Inspector shall review SSPC Visual Standards with the Contractor management staff to verify the grade and condition ofthe surface(s) to be prepared. The Inspector shall also review specification requirements and abrasive blasted samples with the Contractor to ensure all parties are clear on the Engineers expectations. Once all parties are clear on how to proceed, the Inspector shall visually inspect all surfaces to be treated. Close attention shall be made to all welds to ensure burs, splatter, and other accumulations have been tooled in accordance with project specification requirements. The use of a black light shall be utilized to ensure all grease, oil, and other foreign substances have been removed from the surface.
2. The Inspector shall be present during “blotter testing” of air compressor equipment to ensure traps are functioning as intended. Inspection of the blast nozzles shall be preformed to ensure the specified anchor pattern will be achieved during blast operation.
3. The ambient weather and surface temperatures shall be measured and recorded to ensure the weather will permit productive surface preparation.
4. Periodic inspections of the blast operation shall be performed to ensure the Contractor is effectively preparing all surfaces in accordance with specifications.

Post-Preparation, Pre-Primer Application Surface Inspection

1. Following the surface preparation the Inspector will conduct a thorough visual and hands-on inspection of the surfaces prepared by the Contractor. The Inspector will ensure the specified surface preparation has been achieved in accordance with SSPC SP guidelines. Replica Tape and Surface Comparator with disks shall be utilized during the inspection to ensure shape and depth of profile have been prepared in accordance with project specification requirements.
2. Surfaces will be examined for cleanliness. All dust, debris, spent abrasive, and/or any other deleterious material that would affect the bond of the prime coat shall be removed prior to coating application approval.
3. When all surfaces have been cleaned to the satisfaction of the Engineer, ambient weather conditions and surface temperature shall be measured and recorded. If the surface temperature, calculated dew point, relative humidity and ambient temperature equal those specified and recommended by the coating manufacturer, the Contractor will be given approval to apply coatings.
4. Close observation of coating mixing will be performed to ensure the product has been mixed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation and SSPC “Good Paint Practice” guidelines. The Inspector shall record the coating batch/lot and dates of manufacture to ensure the proper coatings are being used and have not exceeded their shelf life.
5. Continuous monitoring of the coating applications and ambient weather/surface conditions shall be performed by the Inspector. Should the application of the coatings be performed with disregard to SSPC “Good Paint Practice” the Contractor shall be directed to discontinue his/her application and the Inspector will notify the Owner’s Representative immediately. Should the weather or surface temperature go outside the manufacturer’s recommended parameters, the Contractor will be directed to discontinue application until the appropriate temperatures can be obtained.

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Primer and Intercoat Applications Inspection

Final Coating Inspection and Report