SSPC-PA Guide 5

February 12, 2018

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

COATING APPLICATION GUIDE 5

Guide to Maintenance Coating of Steel Structures
in Atmospheric Service

1. Scope • Select Appropriate Maintenance Painting Options

1.1 This guide covers procedures for developing
a maintenance coating program for steel structures for
atmospheric service. The guide may be used for one-time
recoat programs or long-range recoat programs.
1.2 The guide is intended for owners, consultants,
and contractors who perform condition surveys and write
maintenance coating programs. It is not intended to be a
do-it-yourself guide, but is representative of the processes
that a coating specialist (such as a Protective Coating
Specialist [PCS] certified by SSPC) would follow to develop
a maintenance coating plan for specific facilities.
2. Description
and Establish Implementation Procedures (Section
8)
• Implement Maintenance Painting Options (Section 9)
• Plan and Implement Follow-Up Activities (Section 10)
2.4 UNITS OF MEASURE: This guide makes use of
both the IEEE/ASTM SI 10,(1) “American National Standard
for Metric Practice” International System Units (SI) and
U.S. Customary units. The measurements may not be
exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used
independently of the other.
3. Referenced Standards
3.1. SSPC STANDARDS AND JOINT STANDARDS:

2.1 A maintenance coating program is required Items preceded by an asterisk (*) are referenced in the
to prevent corrosion of steel and deterioration of other Notes or Appendices.
substrates. It is also required to maintain an acceptable
appearance of coated structures. Decisions on frequency
SSPC-ACS-1/ Industrial Coating and
and extent of recoating and type of system to be used require
NACE No. 13 Lining Application
consideration of numerous factors, including both technical
Specialist Qualification and
and economical alternatives.
Certification Standard
2.2 This guide sets out specific steps that may be used, SSPC-Guide 6 Guide for Containing Debris
either individually or collectively, to identify and address Generated During Paint
essential elements of a maintenance coating program. Removal Operations
These steps are summarized in Section 4. Preparation SSPC-Guide 7 Guide for the Disposal of
of a contract specification for coating work is covered in Lead-Contaminated Surface
SSPC-TR 4/NACE 80200, “Preparation of Protective Coating Preparation Debris
Specifications for Atmospheric Service” (latest edition) and SSPC-Guide 14 Guide for the Repair of
in the SSPC Technical Insight Report “Preparing and Using Imperfections in Galvanized or
Protective Coating Specifications.” Due to wide variations in Inorganic Zinc Coated Steel
procedures, a discussion of contracting methodologies and with Organic Zinc-Rich Paint
implementation schemes is outside the scope of this guide.
SSPC-Guide 15 Field Methods for Retrieval
2.3 MAJOR STEPS IN MAINTENANCE COATING: and Analysis of Soluble
This guide addresses six major steps in a maintenance Salts on Steel and Other
coating program, which are defined as: Nonporous Substrates
• Plan and Conduct Condition Assessment Survey SSPC-Guide 18 Specifiers’ Guide for
(Section 5) Determining Containment
• List Potential Maintenance Painting Options Class and Environmental
(Section 6) Monitoring Strategies for Lead-
• Evaluate Economics of Available Options (Section 7) Paint Removal Projects

SSPC-PA Guide 5 was first issued in July 1990 by the SSPC C.4.1 Maintenance Painting
Committee. It was revised in September 2002, 2004 (editorial revision) and February 2018.
(1)
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
phone int+1-610-832-9500. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website
<http://www.astm.org/>

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SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018

SSPC-PA 1 Shop, Field, and Mainte- * SSPC-QP 1 Standard Procedure for

nance Painting of Steel Evaluating Painting Contractors
(Field Application to Complex
Industrial Structures
SSPC-PA 2 Determining Compliance
to Dry Coating Thickness * SSPC-QP 2 Standard Procedure for
Evaluating the Qualification
Requirements
of Painting Contractors (Field
SSPC-PA Guide to Maintenance Removal of Hazardous Coatings
Guide 4 Repainting with Oil Base or from Complex Industrial
Alkyd Painting Systems Structures)
SSPC-SP 1 Solvent Cleaning * SSPC-QP 5 Standard Procedure for
SSPC-SP 2 Hand Tool Cleaning Evaluating Qualifications
of Coating and Lining
SSPC-SP 3 Power Tool Cleaning
Inspection Companies
SSPC-SP 5/
White Metal Blast Cleaning * SSPC-QP 6 Standard Procedure for
NACE No. 1
Evaluating the Qualifications
SSPC-SP 5 of Contractors Who Apply
White Metal Wet Abrasive
(WAB)/ Thermal Spray (Metallizing) for
Blast Cleaning
NACE WAB-1 Corrosion Protection of Steel
SSPC-SP 6/ and Concrete Structures
Commercial Blast Cleaning
NACE No. 3) * SSPC-QP 8 Standard Procedure for
SSPC-SP 6 Evaluating the Qualifications
Commercial Metal Wet
(WAB)/NACE of Contracting Firms That
Abrasive Blast Cleaning
WAB-3 Install Polymer Coatings and
SSPC-SP 7/ Surfacings on Concrete and
Brush-Off Blast Cleaning Other Cementitious Substrates
NACE No. 4
SSPC-SP 7 * SSPC-QP 9 Standard Procedure for
Brush-Off Wet Abrasive Evaluating Qualifications
(WAB)/NACE
Blast Cleaning of Painting Contractors
WAB-4
Who Apply Architectural
SSPC-SP 10/
Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning Paints and Coatings
NACE No. 2
* SSPC-TR 4/ Preparation of Protective
SSPC-SP 10
Near-White Metal Wet NACE 80200 Coating Specifications for
(WAB)/NACE
Abrasive Blast Cleaning Atmospheric Service
WAB-2
SSPC-TU 3 Overcoating Existing
SSPC-SP 11 Power Tool Cleaning to Bare
Coating Systems Applied
Metal
to Steel Substrates
SSPC-SP 14/
Industrial Blast Cleaning SSPC-VIS 2/ Standard Method of Evaluating
NACE No. 8
ASTM D610 Degree of Rusting on
SSPC-SP 14 Painted Steel Surfaces
Industrial Wet Abrasive Blast
(WAB)/
Cleaning
NACE WAB-8 3.2 ASTM INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS:(2)
SSPC-SP 15 Commercial Grade Power Tool
Cleaning * ASTM Standard Guide for Painting Inspectors
SSPC-SP WJ-1/ Waterjet Cleaning of Metals - D3276 (Metal Substrates)
NACE WJ-1 Clean to Bare Substrate * ASTM Standard Practice for the Qualification
SSPC-SP WJ-2/ Waterjet Cleaning of Metals D4228 of Coating Applicators for Application
NACE WJ-2 - Very Thorough Cleaning of Coatings to Steel Surfaces
SSPC-SP WJ-3/ Waterjet Cleaning of Metals ASTM D610 Standard Test Method for Evaluating
NACE WJ-3 - Thorough Cleaning Degree of Rusting on Painted Steel
SSPC-SP WJ-4/ Waterjet Cleaning of Surfaces
NACE WJ-4 Metals - Light Cleaning
(2)
ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959,
phone int+1-610-832-9500. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website
<http://www.astm.org/>

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February 12, 2018

3.3 FEDERAL STANDARD(3) 4.1 Plan and Conduct Condition Assessment

Code of Federal Regulations Survey (Step 1): Section 5 provides a general approach for
organizing surveys to evaluate the condition of the structure.
29 CFR 1910.1025 Lead (General Industry) Three different types of surveys (general overview, detailed
visual survey, and physical inspection) are covered, along
29 CFR 1910.134 Respiratory Protection
with a proposed plan for assessing sub-units of a larger,
29 CFR 1915.1025 Lead (Shipyard Employment) more complex structure, and a description of procedures
29 CFR 1926.62 Lead (Construction Industry) and documentation needed.
29 CFR 1926.1118 Arsenic
4.2 List Potential Maintenance Painting Options
29 CFR 1926.1126 Chromium (VI)
(Step 2): Section 6 reviews the various maintenance
29 CFR 1926.1127 Cadmium painting options available, including spot repair, zone repair
40 CFR 260 Hazardous Waste Management overcoating, and complete recoat, as well as the rationale for
System: General selecting these maintenance painting options and the types
40 CFR 261 Identification1910 (2013) and of information needed for the decision.
Listing of Hazardous Waste
40 CFR 262 Standards Applicable to 4.3 Evaluate Economics of Available Options (Step
Generators of Hazardous Waste 3): Section 7 provides guidance in evaluating the initial and
life-cycle costs of available maintenance painting options.
40 CFR 263 Standards Applicable to
Transporters of Hazardous Each decision has potential impact on the life cycle cost of
Waste the coating system and must be identified and evaluated.
40 CFR 264 Standards for Owners and
4.4 Select Appropriate Maintenance Painting Options
Operators of Hazardous Waste
Treatment, Storage, and and Establish Implementation Procedures (Step 4):
Disposal Facilities Section 8 reviews the factors and considerations necessary
to establish specifications for the two major maintenance
40 CFR 265 Interim Status Standards for
painting options of spot repair and complete recoat, including
Owners and Operators of
Hazardous Waste Treatment, identification of relevant factors for coating system selection,
Storage, and Disposal Facilities and surface preparation selection, depending on whether
complete removal and recoat, spot repair, or a combination
40 CFR 268 Land Disposal Restrictions
of spot repair and overcoating is selected as a strategy.
3.4 International Organization for Standardization
(ISO) Standard(4) 4.5 Implement Maintenance Painting Options (Step
5) Section 8.4 covers the development of the specifications
ISO 4628 Paints and varnishes -- Evaluation that will detail the required surface preparation and
of degradation of coatings -- coatings system needed for the specific project based on
Designation of quantity and size of the information gathered during Steps 1 through 4. The
defects, and of intensity of uniform specifications should also outline the requirements for
changes in appearance environmental compliance as needed based on the existing
coating system if it contains hazardous materials. Detailed
4. Planning and Use of Guide quality control requirements should also be included.

4.1 This document is based on, and is intended for use
with, the technical principles outlined in SSPC-TU 3. Planning
and implementation of maintenance coating programs
for steel structures are presented in a logical sequence of
six specific steps. These steps range from planning and
conducting a condition assessment to follow-up activities
required for implementing an on-going maintenance
program. Each step is designed such that it may be utilized
in sequence with the other steps, or independently for those
with interest in only one or a few aspects of the program. A
summary of each step follows.
(3)
The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) may be obtained online at <https://www.
ecfr.gov>
International Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case Postale 56, Geneva
(4)
4.6 Plan and Implement Follow-Up Activities (Step
6): Section 10 describes procedures and review actions
after the job is completed, including documentation, short-
and long-term condition inspections, and preventative
maintenance measures.
5. Plan and Conduct Condition Assessment
Survey (Step 1)
5.1 PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING A CONDITION
ASSESSMENT SURVEY: Condition assessments can be
used for several purposes, i.e., to determine the need for
recoating, to determine the extent of corrosion damage, to
determine the performance of various coating systems, or to
prioritize coating requirements where insufficient funds are

CH-1211, Switzerland. In the United States, ISO standards may be obtained from the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) at <http://www.ansi.org> available to do all the desired work (see Note, Section 11).

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5.2 IDENTIFY AND INVENTORY STRUCTURES TO BE
SURVEYED: A written description of the structures requiring
maintenance coating should be obtained or prepared. The
description should include location, dimensions, type of
substrate, configuration, service environment, previous
surface preparation and coating plans, specifications,
history, and any other pertinent information. Examples
of the latter would include proximity to sensitive areas,
planned new construction or other activities nearby, and
types of exposures (see SSPC-Guide 18). It is usually most
economical to consider all structures in similar condition
within a given area for maintenance at the same general
time.
5.3 DETERMINE THE EXTENT OF ASSESSMENT
REQUIRED: The survey may vary considerably in the extent
and detail of the information required. Among the types of
survey to be considered are:
5.3.1 General Coating Condition Assessment: In this
assessment, usually only one or two parameters are rated
(e.g., general condition or rusting). The structure is normally
observed from the ground (i.e., without scaffolding). The
assessment is at best a qualitative rating of the condition
(e.g., good, fair, poor). Only the major features of a structure
or facility are rated (e.g., a full span of a bridge or a side
of a storage tank). This type of assessment is usually done
in a few hours or less and is suitable for identifying overall
condition of the coating.
5.3.2 Detailed Visual Assessment: This type of
assessment also relies exclusively on visual observations, but
these are performed more systematically than for a general
assessment. Numerous structural elements (e.g., support
beams, connections, edges) are separately rated according
to SSPC-VIS 2/ASTM D610, ISO 4628 or equivalent and
combined to provide an overall structure or facility rating.
Often, several condition parameters (e.g., loss of topcoat,
cracking, rust staining) and several corrosion parameters
(e.g., rusting, blistering, scaling, loss of metal) are recorded.
With this survey, one can obtain a semi-quantitative rating of
the percent of surface deteriorated. This type of survey may
be used to develop preliminary cost estimates for recoating.
5.3.3 Physical Coating Testing: Physical testing,
visual assessment, and the general assessment are often
performed simultaneously. Visual assessment gives no
information on the film adhesion, thickness, brittleness, or
underfilm corrosion. Physical testing is required to determine
whether the coating can be overcoated or repaired, or
whether it is too weak to accept another coating layer. This
assessment should be performed prior to specifying the
maintenance painting options and requires direct access to
the surface at several locations on the structure. SSPC-TU 3
provides discussion of the value of physical testing, as well
as the procedures for testing.
4
Identification of the generic type of the existing finish
coating is important when selecting compatible coatings
for maintenance coating, if part of the existing coating is to
remain. A laboratory technique, Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR), is frequently used to determine the
generic coating type. This requires only a tiny sample chip
of paint to identify the coating type, and is available at a
nominal price. Alternatively, patch tests of the proposed
system or systems may be applied to the existing coating to
establish compatibility.
5.3.4 Hazardous Content Assessment (for work in
the U.S.): Unless previous coating history and specifications
are known, laboratory testing needs to be performed to
determine if any hazardous elements are present. These
include, but are not limited to, lead, cadmium, arsenic,
mercury, and chromium VI. U.S. OSHA (U.S. Occupational
Safety and Health Administration) regulation 29 CFR
1926.62 details worker protection requirements specific to
lead hazards in construction work (which includes industrial
coating projects), while OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1025 details
worker protection requirements for lead in general industry
work, and CFR 1915.1025 applies to lead in shipyard work.
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.134 contains requirements specifically
for respiratory protection. Hazardous metals are addressed
in 29 CFR 1926.1118 Arsenic; 1926.1126 Chromium (VI);
1926.1127 Cadmium; OSHA (Occupational Safety and
Health Administration) requirements for worker exposure
and RCRA (Resource Conservation and Recovery Act)
requirements for disposal with its implied containment
should be incorporated into the contract to protect workers
and lessen potential claims. SSPC-Guide 6 and Guide 7
provide details relevant to containment and disposal. Local
regulations and facility owner requirements for hazardous
materials also apply if the survey is being performed outside
of the U.S.
5.3.5 Structural Inspection: Coating assessment
should be included as part of any general structural inspection
for loss of metal, broken joints, or other structural defects.
A relatively small additional inspection time is required to
evaluate and record the ratings of individual structures or
structural elements. This information will normally prove
extremely valuable in evaluating maintenance painting
options, especially in developing the most cost effective life-
cycle maintenance strategy. Numerous public and private
entities have been successful in using scheduled facility
inspections, such as bridge safety inspections, as the “first
cut” in determining coating condition.
5.4 DETERMINE THE CONDITION RATING SCHEME:
For both visual inspection and physical testing, it is necessary
to use a standard rating system and format for recording
data. SSPC-TU 3 discusses the salient characteristics of a
rating scheme that is based on the technical merits of coating
condition and overcoating.

5.4.1 Physical Testing: See SSPC-TU 3 for detailed
guidance in evaluating coating condition and risks of
overcoating. These evaluations generally require certain
detailed information concerning the coating type and
physical condition.
5.4.2 Use of Ratings Data: In many cases, these
condition ratings will be keyed directly to repair procedures
(e.g., SSPC-PA Guide 4). The next two sections of this guide
give the procedures for developing such a scheme.
5.5 PLAN FOR INSPECTING STRUCTURAL
COMPONENTS: A sub-unit sampling plan identifies the
portions of the structure or facility that will be rated and the
type of rating scheme to be used. Sub-unit sampling plans are
needed for complex structures or where detailed information
is required. For a process unit, for example, the structural
steel might be divided into individual tanks, piping, handrails
and ladders, and structural support. On large structures, the
areas could be further subdivided into sections. Because of
differences in corrosion tendencies, it is often useful to have
separate ratings for edges and flat surfaces. The extent of
inspection depends on how detailed a survey is desired and
what resources may be available.
5.6 ESTABLISH PROCEDURES AND ASSEMBLE
RELATED DOCUMENTS
5.6.1 A specific procedure should be established for a
condition assessment, which should include a budget and
schedule, including equipment and crews. The availability
of funds will determine the extent of the survey that can
be undertaken. A schedule should be established based
on the number of hours or days required to prepare the
structure (e.g., notify other trades) or arrange for access
(e.g., coordinate schedules of other individuals). This
includes identifying support crews and equipment that
may be required to assist with the condition assessment.
Personnel requirements must also be established (i.e.,
identify individuals who will conduct the survey such as
in-house inspectors, engineers, outside consultants, coating
contractors, or coating manufacturers). If a condition
assessment survey is to be performed by a consultant or
contractor, a written contract should be prepared. If a coating
manufacturer offers to do the assessment at no cost, the firm
should be asked to submit a written description of the plan
for the owner’s review, modification, and approval. There
are numerous contracting methods available for acquiring
condition assessments, structural inspections, and coating
work, including options ranging from acquiring each facet of
work by different contracts to using “turnkey” type contracts
to perform all inspection, structural repair, and coating work.
When more than one facet of work is included in a single
contract, steps should be taken to ensure the validity of each
facet prior to proceeding to the next facet.
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SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018
5.6.2 Required standards (e.g., standards such as
SSPC-VIS 2/ASTM D610 or equivalent) as well as field
equipment such as inspection forms (paper or electronic),
and a camera must be available. Audio or video recording
devices are optional.
5.7 CONDUCT ASSESSMENT SURVEY: The survey
should be conducted after the schedule and the standards
have been established. The owner’s representative
should ensure that all elements of the survey have been
properly performed, recorded correctly, and distributed to
predetermined personnel.
6. List Potential Maintenance Painting Options
(Step 2)
6.1 REVIEW SURVEY DATA AND COATING
OBJECTIVES AND CRITERIA
6.1.1 The corrective action to be taken is based on
the results of the previous surveys, the short and long-term
objectives of the coating program, special limitations, and
other relevant factors.
6.1.2 The data to be analyzed are those that have been
previously collected from an overview, visual inspection, or
physical inspection. If no formal survey was taken, use the
best information available (e.g., coating historical records) to
estimate the overall condition ratings.
6.2 CONSIDER ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: After the
data is reviewed, the available alternative actions should
be considered. These range from not coating to complete
coating removal and recoating.
6.3 NO MAINTENANCE REQUIRED FOR THREE
YEARS OR LONGER: In one possible scenario, the coating
is in good condition and no corrosion or deterioration
requires attention. In a second scenario, the coating may
be providing some protection but its condition is too poor to
salvage. Eventually, total coating removal will be needed, but
maintenance can be delayed without any significant harm
to the structure. This option may be considered under the
following circumstances:
6.3.1 The structure is in a mild environment and little
corrosion activity is expected at breaks in the coating film
over the next few years.
6.3.2 The extent of discoloration, topcoat erosion,
or general degradation is not very important, due to the
locations on the structure. In general, the coating is intact
and protection is still being provided.
6.3.3 The structure is being assigned a low priority for
maintenance because of economics, aesthetics, or other
reasons.
SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018
6.3.4 The structure is scheduled for major coating repair
or complete replacement within 3 years. The additional time
is not expected to add significantly to the corrosion metal
loss or the surface preparation cost.
6.3.5 The structure is due for demolition.
6.4 SPOT REPAIR ONLY: Spot repair entails surface
preparation and touch-up coating of localized areas of
deteriorated coating and corrosion. Surface preparation
methods may include hand or power tool cleaning; high-
or ultrahigh pressure waterjetting, or abrasive blasting.
The intact coating surrounding the degraded area should
be feathered onto the intact coating in accordance with
requirements of the project specification to permit a smooth
transition. Note that application of solvent-borne coatings
over feathered coating may result in lifted edges. Any
lifted coating should be removed prior to application of
subsequent coating. The cleaned areas are primed with a
coating compatible with the existing coating system and spot
topcoated to conform to the required DFT. In this particular
option, the remaining (i.e., intact) coating is not overcoated.
It should be noted that the spot repair method is primarily
a stopgap method. It is recommended that the structure be
re-evaluated within three to five years. Spot repair may be
considered under the following circumstances:
6.4.1 Repairs are hidden or in a low-visibility area and
thus unimportant to the aesthetics.
6.4.2 Owner maintenance crews are available for this
type of work.
6.4.3 Structures are small, not requiring extensive
scaffolding or hard-to-access areas.
6.4.4 Corrosion and degradation are limited to isolated
areas and relatively small sections, which amount to less
than 1% of the total area.
6.4.5 A decision has been made to upgrade small
isolated areas such as bearing areas, crevices, or areas
subject to leakage, condensation, or chemical splash.
6.5 SPOT REPAIR AND OVERCOATING: This
technique involves spot repair of deteriorated coating and
corroded areas followed by the application of a full finish
coating over the entire surface, including spot repaired areas
and intact coating areas. The intact coating surrounding
the degraded area must be feathered back. The repair
coating should extend at least 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches)
onto the intact coating to allow for a smoother transition
of the repair coating onto the existing coating and better
topcoat adhesion. The topcoat should be compatible with
the existing coating. The existing intact coating should be
cleaned of surface contaminants before total recoating. This
6
type of system would be expected to give perhaps five years
or more additional life to the entire surface area by helping to
prevent further deterioration of the intact coating. Successful
overcoating will often delay the need for a full coating
removal. Spot repair and overcoating may be considered
under the following circumstances:
6.5.1 An evaluation of risks in overcoating is a function
of adhesion and existing coating thickness, as outlined in
SSPC-TU 3. This risk analysis must be performed if risks
are to be managed, and while it is generally thought that
risks should be held to the range of “low” to “moderate,”
higher risks may be acceptable to the owner under certain
conditions.
6.5.2 The intact surface can be readily cleaned with
pressurized air, hand tools (SSPC-SP 2), power tools
(SSPC-SP 3), solvent or detergent wiping (SSPC-SP 1),
or power washing (as described in the SSPC/NACE joint
waterjetting standards, see Section 8.2.1). If low- or high-
pressure water cleaning (also called “power washing”)
is used, the maximum water pressure required should be
stated in the project specification.
6.5.3 If severely corroded surfaces (as described in
Section 6.6) are found, special cleaning methods and coating
systems may be required.
6.5.4 When corrosion and deterioration exceed 10 to
15% of the total area, project economics may suggest total
removal of the coating system.
6.6 COMPLETE RECOAT OF STRUCTURE OR
SUB-UNITS (ZONES): When the overall coating condition
is poor, when the remaining life of the structure or sub-unit
justifies the expense, and when funds are available, a
decision to recoat the structure in its entirety is usually
made. This involves removing the old coating and all of
the corrosion products before applying the replacement
coating system(s). Coating a sub-unit of a structure (often
called “zone” painting) may be a variation of this alternative
when funds are limited or when the remaining portions of
the structure are in good condition. This option presents a
much lower risk of early coating/corrosion problems (such
as catastrophic delamination or early rust back) than do the
alternative options.
6.7 OTHER REPAIR METHODS: On occasion, different
methods of cleaning, coating, or both may be required for
different areas or zones of the structure. A higher-performing
coating system (e.g., abrasive blast cleaning followed by
application of a zinc-rich epoxy/polyurethane system) may
be specified for high corrosion atmospheric areas of a
structure, such as areas subject to deicing salt, dripping,
or chemical spillage), with a lesser performing system
(such as hand or power tool cleaning followed by an alkyd
or a high-solids epoxy with good wetting) on less critical or

less corrosion-prone areas. Compatible topcoats may be
required to blend in with restored or rehabilitated portions of
the structure.
6.8 ADDITIONAL SURVEY: After an analysis of the
available data, an additional survey may be required. The
initial survey may have been too limited to provide sufficient
data to make remedial recommendations, or the survey may
have only looked at a portion of the structure or not examined
some specific details required, such as the integrity of the
coating near high-corrosion prone areas. The area may be
scheduled for other repair or outage work within a 2-year
period and may be re-assessed at that time.
7. Evaluate Economics of Available Options
(Step 3)
The act of contemplating coating application or
maintenance is, in effect, an analysis of the economics of
abating or slowing the effects of corrosion damage. The
variables involved in protective coatings often require a
variety of solutions, each of which will carry unique cost-
benefit factors. Many factors influence the selection of
coating systems. However, when considering maintenance
of existing coating systems, the factors are generally
restricted due to constraints imposed by the existing coating.
Still, there are generally multiple options available, and it is
important to consider the economic impacts of all options
prior to finalizing a design. The chapter “Painting Project
Costs” in the SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 1–Good
Painting Practice, provides general information about
the elements of maintenance painting costs.
8. Select Appropriate Maintenance Painting
Options and Establish Implementation
Procedures (Step 4)
Once a course of action has been determined, it
is essential that detailed specifications and supporting
documents be prepared to achieve that course of action.
8.1 IDENTIFY RELEVANT FACTORS FOR COATING
SYSTEM SELECTION
8.1.1 The selection of the coating system is influenced
not only by the type of recoating (e.g., spot repair or complete
recoat) but also by special factors such as restrictions due
to environmental, health, and safety regulations; budgets;
exposure environment; weather; or configuration and
contaminants. Thus, before choosing the coating system, it
is useful to identify these pertinent factors.
8.1.2 Abrasive blast cleaning may require containment
controls due to air quality concerns or the need to avoid
dust or abrasive rebound in sensitive areas. The presence
of hazards such as lead-based coatings on a structure will
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SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018
require special collection and containment devices–the type
of device being largely determined by the extent of lead-
based coating to be removed. Site-specific regulations on
the volatile organic compound (VOC) content may exclude
the use of previously used coatings. SSPC offers several
training courses designed to certify craft workers, for
example: C7, “Abrasive Blasting Program;” C12, “Airless
Spray Application Certification;” C13, “Water Jetting
Program;” “Plural Component Application for Polyureas and
High-Solids Coatings;” C10 “Floor Coating Basics;” and
CAS, “Coating Application Specialist Certification Program.”
In addition, the SSPC CAS program was developed to
meet the requirements of the joint standard SSPC-ACS 1/
NACE No. 13, issued by SSPC and NACE International, that
establishes a body of knowledge and evaluation criteria for
qualifying coating applicators.
8.1.3 Weather or configuration can also limit the selection
of coating systems. Many coatings (e.g., conventional
epoxies, water-borne acrylics) are best applied above 10˚C
(50˚F). Other coatings are sensitive to high humidity or
low humidity (e.g., inorganic zinc-rich primers). In certain
configurations, spray application may not be permitted
because of high wind or overspray on sensitive equipment
or automobiles.
8.1.4 The exposure environment is a major determinant
of the type of coating system. Typically, exposure
environments are classified according to the presence of
soluble salts, pollution, sunlight exposure, rain/humidity, or
chemicals.
8.1.5 The existing condition of the structure must be
known. For spot repair or overcoating, the compatibility
of the new coats over existing ones should be verified by
a patch test, as shown in SSPC-TU 3. If the patch coating
shows no adverse physical effects (e.g., lifting of the existing
coating) or appearance effects (e.g., bleeding) on the
existing coating, it should be considered compatible with it. In
addition, the patch test, when evaluated over a period of six
months or more, can provide important data on the physical
compatibility (stress) of the new coating over the old.
8.1.6 The ability of the coating to tolerate residual soluble
salts will directly affect the time to early rust-back. SSPC-
Guide 15 addresses salt remediation testing. The coating
to be applied must be tolerant of the level of contaminant
present.
8.2 SELECT SURFACE PREPARATION METHODS
AND COATING MATERIALS FOR COMPLETE RECOAT
STRATEGY
8.2.1 Select Surface Preparation Methods: SSPC and
other organizations have well-defined standards for most of
these requirements, which can readily be incorporated into
SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018

a specification. Available surface preparation techniques for 8.2.3.1 An important part of the specification is the
complete recoating include conventional dry abrasive blast coating film thickness. Both a minimum and a maximum dry
cleaning (SSPC-SP 5/NACE No. 1, SSPC-SP 10/NACE film thickness should be specified (see SSPC-PA 2).
No. 2, SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3, SSPC-SP 14/NACE No. 8,
and SSPC-SP 7/NACE No. 4), wet abrasive blast cleaning 8.2.3.2 The application methods are normally governed
(SSPC-SP 5 (WAB)/NACE WAB-1, SSPC-SP 10 (WAB)/ by the materials selected and are stipulated by coating
NACE WAB-2, SSPC-SP 6 (WAB)/NACE WAB-3, SSPC-SP manufacturers on their data sheets. SSPC-PA 1 is a standard
14(WAB)/NACE WAB- 8, and SSPC-SP 7 (WAB)/NACE for best industry practice when applying coatings to steel
WAB-4), vacuum blasting, and high- and ultrahigh pressure substrates that supplements the coating manufacturer’s
water jetting (SSPC-SP WJ-1/NACE WJ-1, SSPC-SP WJ-2/ application instructions. If there is a contradiction between
NACE WJ-2, SSPC-SP WJ-3/NACE WJ-3, and SSPC-SP the two recommendations, that of the coating manufacturer
WJ-4/NACE WJ-4. It is important to specify the degree of should take precedence.
cleanliness and the surface profile (for blast cleaning), the
degree of salt or contaminant remediation, and the need 8.3 SELECT SURFACE PREPARATION METHODS
for solvent cleaning and/or water washing prior to blast AND COATING MATERIALS FOR SPOT REPAIR OR
cleaning. Waterjetting can neither alter nor create profile, but SPOT REPAIR AND OVERCOATING
can expose existing profile.
An important consideration when blast cleaning is 8.3.1 Determine Techniques and Standards for
the collection and disposal of blasting debris. SSPC- Repair, Surface Preparation, and Recoating
Guide 6 provides guidance on the selection of the type of
8.3.1.1 When making spot repairs, it is necessary to
containment based on the type of surface preparation being
determine the precise areas requiring repair. Areas where
performed. It can also be used to provide guidance on the
coating can be removed by moderate scraping with a dull
level of containment that is necessary for a job. Guidance is
putty knife will require spot repair. Residual loose material
provided on ventilation, air flow, and dust emissions. SSPC-
will prevent proper spot repair.
Guide 7 provides guidance on the disposal of hazardous
surface preparation debris once it has been contained and
8.3.1.2 One important decision to be made is whether
collected.
abrasive blast cleaning will be used for spot repair
If the surface preparation techniques discussed herein
maintenance. Abrasive blasting may be used for brush-off
cannot be used, it may be necessary to clean to a less
cleaning (SSPC-SP 7/NACE No. 4) or industrial blast
desirable surface condition and to apply a replacement
cleaning (SSPC-SP 14/NACE No. 8). To provide a higher
coating(s) over a surface that is not completely rust and
level of cleaning with the total removal of rust and coating,
coating free. In such instances, the primer must be tolerant
SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 or greater may be specified for spot
of the surface condition. Certain power tools are also
repair areas. Brush-off blast cleaning may be used to remove
capable of removing existing rust and coating (SSPC-SP
loose coating or rust. Brush-off blast cleaning or some other
11 or SSPC-SP 15) but generally at much lower production
surface treatment may be necessary to obtain acceptable
rates. Coating system life expectancy is likely to decrease if
adhesion between the existing intact coating and the repair
the level of surface preparation is lowered.
or overcoating system. Great care must be exercised when
spot blasting to avoid over-blast damage to adjacent intact
8.2.2 Select Coating Materials: The selection of the
coating that does not need to be blasted. Spot blasting is
coating system often involves two phases: first, identifying
generally not recommended for areas of repair of less than
the generic types (e.g., zinc-rich/epoxy/polyurethane); and
0.1 m2 (1 ft2) or when the total repair is less than 5 to 10
second, identifying the criteria for selecting materials. The
percent of the total surface area, unless a lesser degree of
specification may utilize generic compositions, a qualified
cleaning cannot be tolerated.
product list of proprietary materials, or other approaches.
In the coating specification, the owner should describe
8.3.1.3 Alternatives to spot blast cleaning include hand
the procedures for qualification and acceptance criteria
tool cleaning (SSPC-SP 2), conventional power tool cleaning
for the coating materials. For qualification, the supplier
(SSPC-SP 3), commercial grade power tool cleaning
may be required to furnish evidence of previous use of the
(SSPC-SP 15), special (profiling) power tool cleaning
coatings on similar structures, or laboratory tests of physical
(SSPC-SP 11), and vacuum or wet blasting methods.
properties, accelerated corrosion and weathering properties,
These methods may be used easily with vacuum assists for
and application properties. These properties should be
containment.
certified by the manufacturer or an independent laboratory.
For new technology coatings, extensive service data may not
8.3.1.4. After spot cleaning, the cleaned areas are
be available. The owner may also require some verification
coated with a primer that extends over the feathered edges
that the material delivered to the job site is the same as that
of the intact coating to overlap them 2.5 to 5 cm (1 to 2
which was originally qualified.

8

inches) onto the sound, intact coating. This will minimize
edge lifting and will provide a better appearance.
8.3.2 Select Coating Materials for Spot Repair or
Spot Repair with Overcoating.
8.3.2.1 The selection of the coatings will be determined
by the need for compatibility with the existing coating and
the degree of surface preparation achievable. Unless
otherwise specified, most coatings are suitable for
application to bare metal surfaces prepared in accordance
with the manufacturer’s product data sheets so the main
concern is compatibility with the existing coating (i.e., spot-
repaired areas). See SSPC-TU 3 for detailed instructions for
performing and evaluating patch testing.
8.3.2.2 The selection of the coating materials for spot
repair is guided by the same considerations as for full
recoat. For spot repair of small areas, a brushable primer
is advantageous. It is also important that the primer be
compatible with the existing intact coating because it is
necessary to have the spot repair overlap the intact coating.
As an example, an organic zinc-rich coating is normally used
instead of an inorganic zinc-rich coating for spot repair of
a damaged inorganic zinc coating with an organic finish
coat, because the inorganic zinc-rich coating does not bond
sufficiently to either organic or inorganic coatings. Additional
information on repair of damaged galvanized or inorganic zinc
coatings is given in SSPC-Guide 14.
8.3.2.3 The coatings selected for the full topcoat must
be compatible with both the spot primer and the existing
intact coating.
8.3.2.4 The requirements for application, film thickness,
material qualifications, and acceptance criteria are the same
as those for applying a full recoat system. For spot repair,
however, it is essential that the requirements for determining
which areas are to be repaired should be clear and definitive.
Discussion of these items should be included in the pre-bid
and pre-job meetings.
8.4 PREPARE SPECIFICATION
8.4.1 The project specification provides the basis for the
cost and execution of the work. It is essential that the project
specification provide a complete description of the desired
work by prescribing specific procedures, processes, and
materials or by describing the work product. The specification
must also provide
• Criteria for acceptance or rejection of work as well
as remedies for unacceptable work.
• Specific inspection requirements not covered by
the standards referenced from within the project
specification (see Section A.17)
• A statement requiring compliance with applicable
environmental, health and safety (EHS) regulations
9
SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018
• Any project-specific EHS requirements
• Remedies for unacceptable work
8.4.2 A project specification should be prepared using
the general format of the Construction Specification Institute
(CSI). Chapter 3 of The Inspection of Coatings and Linings:
A Handbook of Basic Practice for Inspectors, Owners, and
Specifiers provides a description of the CSI format and its
parts or specific owner’s format requirements. Additional
information for preparing a project specification for protective
coating work can be found in SSPC-TR 4/NACE 80200 and
the SSPC Technical Insight Report “Preparing and Using
Coating Specifications.” Appendix A provides additional
information that should be considered during preparation
of the project specification, including recommendations for
selection of qualified contractors.
8.4.3 Contractor Qualifications: Contractor experience
and qualifications to perform the specified work should be
considered.
9. Implement Maintenance Painting Options
(Step 5)
9.1 The contractor should be made aware of the
requirements for the specific project prior to the bidding
process.
9.1 Pre-bid meetings should be scheduled to address
all sections of the specification and hold points required.
A pre-bid site visit to the jobsite is highly recommended,
especially for field work.
9.3 The owner should have defined quality assurance
plans to ensure that the contractor is performing within the
requirements of the project specification.
9.4 Following award of the contract, and prior to
project startup, the contractor’s Quality Control procedures
and project work plan should be reviewed. A pre-project
meeting may be necessary to address any clarifications to,
or apparent inconsistencies in, project requirements or the
contractor’s work plan.
9.5 Provide oversight as the contractor cleans and
coats the structure.
10. Plan and Implement Follow-up Activities
(Step 6)
10.1 BENEFITS OF FOLLOW-UP: An important part of a
maintenance coating program is to monitor the performance
of the applied coatings system, for both short-term and
long-term effects. In the short term, certain inspections and
follow-ups are necessary to ensure that the contractor has
fulfilled the requirements of the contract. For the long-term,
there are certain beneficial measures that can be taken to
SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018
minimize the onset of corrosion and information that can be
collected that will facilitate future decisions on maintaining
the structure.
10.2 ESTABLISH NEED FOR PERIODIC INSPECTION:
Initial inspection of the structure should be made within 6
to 12 months after coating application, especially in cases
where there are surfaces such as edges or bolts that will
delaminate or rust within a short period due to difficult
surface preparation or application, or especially severe
service conditions. If these areas are discovered and are
corrected within the first year, the time interval until the next
maintenance may be extended. Some agencies require
a one-year touchup provision as part of a contractor’s
obligations in the contract to cover such contingencies. Other
warranted work should also be inspected prior to expiration
of the warranty.
10.3 ESTABLISH SCHEDULES FOR CONDITION
ASSESSMENT: In addition to periodic inspection, a structure
should be scheduled for a periodic condition assessment.
Depending on the type of structure and the environment,
the first condition assessment would normally be conducted
about 5 years after the original application and every 3
years thereafter. Specific rating sheets or parameters to be
assessed should be made available to inspection personnel.
The condition assessment should be similar to the survey
data required in Section 5 of this guide.
10.4 ENSURE PROPER DOCUMENTATION AND
FILING OF HISTORICAL INFORMATION: Before the job
is officially accepted, it is necessary that all documentation
be completed. The record of the daily inspection logs and
the records of the coatings procured, used, discarded, or
disposed of should be properly stored in the owner files. It
should be verified that the retained samples of the coating
are properly labeled and stored for future reference.
10.5 INSTITUTE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
MEASURES: In some cases, regular removal of contaminants
can eliminate potential problems before they become severe.
Examples are chemical spills or concentrations of de-icing
salts. In some cases, moderate design changes can be
made that will eliminate water or other chemicals collecting
in crevices or other areas vulnerable to corrosion attack.
11. Notes
Numerous public and private entities have been
successful in using scheduled facility inspections, such as
bridge safety inspections, as the “first cut” in determining
coating condition. Depending on the processes used for such
inspections, it is feasible to train facility inspectors to perform
surveys that range from “General Overview Condition
Assessment” to “Detailed Visual Inspection,” as described in
Section 5.3. It requires a relatively small additional inspection
10
time to evaluate and record the ratings of individual structures
or structural elements. This information will normally prove
extremely valuable in evaluating maintenance painting
options, especially in developing the most cost effective life-
cycle maintenance strategy.
12. Disclaimer
12.1 This guide has been developed through a
consensus review process by SSPC: The Society for
Protective Coatings. SSPC guides are intended to provide
consensus recommendations for best industry practice. They
are not written as requirements that may be cited in a contract.
However, specifiers may incorporate information from an
SSPC guide into project-specific contract requirements.
12.2 While every precaution is taken to ensure that
all information furnished in SSPC guides is as accurate,
complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot assume
responsibility nor incur any obligation resulting from the use
of any materials, coatings, or methods described herein, or
of the guide itself.
12.3 This guide does not attempt to address problems
concerning safety and health associated with its use. The
user of this guide, as well as the user of all products or
practices described herein, is responsible for instituting
appropriate health and safety practices and for ensuring
compliance with all applicable governmental regulations.
13. Bibliography
The following reference materials may contain useful
supplementary information:
“Environmentally Acceptable Materials for Corrosion Protec-
tion of Steel Bridges,” Appendix 1 from Environmen-
tal Guidelines for Painting Practices. Washington DC:
FHWA, 1997. (FHWA Report RD-96-058).
Guide to Bridge Painting, FHWA TS-89-14. Washington DC:
Highway Administration, 1989.
Inspection of Coatings and Linings: A Handbook of Basic
Practice for Inspectors, Owners, and Specifiers. Rich-
ard W. Drisko, and Thomas A. Jones, eds. Pittsburgh,
PA: SSPC, 2014. (SSPC Publication 03-14).
King, Jim, “Painting Project Costs,” Steel Structures Painting
Manual, Vol. 1, Good Painting Practice, 5th ed., Chapter
7.2 (Pittsburgh PA: SSPC, 2016).
“Protective Systems for Steel Bridges,” Section 16.4, Bridge
Inspector’s Training Manual 90, produced by Michael
Baker, Jr., Inc. Washington DC: FHWA, 1991. FHWA-
PD-91-015.

SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 1–Good Painting Practice
5th Edition. (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC, 2016.)
“Preparing and Using Protective Coating Specifications,”
SSPC Technical Insight Report (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC).
“SSPC Checklist of Items Commonly Found in Specifica-
tions for Coating Steel and Concrete,” SSPC Technical
Insight Report (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC).
“SSPC Guide for Planning Coatings Inspection,” SSPC
Technical Insight Report (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC).
SSPC-Guide 15, “Field Methods for Retrieval and Analysis of
Soluble Salts on Steel and Other Nonporous Substrates”
(latest revision) (Pittsburgh, PA: SSPC).
Trimber, Kenneth A. Industrial Lead Paint Removal
Handbook, 2nd ed. Pittsburgh, PA: KTA-Tator, Inc.,
1993.
Trimber, Kenneth A. and Daniel P. Adley, CIH, CSP. Project
Design: Industrial Lead Paint Removal Handbook, Vol-
ume II. Pittsburgh, PA: KTA-Tator, Inc., 1995.
Appendix A. Other Considerations in Preparing
Contract Documents and Executing Maintenance
Coating Projects
The items below are intended to provide the owner’s
representative with a summary of items to be considered
when preparing contract documents and following up as the
project evolves.
A.1 BENEFITS OF WELL-PREPARED CONTRACTS:
A well-planned and designed contract will benefit both the
owner and the contractor as follows:
• Reduce the cost of the work to the owner.
• Provide clear expectations of work to be performed.
• Eliminate unnecessary contingencies for the
contractor.
• Provide for a smooth, trouble-free workflow without
costly interruptions.
• Identify and anticipate possible problems, avoid
them when possible, and provide means to resolve
them when they occur.
• Complete the work safely.
• Provide measurement and payment criteria.
A.2 QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR
CONTRACTORS
A.2.1 Pre-Qualification of Contracting Firms:
Many agencies have adopted guidelines or procedures for
screening or re-qualifying contractors based on references
or actual job evaluations. SSPC, through its Painting
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SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018
Contractor Certification Program (PCCP), has established
a program for certifying contractors. The QP 1 program
is for field paint application, the QP 3 program is for shop
application firms, and the QP 2 program is for the removal of
hazardous coatings. The QP 6 program is for certification of
thermal spray application contractors, the QP 8 program is
for certification of contractors applying coatings to concrete
substrates, and the QP 9 program qualifies contractors
who apply architectural paints and coatings. In addition,
numerous owners require that a contractor be bonded to
cover the estimated cost of the work.
A.2.2 Qualifications for Applicators and Blasters:
Some state and other agencies require that the applicators
demonstrate their abilities to attain specified quality of
cleaning and coating application. ASTM D4228 may be used
to qualify applicators. SSPC offers several training courses
designed for craft workers, for example: C7 “Abrasive Blasting
Program;” C12 “Airless Spray Application Certification;” C13
“Water Jetting Program;” “Plural Component Application
for Polyureas and High-Solids Coatings;” C10 “Floor
Coating Basics;” and CAS “Coating Application Specialist
Certification Program”. In addition, the SSPC CAS program
was developed to meet the requirements of the joint
standard SSPC-ACS 1/NACE No. 13, issued by SSPC and
NACE International, that establishes a body of knowledge
and evaluation criteria for qualifying coating applicators.
A.2.3 Union or Labor Requirements: Some
jurisdictions may be restricted to union shops.
A.3 PROTECTION OF EXISTING PLANT FACILITY
AND EQUIPMENT: Identify all the steps that should be
taken by the contractor and/or owner to protect the existing
plant facility and equipment from the planned operations.
Establish hold points to verify that the proper protection is in
place prior to proceeding with operations. Identify on plans
or in the scope of work if the coating is or may be hazardous.
A.4 SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: All employers must
prepare a safety plan, including both facility owners and
contractors. When contractors are working at a particular
facility, their site-specific safety plan must incorporate
the relevant issues. The safety plan used is likely to be
an amalgamation of the standard safety plan of both the
owner and the contractor. Depending upon the particular
situation, the plan may be prepared by the facility owner,
the contractor, or by both working together, but it should be
understood and approved by both parties. All employers
must provide personal protective equipment (PPE), including
specific equipment such as respirators, and training in its
use. Safe working conditions are the responsibility of the
employer. Such responsibility is more easily defined at
a fixed facility where all the workers are employed by the
same company than at a complex construction site where
there are many different companies working together.
Nevertheless, all safety precautions must be made, and
SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018
it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that safety
issues are recognized, and the risks are minimized. Any
details not completely understood should be resolved in
the pre-construction conference and at subsequent other
conferences. All HAZCOM requirements, including labeling
and material safety data sheets, must be met. The SSPC
Painting Manual Volume 1–Good Painting Practice provides
additional guidance on safety issues in the coating industry.
A.5 HAZARDOUS WASTE: The owner shall notify the
contractor if lead, cadmium, chromium-containing paints or
other hazardous materials are to be removed. The contractor
should identify the requirements to remove lead, chromium,
or cadmium-containing paints, or other toxic materials. The
owner should also indicate the extent of responsibility of the
contractor for generating, containing, collecting samples,
testing, and disposing of hazardous waste.
A.6 ACCESS FOR INSPECTION: The contractor should
provide for reasonable access to the work for the owner’s
inspectors, including use of the contractor’s scaffolding,
work platforms, and safety apparatus.
A.7 OWNER-FURNISHED ITEMS AND SERVICES:
It is often necessary and/or economically beneficial to the
owner to make various items and services available to the
contractor. These may include: laydown/storage areas,
electric power, potable water, restrooms, etc. For any utilities
provided, the owner should identify locations, pressures,
amounts, fittings, voltages, and other pertinent operating
details. The contractor should identify any owner-furnished
items or services.
A.8 WARRANTY/GUARANTEE: The most common
warranty for coating work is a one-year warranty against
defective materials and job quality. Extended period
performance warranties are becoming more common,
and, when utilized, should be formulated to correlate with
the specific coating systems selected. Warranties should
clearly identify the party responsible for the warranty and
what conditions will trigger the warranty repair, any required
inspection schedules, what is expected of the warranty
repairs, etc.
A.9 PERSONNEL AND COATING CONSUMPTION
RECORDS: Information regarding personnel resources
and coating quantities can be beneficial in preparing cost
estimates for similar work. Tracking mechanisms should
be defined in the contract documents. Also, owners should
request copies of contractor inspection reports and daily logs
for their files.
A.10 TYPE OF CONTRACT: The SSPC training
courses “Developing an Effective Coating Specification”
and “Evaluating Common Coating Contract Clauses” and
the SSPC Technical Insight Report “Preparing and Using
12
Protective Coating Specifications” provide additional
information about types of contracts, bids, and proposals.
A.11 PROCEDURES FOR OWNER-CONTRACTOR
RELATIONS
A.11.1 Identification of Owner and Contractor
Representatives: The contractor and owner should each
appoint an authorized representative to whom all required
notifications are given, through whom contract changes are
processed, and who is responsible for contract coordination
and resolution of non-conformances and other problems.
Ensure that all personnel are familiar with responsibilities
and procedures and that the authorities of engineer,
inspector, field supervisor, and coating manufacturer’s
representative are defined. In particular, identify the person
who is responsible for inspection and that person’s affiliation
(e.g., owner’s representative, third party, or other). Review
procedures established for handling and disposing of waste.
A.11.2 Interface with Plant Operation: The contract
should identify all plant operations and operations of other
contractors that will be ongoing in the work area. The contract
should outline how the coating work will interface with these
operations and what precautions will be necessary. Special
efforts should be made so that conflicting operations, such
as welding and spray coating, do not occur simultaneously
in the same area.
A.12 PREPARE CONTRACT AND SCHEDULE: It is
useful to prepare a list of the various activities required in
securing the contracts and the time allotted for each of these.
Typical elements of this schedule are as follows:
a. Prepare Contract Documents
b. Notice Inviting Proposals
c. Pre-Bid Conference
d. Pre-Bid Demonstration/Inspection
e. Proposal Due Date
f. Post-Bid Meetings and Clarifications
g. Negotiations, if allowed
h. Contract Award
i. Pre-Job Conference/Demonstration
j. Contract Start Date
k. Contract Termination Date
l. Owner Acceptance Date
m. Warranty Date
n. EEO requirements
Specific sample clauses for these and other details
required in obtaining contracts may be found in SSPC-TR 4/
NACE 80200.
A.13 PRE-BID CONFERENCE: All prospective or
qualified bidders are invited to attend a meeting with the
owner’s representative to review the bid package. This
review would normally include an explanation of the surface
cleaning and application requirements, the nature of the
structure, its condition, access to the structure, special

restrictions (e.g., on blast cleaning safety requirements), and
answer any questions the contractor might have. Ordinarily,
an actual visit to the structures or facility to be coated should
be required. Many contractors are reluctant to attend pre-bid
meetings because of the cost and time, or simply because
they do not want to let their interests be known. For major
and critical projects, experienced owners often make pre-bid
attendance mandatory because it eliminates problems that
occur when contractors are not familiar with the structure or
the terms of the specifications. Some public agencies do not
permit such meetings because they feel that the additional
travel expense is unfair to contractors from remote locations.
A.14 REVIEW BID AND AWARD CONTRACT: This
operation is usually strictly governed by owner legal policies
and requirements. The contractor who has met the previous
requirement with the lowest bid is generally awarded the
contract in the competitive bidding system.
A.15 PRE-JOB CONFERENCE: This meeting is held
between the owner and the contractor hired to do the job.
Owners may need to include representatives from their
internal safety and environmental departments in these
meetings. The contractor should bring the field superintendent
and the company principal or company representative. The
purpose of this meeting is to review in detail the specific
work assignments, schedules, needs for coordination, and
procedures for formal and informal communication. The
conference must include a review of (1) the contractor’s
working methods; (2) inspection hold points, test procedures,
and criteria; and (3) the authorities and responsibilities of
different individuals involved in the work. Any agreements
reached at this conference, or other subsequent owner/
contractor conferences, should be written down and signed
by both parties, so that they become part of the contract.
Any differences not resolved in advance may result in costly
change orders later. The pre-construction conference should
also include a visit to the work site to ensure that conditions
there do not deviate from the descriptions in the specification,
and to identify safety hazards, facilities, and equipment that
require protection or special care, and safety and emergency
systems available. Significant site differences from those
in the specification constitute one of the leading causes of
project change orders.
A.16 COATINGS PROCUREMENT: Either the owner or
the contractor may procure the coatings. In either case, it is
necessary to verify that the coatings meet the specification.
The owner’s inspector should verify that the agreed-upon
coating materials supplied to the job site are properly labeled,
that proper certifications have been obtained, and that
samples are retained for testing by the owner’s laboratory,
an independent laboratory, or for future reference. Any
exceptions or replacements should be noted. Pre-sampling,
testing, and approval prior to shipment can help assure that
approved material arrives on the job. This can help prevent
job delays.
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A.17 QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL:
Quality management is an important part of any maintenance
program. The purpose of the quality management QA/QC
program is to ensure that the processes and work products
are in conformance with the specified criteria. The CSI
specification format includes QC under Part 3, Execution.
The CSI approach requires the contractor to execute the QC
program. The contractor is responsible for quality control.
The processes need to be verified, which requires the
contractor to perform various inspection functions related
to the QC effort. The owner has the option of providing
additional verification via third party or in-house inspection
to verify implementation of the contractor’s Quality Control
program. (This concept is often misinterpreted as meaning
the QC program will be executed by the owner, utilizing
in-house personnel or independent third-party inspectors,
with the contractor providing no quality control effort.)
Another option for the owner is to require the contractor to
implement an advanced Quality Management System that
requires the contractor to perform quality assurance on its
quality control procedures. A third option is for the owner or
specifier to require the contractor to submit a detailed work
plan that includes the contractor’s production processes
and Quality Control procedures for each step of the project.
That work plan is then reviewed by the owner for procedural
conformance. Qualified personnel are essential to the
execution of any quality management program. Qualified
inspector qualification programs, such as SSPC’s Protective
Coatings Inspector Program, Bridge Coating Inspector
Program or equivalent for individual inspectors, or SSPC-QP
5 for coating and lining inspection companies, are excellent
tools for obtaining qualified inspectors. Both the contractor
and the owner should use only qualified inspectors. The
inspectors can be utilized in either a quality control role or
a quality assurance role. The content of the QC program
as described in the specification is also important. The
QC program must include appropriate methods and tools
with suitable references. Inspection frequency, distribution,
and data analysis methods must also be described. The
correct amount frequency, type, and degree of inspection
is important. Inadequate inspection may not identify serious
deficiencies. Over-inspection may increase the cost of the
coating project while returning little or no additional benefits.
There are numerous guides, such as Inspection of Coatings
and Linings: A Handbook of Basic Practice for Inspectors,
Owners, and Specifiers, the SSPC Guide for Planning
Coating Inspection and ASTM D3276, which may be used
to develop project-specific coating inspection plans for steel
substrates.
Summary of 2018 Revisions:
This revision was mainly an editorial update of the 2004
version of SSPC PA Guide 5, updating references and
adding clarifications where appropriate. There were no
significant technical revisions to the Guide.
SSPC-PA Guide 5
February 12, 2018

Copyright © 2018
SSPC standards, guides, and technical reports are copyrighted
world-wide by SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. Any
photocopying, re-selling, or redistribution of these standards,
guides, and technical reports by printed, electronic, or any other
means is strictly prohibited without the express written consent
of SSPC: The Society of Protective Coatings and a formal
licensing agreement.

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