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30 JANUARY 2017 COATINGSPROMAG.COM sudden breakage may cause injuries. • SSPC-SP-3/ISO St2 or St3: Power Tool Cleaning. Inspectors often perform in-process inspection of this step in the surface cleaning procedure. Use of the power tools and testing with a dull putty knife usually create hazard- ous airborne debris. As such, it is essential to use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a dust/vapor mask, eye protection, and protective clothing. • NACE/SSPC and ISO Blast Cleaning. Abrasive blasting operation is capable of producing high sound levels ranging between 110 and 125 dBa. Hearing loss is only one of the hazards posed by such high sound levels. If the inspector is working in the vicinity of blast operations, it is imperative for the inspector to use hearing protection and any other required PPE. A fter a contractor conducts blast cleaning, an inspector usually examines the surface and marks any areas requiring touch-up work. Inspection and markup is usually performed during the contractor's breaks and lunches. T he time frame for inspection is limited, and the inspector may often be rushed in performing his or her duties. Inspection during this stage presents slip, trip, and fall hazards associated with working around the contractor's equipment (e.g., hoses, access machines, and pressurized equipment). The inspector should pay close attention to where he or she is walking and working to avoid these hazards. The presence of airborne particles left from blasting also requires that the inspector wear the appropriate PPE. • Rework on the Abrasive Blasted Area. Contractors sometimes want to finish any necessary rework as soon as possible so that they do not miss the coating application window. The inspector must identify the rework and inform the contractor to start rework only upon completion of the inspection process. Inspectors often do not wear abrasive blasting suits, and hence starting abrasive blasting while the inspector is in the vicinity may pose physical hazard. • Anchor Profile Readings. Anchor profile readings should be taken as soon as possible every day to measure surface roughness. The battery-operated testing equipment may not be intrinsically safe and may ignite vapor or particulates. The manufacturer's Safety Data Sheet (SDS) should always be available to inform of proper PPE requirements. Frequently, respiratory protection is required for the inspector while taking profile readings. Paint Application and Testing Inspection during coating application is ongoing, often requiring the inspector to be present throughout the process. Each type of coating poses a different hazard, including respiratory, injection, or ingestion. e SDS is the first place to look for PPE requirements needed for the applicator and inspector for the products being applied. e tools used to take dry and wet film thickness (DFT and WFT) readings have their own hazards. ere is a possibility of toxic levels of solvent vapors remaining in the area, and the SDS should be consulted for PPE requirements to mitigate those concerns. Again, the inspector should avoid using cell phones in this poten- tially explosive environment. Once the coating is applied, the inspector should be moving to his or her next job. Inspecting coatings for pinholes and coating defects (e.g., holidays) requires the use of low and high voltage testers that are not intrinsi- cally safe. ey pose a threat of electrical sparks (and potential fires or explo- sions) and severe electrical shock during testing. Using this inspection equipment requires PPE that may not be needed for other inspection duties. Inspectors should consult the equipment manufac- turers' SDSs for the necessary PPE. If destructive testing is required of the inspector, he or she may need to know that some destructive tools use batteries to illuminate a built-in magni- fier, which can introduce explosion hazards. One well-known destructive testing tool is the paint inspection gage. e inspector must obtain written permission from the asset owner before administering the test. e cutting tip of the tool as it comes in contact with steel has the potential to ignite sparks. W hile making a cut with the gage, using excessive force may cause the tool to slip and cause injuries. Another tool that the inspector may need is the pull-off adhesion tester. Some models use a hydraulic or pneumatic pump to create a vertical pull on the dolly. In case of excessive pressure, there is always a chance of a hydraulic burst, creating an oil spill, which itself is a great hazard. Electronic models pose the threat of electric sparks. is issue can be avoided in confined spaces if the inspector uses an air monitor. Conclusion Ultimately, the inspector is responsible for his or her personal safety and to know how to safely use any necessary tools or equipment. Inspectors must do their research and get proper training from a trained professional. CP Gerard A. Marley is a member of t he Inter nat iona l Union of Pa inters and A l l ied Trades (IUPAT), NACE Inter nat iona l , and SSPC. He is cur rent ly ret ired but cont inues to teach NACE Coat ing Inspector Prog ram (CIP) courses world- w ide. For more infor mat ion, contact: Gerard Marley, ger r y.marley@ya hoo.com Her amb Trifaley is a pa int appl icat ion technolog ist. He is a NACE Cer t if ied Level 3 Coat ing Inspector and member of NACE Inter nat iona l. He is an independent coat ings consu ltant work ing in t he coat ings indust r y in Ind ia , Ma laysia , and sur round ing count r ies and is a lso a NACE CIP Inst r uctor. For more infor mat ion, contact: Heramb Tr ifa ley, t r ifa ley.heramb@g ma i l.com Inspector's Corner