SSPC EVALUATION CHECKLIST

MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES

COMPANY POLICY

Mission Statement• Mission statement available.• On company letterhead and signed by the President, CEO, or OO• Posted in shop where employees can see it.• Contains declarations on quality and safety environmental compliance goals/commitments.• Updated/Reaffirmed annually

Disseminating Company PoliciesThere is evidence that management disseminates policies to employees through such means as• Employee manual or handbook• New employee orientation• Work force conferences

ORGANIZATION AND PERSONNEL

Organization Chart• Organization chart exists.• Lines of responsibility are shown.• Interviews and documentation (e.g., correspondence) confirm that lines of responsibility reflect company practice.• Updated or reaffirmed annually.

Job Descriptions For Management PersonnelKey Management Personnel are: General Management, QC, Production, Safety & EC, and Purchasing• Written job descriptions for key management personnel exist.• Responsibilities are clearly stated• Interviews and documentation confirm that duties match job descriptions.

Management Training• Training (in-house or external) is available.• Evidence exists that personnel attend.• Training attended corresponds with job functions.• Management personnel have adequate training to perform their \ job functions.• No formal training available, but management personnel each have coatings industry experience (at least 3.5 years)

• There is evidence that management personnel participate in the activities of coatings industry technical societies and trade associations.

ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT

Financial Recordkeeping• Recognized accounting system in place.• Tax returns filed as required.• Insurances (e.g. liability; workers comp) are current.• Employees/workers paid by the company.• Job costs are tracked.

Methods for Reviewing Specifications and Inquiry Documentation• Management reviews specification and inquiry documents.• Evaluation criteria are used to define requirements.• Internal discussion is coordinated and results are recorded in writing.

Procedures for Complying with Regulations *CRITICAL ITEM*• Someone is designated to keep abreast of environmental, safety, and health regulations affecting the shop’s operations.• There is a history of someone performing these duties.• New regulations and changes are communicated to affected shop personnel.

TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

TECHNICAL RESOURCES

Industry Group Affiliations• Shop maintains affiliation(s) with industry group(s) that provide information on surface preparation and application technology relevant to shop’s practice.

Standards LibraryShop personnel have access to and are aware of current versions of• SSPC Volume II• Applicable standards issued by ASTM, NACE, and others relevant to shop’s practice.• Applicable PDS’s & MSDS are available.

TECHNICAL PROCEDURES

Recording Specifications and Revisions *CRITICAL ITEM*• Shop records/logs receipt of specifications/revisions.

• Record kept of who gets copies.• Superseded documents are removed from the workplace.• Recipients sign for copies.• Responsibilities for issue & holding of specifications and revisions are clearly defined

Clarifying Ambiguous Specifications *CRITICAL ITEM*• There is evidence of correspondence or other communication noting exceptions to specifications such as ambiguous requirements, errors, omissions, conflicting statements or other clarification.

Communicating Job/Shop Procedures *CRITICAL ITEM*• There is evidence that shop informs QC and Production of procedures required to meet clients’ specifications.• Latest revisions of clients’ specifications are available.• QC and Production acknowledge receipt.

Requests for Deviation from the Specification *CRITICAL ITEM*• A process exists for requesting and obtaining appropriate approval from the owner for deviations from contract requirements.

EXPERIENCE, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES

Work Experience• Shop has provided evidence that it performs surface preparation by abrasive blasting and has applied industrial protective coatings for the industry groups described in submittal.• Shop can demonstrate surface preparation capabilities described in submittal.• Shop can demonstrate application of generic coating systems described in submittal.• Shop can demonstrate that it is capable of maintaining temperature conditions required by mfg. for coating material storage.• Shop can demonstrate that it protects coating material from rain or flooding or fire hazards or other environmental conditions.

EquipmentEquipment necessary to perform surface preparation, coating application, and material handling is present or available.

Surface Preparation•dust collectors •blast pots •dehumidifiers

•power tools •compressors •steam cleaning units •centrifugal blast machines •abrasive recovery units

Application•airless or conventional spray units •power agitation •phosphate, acid, other dip tanks •baking ovens •heaters

Materials Handling•lifting tackle •lift trucks •cranes (overhead & fixed) rated for type of work performed

Maintenance/Repair of Equipment•Shop has a written preventive maintenance plan or copies of manufacturer’s maintenance manual and repair intervals for major equipment.•There is evidence (e.g., maintenance records, service/repair invoices, witnessed operation) that manufacturer’s maintenance schedules are followed, where applicable.

Do Shop Personnel:•check for excessive wear on blast wheel components per mfg’s recommendations•check for major system leaks (e.g., hoses and piping)•inspect pressure vessels for code requirements•check to ensure dust collectors “pull” negative ressure in blast enclosure•check that blast cleaning machines are maintained such that negative pressure is evident•check that there’s no leaking of abrasive into shop area during blast cleaning operations

Facilities *CRITICAL ITEM*Pre-Cleaning• Shop has area available for pre-cleaning and there is evidence that pre-cleaning is done in this area.• There is evidence that runoff from precleaning is collected, channeled, and discharged (or recycled) per applicable environmental regulations.• ENCLOSED SHOP: A permanent facility, enclosure or building (four walls to grade and a roof) where surface preparation and

coating activities are normally conducted in an environment, not subject to outdoor weather conditions and/or blowing dust.• COVERED SHOP: A permanent facility, enclosure or building having a roof beneath where surface preparation and coating activities are normally conducted out of direct exposure to outdoor weather. • OPEN SHOP: A permanent area or facility with no roof or walls where surface preparation and coating activities are normally conducted. The area or facility is exposed to outdoor weather conditions and blowing dust.

Facilities *CRITICAL ITEM*Cleaning• There is evidence that abrasive blasting takes place under controlled environmental conditions with adequate lighting.• There is evidence that containment and ventilation, when necessary, are adequate to control emissions to other areas within the shop as well as the environment surrounding the shop facility.

Application and Curing• There is evidence that required ambient conditions are maintained during application and curing.• Painting and curing areas are free of air-blown dust or other debris.• Shop has at least two chambers or bays, one for surface prep and one for painting.• Curing areas are distinct from cleaning areas.• Shop has adequate lighting for application.• Coating materials & solvents are stored per manufacturer’s regulatory & insurance requirements.Note: Pre-cleaning, cleaning, and application and curing may occasionally occur outdoors. Verify that these activities are

conducted per applicable standards and regulations.

QUALITY CONTROL

PERSONNEL QUALIFICATIONS

QC Personnel Qualifications *CRITICAL ITEM*QC Supervisor

• There is a QC manager/supervisor who supervises inspectors.• There is a history of someone in this position.• The QC supervisor has 3–5 years’ varied coatings experience appropriate for the tasks at hand in the shop. • The QC supervisor has formal QC training in Quality

Control Procedures, including inspection of coating application on items coated in the shop. Training can be in-house or formal but must meet curriculum requirements of the SSPC QCS training.• Training is documented.

Inspectors• QC inspectors have at least 2 years’ experience in the industrial coatings industry.• QC inspectors are adequately trained for functions performed.• QC inspectors have formal inspection training or equivalent in-house training**.

Inspector Training whether formal or in-house must at a minimum meet the B.O.K. listed in ASTM D 3276.

QCS Curriculum requirements:• Quality Systems• QCS Qualifications & Requirements• Training & Qualifications• Technical Resources• Quality Manuals & Procedures• Documentation & Data Control• Calibration Programs• Contract Document & Specification Review• Work Plans & Process Control Procedures• Inspection Plans• Inspection Reports• Internal Audits

INSPECTION PROCEDURES AND RECORDING SYSTEMS

Applicable Standards Available to QC Personnel *CRITICAL ITEM*• Applicable standards (e.g., SSPC-PA 2) and others issued by such organizations as ASTM are available to QC personnel.• There is evidence that these standards are used by QC personnel as needed.

Maintaining and Filing in process & final Inspection Reports *CRITICAL ITEM*

• There is evidence that daily written inspection reports & results of tests are consistently maintained.• There is evidence that written inspection reports & test results are consistent with customer requirements.• Adequate lighting is provided for inspections• Inspection Reports are signed by an authorized QC person.

At a minimum, shop must document the following tests as applicable:

- compressed air cleanliness- dry film thickness- air temperature- humidity- dew point- surface temperature- abrasive cleanliness- degree of cleanliness achieved- surface profile- batch numbers of paint used- thinner used and amount- acceptance criteria as applicable

Calibration Verification or Checking Accuracy of Inspection Instruments *CRITICAL ITEM*

• Inspection equipment and calibration verification standards are available to inspectors.• There is evidence that inspection equipment is checked for accuracy before use.• Records of calibration/accuracy checks of inspection equipment are maintained.• Planned maintenance of inspection equipment is carried out.• Equipment is in good operating condition.

Identifying & Documenting Nonconforming Work *CRITICAL ITEM*• There is evidence that QC inspectors identify and document non conformities.• There is evidence (e.g., NCRs, hold tags) that QC inspectors notify operations supervisors in a timely manner of nonconforming work and identify re-work requirements.• Nonconformities and required corrective actions or other dispositions are routinely recorded by QC inspectors.• There is evidence that re-work inspections are performed and NCRs or hold tags removed when work is accepted by QC.• Deviations from above procedures for specified circumstances (e.g., client request) are clearly controlled and documented.

QC Procedures, Hold Point Inspections, Review of Procedures.There is evidence that hold point inspections are conducted during each major operation. Examples include:

receipt of items to be coated inspection of prepared and coated items

storage of prepared and coated items surface preparation storage of coating materials handling repair of damages labeling handling and shipping There are procedures for identifying and correcting problems with inspection equipment, procedures themselves, and personnel.

SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

PROCEDURES

Safety Program and Safety Education *CRITICAL ITEM*• Shop has written Safety and Health Compliance Program based on OSHA or equivalent standards applicable to its operations and endorsed by a safety professional.• There is evidence that program requirements are communicated to workers.• There is evidence that general and jobspecific safety rules are enforced. A walk-through of the shop facility shows that safety & health ules defined in the safety & health program are being followed.• There is evidence that workers receive general safety refresher training (at least annually for full-time employees)• There is evidence that work area safety inspections are conducted and corrective actions taken when necessary to correct existing or potential hazards.• Program is reviewed annually by executive management for adequacy & effectiveness.Note: Observation or documentation of a safety violation that OSHA would consider “serious”, that is, a condition that could result in injury or death, shall be written up as a “0” or “1” for the entire item (D.1.a).

Accident Reporting• Shop has a written accident reporting procedure.• Accident reports address

- what happened- to whom- where it happened- how it happened- root cause

- immediate follow-up actions to prevent recurrence• There is evidence that procedure is used (compare against OSHA 300 log)

Monitoring Safety and Loss Control• There is evidence that shop owners or managers review shop’s safety performance at least annually.• OSHA incidence rates are within industry norms (N/EH x 200,000). • Workers’ comp experience rating is below 1.25.• There is evidence that safety performance is part of each manager’s written job description (if shop is managed by a non-owner).

SOPs for Major Equipment• Safe Operating Procedures for major equipment are available.• Owners and/or managers have approved these procedures.• These procedures have also been reviewed by the shop’s safety director or designated safety professional.• Procedures incorporate Manufacturers SOP’s

Ventilation• Shop has blueprint/drawing that outlines or defines areas used for surface preparation, coating application, drying/curing, and storing pieces.• Walk-through confirms that actual layout conforms to drawings.• There is evidence that airflow is provided through windows and doors, etc. during preparation and coating operations IAW NFPA guidelines. (air flow may also be generated by fans and blowers). Note: Blast rooms should have their own airflow systems.

Pre-job Safety & Health Planning• Pre-job safety & health planning is routinely Performed & documented.

HousekeepingWalk-through indicates that housekeeping is adequate. Examples include:• Solvents, thinners, cleaners are covered, closed, and stored per compliance plan.• Floors are swept clean.• Compressed gas cylinders are properly secured, stored, and labeled and kept away from heat.• OSHA poster is displayed.• Waste is disposed of per compliance plan.• Portable equipment is stored safely and neatly.

Electrical• There is evidence that electrical safety procedures are followed per compliance plan.

PPE and Respiratory Protection *CRITICAL ITEM*• Shop has written respiratory protection program based on OSHA 1910.134 or equivalent regulation or standard.• Shop also has written procedures for issuing and use of other personal protective equipment (PPE) such as protective clothing for skin protection, devices for eye protection, devices for hearing protection, foot protection, head protection.• Required respirators and protective equipment are available.• There is evidence that workers use respirators and PPE.• There is evidence that workers are trained in the use and maintenance of respirators and PPE.

First Aid-Trained Employees• A physician-approved first aid supply kit is available and is accessible in case of an emergency.• There is at least one person available each shift who has first aid (and CPR) training certificates issued by the Red Cross or an equivalent organization if there is no hospital within 5-10 minutes of the shop.• Emergency telephone numbers (e.g., police, fire, ambulance) are posted in the shop.

ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

PROCEDURES

Compliance Plan/ Procedures *CRITICAL ITEM*• Shop has written environmental compliance procedures, including procedures for protecting air quality (including limits on VOC emissions as required by federal or local agencies), soil quality (if applicable), and water quality, and for proper waste handling and disposal as a result of surface preparation and coating operations.• There is evidence that procedures are followed through sampling of applicable documentation (e.g., coating use records, copies of applicable permits for blasting, paint and waste disposal).• Shop has procedures to test coatings on previously coated pieces for toxic materials if existing coating has not been identified by the customer so it can handle accordingly.

SAFETY

RESOURCE MATERIALS

Sources for Safety, InformationShop accesses information on safety and safety equipment from such recognized sources as:• SSPC.org and other web sites that contain useful information on safety, health and environmental compliance with Federal, State and Local regulations.• OSHA, NIOSH web sites and state or provincial environmental agency • BNA Occupational Safety and Health Reporter• ASA Safety Handbook• PDCA Safety Manual• trade publications/clipping services• AIHA publications and journals• There’s a written procedure for acquiring safety information• There’s a written list available at work locations• MSDS’s are on file

Appendix A

A. GENERAL DESCRIPTIONIn order to meet the requirements of QP 3 section 3.2.1.1, the contractor must document implementation of the program to:

(1) Assess the skills and general training needs of newly hired craft workers* and qualify them for their assigned tasks;(2) Verify the qualifications of existing craft workers;(3) Train inexperienced craft workers (trainees) as necessary(4) Evaluate the performance of craft workers at least once per calendar year and provide additional training as necessary(5) Ensure compliance with contract specific worker training/qualification requirements*A craft worker is one who performs surface preparation and/or applies coating materials

B. CONTENTS OF THE PROGRAM - GENERAL TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

NEWLY HIRED EXPERIENCED CRAFT WORKERSThe program must contain provisions to administer written tests and/or a hands-on evaluation to assess the skills of new hires that

claim to have previous experience, or verify previous qualifications through a formal training or qualification program(1) When written tests are used, they shall include information that the contractor determines to be necessary to verify the general knowledge of the trade and the qualifications of the individual tested to perform work assigned. While it is left to the contractor to create or use the test that works best for its business, the contractor must show that the questions and answers are based on training materials, or standards or publications developed by SSPC, ASTM, PDCA, the IUPAT or its affiliates; NCCER or materials developed by another organization, that are acceptable to SSPC.(2) Hands on Skill Evaluation - At a minimum abrasive blasters shall be qualified using the SSPC C-7 hands-on skill assessment protocol for testing blasters or an equivalent hands-on evaluation, acceptable to SSPC. The hands on evaluation can be done in a controlled qualification session in the shop or yard or in the field at an actual production site. The C-7 skills assessment form is available from SSPC.(3) Spray painters shall be qualified per the contractor’s Quality Control Procedures Manual using industry accepted qualification procedures from one or more of the sources listed in B. (1) above.(4) Specialty skill qualifications for such processes as UHP Water Jetting, Thermal Spray Metallizing, or Plural component spray shall be developed in house (or outsourced) based on material or equipment supplier best practices when industry standard training or training materials do not exist. PCCP/QP3/revision 06/07 24 of 24(5) Craft workers previously trained or qualified by your company who have been laid off or who have left to work for another contractor, only to return to work for your company within a two year period need not be re-qualified to update your assessment of their skills.

TRAINEESGeneral training for trainees - shall be based on training materials developed by SSPC, PDCA, the IUPAT or its affiliates; NCCER or

equivalent materials, acceptable to SSPC.

C. QUALIFICATION TO APPLY SPECIFIC MATERIAL AND USE NEW EQUIPMENT

The program must contain procedures to qualify craft workers to apply materials or use equipment unfamiliar to the craft worker. The program must also document that those workers have been qualified/trained.

D. SUPERVISOR

Each contractor shall designate a “Supervisor” to be responsible for implementation of the company's craft worker training and qualification program and monitoring its effective use in the field. The “Supervisor” shall have sufficient technical knowledge and documented training in the use of specific materials and equipment.

E. Auditing in 2007During 2007, SSPC technical auditors will be evaluating each contractor's worker assessment program in the field. If the program has shortcomings, the auditor will document those shortcomings as “minor” corrective actions. If the shortcomings are not corrected by the 2008 audit, the auditor will issue “major” *CRITICAL ITEM* deficiencies.

ANNUAL PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONThe contractor must have implemented procedures and documentation to show that his/her production supervisor evaluates each craft worker’s performance at least annually. Annual performance evaluation will be changed from a non-critical “minor” evaluation item to a “major” *CRITICAL ITEM*.SSPC highly recommends but does not require a written craft worker assessment program.November 2005