SSPC Certification: An Asset to ISO 9000 Facility Owners

SSPC Contractor Certification Programs provide an industry-specific adaptation of ISO Quality System Concepts. They include many of the fundamental topics found in ISO 9001-2000. Where the ISO standards are generic in scope so as to define quality systems that can be equally applied to any organization regardless of type, size, product, or service, the QP programs have been developed to focus on the specific needs and best practices of applying protective coatings to industrial steel and concrete structures.

SSPC Certification is an excellent selling tool for contractors seeking work at ISO 9000 certified facilities. In order to maintain ISO 9000 certification, manufacturing and processing facilities are obligated to hire qualified vendors. SSPC certification not only helps the facility owner meet ISO 9000 requirements but also gives the facility owner an edge when evaluating and eventually hiring an industrial painting contractor.

Under ISO standards, the certified entity determines what quality programs apply to a particular industry or service and what regulatory requirements apply. The participants in SSPC’s quality programs are audited according to established standards for such key processes as surface preparation, coating application, in-process quality control, and worker training, as well as safety, health, and environmental compliance applicable to coatings work.

SSPC certification requires independent audits just as ISO does, but as part of the certification process, SSPC mandates that the annual audit includes observing work in progress at an active job site. Unlike ISO, the SSPC audit protocol allows for unannounced audits, which are usually triggered by documented complaints regarding a lack of compliance with SSPC certification requirements.

A company certified in SSPC’s QP programs is publicly stating that quality procedures are in place, establishing a level of competency that is expected of a professional coating contractor in the protective coatings industry.