Scopes of SSPC Qualification Procedures and Quality Systems

SSPC-QP COM, Commentary on Qualification Procedures

November 1, 2004

This commentary is for information only and is not part of any QP standard. SSPC currently develops six types of consensus standards, one type being the Qualification Procedure, or QP. QPs are published procedures, developed by SSPC technical committees through a consensus process, which define a sequence of actions or functions a contracting firm or other entity must meet to establish a level of competence or qualification.

This commentary summarizes the current QPs and explains how they can be used to improve the process of qualifying a contractor or other entity to perform work.

SSPC-QP COM is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 1, Standard Procedure for Evaluating Painting Contractors (Field Application to Complex Industrial Structures)

August 1, 1998
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

This procedure describes a method for evaluating the qualifications of industrial field painting contractors and defines a minimum standard for qualification.

The objective of this procedure is to determine if a painting contractor has the personnel, organization, qualifications, procedures, knowledge, and capability to perform surface preparation and coating application of the required quality under the conditions and restrictions specified by the owner for complex structures.

The procedure encompasses the field application of coatings in the industrial market. Specialty applications, such as lining materials, bituminous products, galvanizing, etc., are not covered by the requirements of this standard procedure.

The procedure does not include surface preparation and coating application conducted exclusively at the contractor's facility (i.e., shop painting). Shop painting is covered by the latest revision of SSPC-QP 3, Standard Procedure for Evaluating the Qualifications of Shop Painting Contractors.

SSPC-QP 1 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 2, Standard Procedure for the Qualification of Painting Contractors (Field Removal of Hazardous Coatings from Complex Structures)

March 1, 2000
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

This standard procedure describes a method for evaluating the qualifications of industrial field painting contractors to remove hazardous coatings (e.g., coatings containing lead or other hazardous metals) from industrial structures. The requirements of this procedure are intended to supplement the general requirements of SSPC-QP 1, Standard Procedure for Evaluating Painting Contractors (Field Application to Complex Industrial Structures).

This procedure establishes two qualification categories for contractors removing and containing hazardous coatings. The specifier shall designate the required category for the contractor based on the type and level of containment and ventilation required (negative air pressure inside containment).

This procedure also establishes minimum requirements for worker health and safety programs and environmental protection programs utilized by the contractor during hazardous coating removal operations.

SSPC-QP 2 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 3, Standard Procedure for Evaluating Qualifications of Shop Painting Applicators

March 1, 2000
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

This standard procedure describes a method for evaluating the qualification of shops whose primary function is surface preparation and coating application services. However, the procedure may be applicable to a fabricating shop, shipyard, or other entity that applies coatings in the shop, even though providing coating application services is not its primary function.

The procedure encompasses shop application of coatings in the industrial and light industrial/commercial market.

In addition to the evaluation criteria outlined in this procedure, the qualifying agency may elect to review the applicant's financial status and performance history in more detail than required by this procedure.

This standard is intended for work at fixed, permanent facilities. For field painting work that may involve the use of a temporary structure, evaluating contractors using SSPC-QP 1, Standard Procedure for Evaluating Qualifications of Painting Contractors, is more appropriate.

SSPC-QP 3 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 4, Standard Procedure for Evaluating the Qualifications of Contractors Disturbing Hazardous Coatings During Demolition and Repair Work

May 1, 1997
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

This standard establishes a procedure for evaluating the qualifications of contractors whose work involves disturbance of hazardous coatings (e.g., containing lead or other hazardous metals) incidental to demolition or repair work on complex or conventional structures.

This standard establishes two qualification categories for contractors disturbing and containing hazardous paint. The specifying agency shall designate the required qualification category for the contractor based on the type and level of containment and ventilation required.

This standard procedure also establishes minimum requirements for worker health and safety programs and environmental protection programs utilized by the contractor who disturbs hazardous coatings incidental to demolition or repair work.

Contractors qualified under SSPC-QP 2, Standard Procedure for the Qualification of Painting Contractors (Field Removal of Hazardous Coatings from Complex Structures), already meet the requirements of this standard procedure.

SSPC-QP 4 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 5, Standard Procedure for Evaluating the Qualifications of Coating and Lining Inspection Companies

May 1, 1999
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

This standard procedure provides guidelines for evaluating and qualifying coating and lining inspection companies. The process described in this procedure may be verified by the purchaser of the services or by an independent agency.

The objective of this procedure is to confirm that an inspection company has the personnel, organization, qualifications, procedures, knowledge, and capability to provide comprehensive protective coating inspection services to end users of protective coatings.

The procedure encompasses the inspection of protective coatings for new construction and maintenance in industrial, commercial, and marine applications.

Meeting the requirements of this procedure does not guarantee the performance of individual inspectors or a specific inspection company.

SSPC-QP 5 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 6, Standard Procedure for Evaluating the Qualifications of Contractors Who Apply Thermal Spray (Metallizing) for Corrosion Protection of Steel and Concrete Structures

July 1, 2004

This procedure describes a method for evaluating the qualifications of industrial thermal spray (metallizing) contractors and defines a minimum standard to evaluate the contractor's capability to evaluate and accept the preparation of the surface to be metallized and to thermally spray (1) coatings of aluminum, zinc, and their alloys for corrosion protection of steel and/or (2) zinc anodes on steel reinforced concrete.

The contractor shall be qualified for steel, concrete, or both steel and concrete. The SSPC-QP 6 certificate/designation will indicate the qualification category.

The objective of this procedure is to determine if a thermal spray contractor or shop has the personnel, organization, qualifications, procedures, and knowledge, to determine acceptability of surface preparation, apply thermal spray (metallized) coatings, and apply sealing of the required quality under the conditions and restrictions specified by the owner.

Unless otherwise specified, SSPC-QP 6 requires the contractor to be SSPC-QP 1 certified for field surface preparation and coating application, or SSPC-QP 3 certified for shop surface preparation and coating application, to supplement the requirements of this procedure.

SSPC-QP 6 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 7, Procedure for Evaluating Painting Contractors with Limited Industrial Work Experience

May 1, 2003
Editorial Revisions November 1, 2004

The procedure describes a method for evaluating the qualifications of field painting contracting firms with less than 6 months industrial painting experience. The procedure defines minimum requirements for this qualification.

The procedure determines if a painting contractor has the personnel, organization, qualifications, procedures, and knowledge to perform surface preparation and coating application of the required quality for complex steel structures under the conditions and restrictions specified by the owner.

The procedure encompasses assessment of resources to perform field application of coatings in the industrial market. Specialty applications, such as lining materials, bituminous products, galvanizing, metallizing, etc., are not covered by the requirements of this standard procedure.

Meeting the requirements of this special qualification program is not equivalent to SSPC certification (e.g., SSPC-QP 1 or QP 2). Firms meeting requirements of this procedure have not been observed by a qualified auditor performing coating operations in the field on a complex steel structure project.

This procedure qualifies contractors only for contracts that are specifically designated by owners or their representatives as being open to bids from contractors who meet the requirements described below.

SSPC-QP 7 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QP 8, Standard Procedure for Evaluating the Qualifications of Contracting Firms that Install Polymer Coatings and Surfacings on Concrete and Other Cementitious Substrates

July 1, 2003

This procedure describes a method for evaluating the qualifications of a contractor who installs polymer coatings or surfacings on concrete and other cementitious surfaces, and defines a minimum standard for qualification. Examples of other cementitious surfaces are:

The objective of this procedure is to determine if a polymer coating or surfacing contractor has the management procedures; technical knowledge; quality control procedures; personnel qualifications; and safety, health and environmental compliance programs to properly perform substrate evaluation, repair, and treatment; surface preparation; and installation of coatings and surfacings over concrete-based substrates while meeting the conditions and restrictions specified by the owner.

The procedure encompasses assessment of knowledge to perform polymer coating or surfacing installation on concrete or cementitious substrates in commercial, institutional, and industrial facilities and structures.

Meeting the requirements of this procedure does not guarantee the performance of applied materials, individual workers, or individual companies.

SSPC-QP 8 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.

SSPC-QS 1, Standard Procedure for Evaluating a Contractor's Advanced Quality Management System

September 1, 2004

SSPC-QS 1 requires that a contractor implement and document more stringent quality control and record-keeping procedures than those included in the requirements of standards such as SSPC-QP 1, SSPC-QP 3, or others. Owners and specifiers who require a higher level of quality control for their projects may require that a contractor qualified to standards such as SSPC-QP 1, QP 3, QP 6, QP 8 or others also present evidence that its quality system meets the requirements of QS 1.

The objective of this procedure is to confirm that a contractor has the personnel, organization, qualifications, procedures, knowledge, and capability to implement the quality standards described herein.

The procedure encompasses the in-process inspection of surface preparation and application of protective coatings and linings for new construction and maintenance for industrial, commercial, and marine service.

Meeting the requirements of this procedure does not guarantee the performance of individual inspectors employed or utilized by the contractor or the contracting company itself.

SSPC-QS 1 is one of the complete collection of SSPC standards, guides, and specifications that members can access through the new SSPC Members Only Download Area. Nonmembers can purchase PDF copies through SSPC Online Standards Store. It can also be found in the latest edition of Systems and Specifications, SSPC Painting Manual, Volume 2, available through the SSPC Online Bookstore.