1
InspectThis! Fall 2014
Supplement to CoatingsPro Magazine Fall 2014
The Role of the Coating Inspector
By Malcolm McNeil, CIP Committee Chair
T
h ere has been
much discussion
in the coatings
industry as to what
the role of the coating
inspector is. The defini-
tion will vary in different
countries around the
world. The definition will also vary within
any country depending on whom you ask.
The NACE International Coating
Inspector Program (CIP) defines the role of
the coatings inspector as that of a “quality
control technician” who is primarily
responsible for observing and reporting the
technical aspects of a coating project and its
conformance or deviation from the project
specification. CIP goes on to say that the
general duties of the inspector are:
• Observe
• Test
• Verify conformance to specification (with
documentation)
• Report
We hear the terms “quality control” and
“quality assurance” in explaining the role of
the inspector. Often these terms are used
interchangeably, but do they mean the same
thing? Let’s take a look and see if we can
get some clarification. Webster’s Dictionary
defines “quality” as “character with respect
to fineness or grade of excellence.” One
Everyone on the project should be
aware of what the coating inspector’s
responsibilities and authority are.
of the definitions in the dictionary for
“control” is “to test and verify.” We find
the definition of “assurance” as “a positive
declaration intended to give confidence.”
Based upon these definitions we could say
that the coating inspector does some of both
quality control (for example, taking dry film
thickness measurements) and quality assur-
ance (for example, reporting that the work
is in compliance with the specification).
We are taught that it is the responsibility of
the coating inspector to observe the work
and perform required tests to determine
whether or not the contractor’s work is in
compliance with the specification. Some
people will call this “quality control” and
some people will call it “quality assurance.”
Whatever we call it, the coating inspector
must be clear on what his or her responsibili-
ties and authority are for every project. If this
is not spelled out in the specification, the
coating inspector should ask for a clarification
at the pre-job conference. If there is no pre-job
conference, the coating inspector should
get clarification from whomever they are
reporting to on the project. Everyone on the
project should be aware of what the coating
inspector’s responsibilities and authority are.
As pointed out previously, these can vary
depending on the geographical location of the
project. In some countries the coating inspec-
tor is expected to direct the workers. Many
consider this to be project management rather
than quality control or quality assurance.
In summary, the role of the coating
inspector should be defined on each individ-
ual project. It is critical that the coating
inspector accept only work for which he or
she has the required training and qualifi-
cations to perform. As inspectors we must
understand clearly what our responsibilities
and authority are for each project. Each of
us who are NACE certified signed an attes-
tation when we took our exams.
It is a good idea to review that attesta-
tion from time to time to keep it fresh in our
minds.!
IN THIS ISSUE...
From the Chairman........................................ 1
Coating Failures—
A Coating Supplier’s Perspective........ 2
Inspection and Training: Variables
Involved in Quality Control.................. 5
2014 Knobloch Scholarship Recipients
Announced.................................................. 6
Get This!............................................................. 7
NACE Coatings Course Schedule............ 8
Coatings Resources..................................... 10