Most painting work will be subject to final inspection on completion, on major projects, the work should be inspected at all stages. Sampling and testing of materials on a regular basis may form part of the inspection procedures or may be required if there is reason to believe that materials are faulty or have been mis-used.

Inspection

It is not a substitute for proper supervision of the work by the contractor but rather to ensure compliance with the specification, to ensure acceptable standards of workmanship and quality of finish.

The responsibility for inspection should be independent from that for application. Inspectors should have adequate knowledge of materials, processes and techniques employed in the work.

When work is to be subject to inspection, the intended procedure should be described in the specification and should address:

Levels of Inspection

Full: All operations are subject to inspection and approval before the next stage is started.

Intermittent: Part of all operations is inspected and approved before the next  stage is started.

Occasional: All operations are subject to inspection initially, thereafter inspection is carried out as judged necessary by the inspector.

The level of inspection will be dependant upon circumstances including:

• The nature of the work and/or the coating system.
• The cost of inspection relative to the value of the contract.
• The resources available for inspection.
• The quality of supervision by the contractor.

The duties of the inspector cannot be outlined in detail in this document as it would be dependent upon the specific nature of the work. Inspection will however include some or all of the following:

1. Ensuring that surfaces are in fit condition for application of coatings, this may include checking the moisture content of substrates and the possibility of condensation.
2. Ensuring that preparation work is carried out as specified.
3. Ensuring that work is carried out under suitable conditions.
4. Ensuring that materials are of the types and makes specified and are properly stored.
5. Ensuring that the specific number of coats are applied in accordance with specification.  This may include checking film thickness.
6. Taking samples for testing if and when deemed necessary.
7. Discussing any proposed change to specification with relevant parties.
8. Maintaining relevant records and reporting.
9. Ensuring that items are finished in the required colour and type of finish.
10. If so empowered , suspending work and taking appropriate action when there are reasonable grounds for doing so.
11. Perform final inspection with the contractor:

• Uniformity of gloss, sheen, texture and colour.
• Smoothness of surface.
• Satisfactory opacity.
• Freedom from film defects (runs, sags, wrinkling, fat edges, entrained dust, dirt or paint skins, bare or starved areas, prominent brush marks, roller marks or spray mottle).
• Freedom from tackiness.
• General cleanliness with no soiling or disfigurement of adjacent surfaces.

Sampling & Testing

The purpose is that of comparing a test sample taken at the point of use against an agreed standard which may be:

• The manufacturers specification.
• A physical sample previously supplied.

BS 3900 describes a comprehensive range of tests for paints.  These tests require laboratory facilities with trained personnel.