4.1 Assessment of the condition of aged coated surfaces strengthens decisions on when coating maintenance is required, aids in the selection of effective coating maintenance procedures, and provides a means to characterize performance of coating systems. SSPC Technology Update No. 3 discusses the risks associated with selecting overcoating as a maintenance strategy, particularly without performing visual assessments and evaluating the physical properties of the existing coating system(s) described in Section 5.

1.1 This guide describes general procedures for conducting a detailed assessment of the condition of aged coatings on steel structures and the extent of rust breakthrough of the coated surface. Additional assessment may be required to support coating failure analyses or other job-specific needs.

1.2 This guide does not address determining the structural condition of a steel substrate. It provides procedures to determine the percent of the surface rusted, but not the severity, condition, or cause of such rusting.

Note 1: A more comprehensive condition assessment procedure, Practice F1130, has been developed for determining the condition of coatings on a ship.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.