QAQC Coating Inspector
What does a QAQC Coating Inspector do?
Coating inspectors ensure the quality and longevity of protective coatings applied to various structures, especially in demanding environments like offshore wind farms. Their responsibilities include inspecting surface preparation, monitoring coating application, verifying material compliance, and documenting their findings meticulously. They use a range of specialized tools like thickness gauges, profile gauges, and adhesion testers to assess the coating’s quality.
Coating inspectors must possess a deep understanding of coating types, inspection techniques, and industry standards. They need excellent communication and analytical skills to effectively collaborate with project teams and address any issues that may arise during the coating process.
Reporting to the Quality Manager or Project Manager, the Coating Inspector role is sometimes combined into a dual role to include welding inspection and can also encompass NDT (non-destructive testing).
Example QAQC Coating Inspector Job Description
The QA/QC Coating Inspector is responsible for ensuring the quality and longevity of protective coatings applied to various structures and surfaces. This individual plays a critical role in inspecting surface preparation, monitoring coating application, verifying material compliance, and documenting findings to ensure adherence to project specifications and industry standards.
Responsibilities of a QAQC Coating Inspector
- Perform visual inspections of coated surfaces to assess the quality of the coating application.
- Use appropriate inspection tools and instruments, such as wet film thickness gauges, dry film thickness gauges, adhesion testers, and holiday detectors, to measure and evaluate coating thickness and adhesion.
- Inspect and ensure proper surface preparation, including cleaning, abrasive blasting, and removal of contaminants, to meet project specifications and coating manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Monitor coating application methods, such as spray, brush, or roller, to ensure they comply with approved coating procedures and specifications.
- Verify that environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) are within the acceptable range for coating application.
- Verify the quality and suitability of coating materials, including paints, primers, coatings, and surface preparation materials.
- Check material certificates and ensure proper storage and handling to prevent contamination.
- Maintain comprehensive records of coating inspections, including inspection reports, coating thickness measurements, adhesion test results, and photographic documentation.
- Create a detailed coating inspection report that summarizes findings and indicates compliance or non-conformance with project requirements.
- Ensure that coating processes adhere to industry standards and specifications, such as SSPC (The Society for Protective Coatings), NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers), and project-specific coating requirements.
- Identify and document coating defects, holidays, or areas of non-compliance and recommend corrective actions.
- Monitor and verify the effectiveness of repair work and re-inspect the coated areas.
- Perform various coating tests, including salt spray testing, humidity testing, and adhesion testing, as required by the project specifications.
- Interpret test results and make recommendations based on the findings.
- Maintain clear and effective communication with site managers, coating applicators, and relevant stakeholders to address quality concerns and ensure compliance.
- Identify areas for process improvement and suggest methods to enhance the overall quality and durability of coatings.
Required Qualifications and Certifications
- 3+ years’ experience as a Coating Inspector.
- 3+ years’ experience in the Offshore Wind Industry.
- Coating Inspection NACE 3 / FROSIO 3 / ICORR 3 certified essential.
- Fluent in English, and often a second language, depending on the project location.
- Good communication skills.
- Valid visa and work permits, depending on project location.
- Full GWOs
