Train the Inspector: Abrasive Blast Cleaning

Process Control

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd

 Equipment Set-Up and Testing

Objective:
The objective of this training unit is to understand how to check and test abrasive blast cleaning equipment
and associated equipment prior to use.

It is essential that the Abrasive Blast Cleaning Operator has a thorough knowledge of the abrasive blast
cleaning equipment prior to use.

Abrasive Blast Cleaning Equipment Set-up and Testing

Prior to commencement of work the abrasive blast cleaning

operator must ensure they are aware of the following
documentation:

COSHH and Risk assessments.

Method statements.
Specific documentation such as training etc .

This documentation must be available and understood prior to

commencement of work.

Painting Specification

The abrasive blast cleaning operator should be briefed on the

contents of the paint specification.

The paint specification should give details of:

Environmental conditions.
Surface profile.
Abrasive type.
Abrasive blast standard etc.

Also other relevant information such as cleanliness etc.

Trade testing and qualifications of the abrasive blast cleaning

operative may also be included.

Working environment

The working environment can change from contract to

contract.
Specific training may be required to work in certain
environments such as confined spaces etc.
Make sure you get to know your working environment.

There are fundamental differences between abrasive blast

cleaning a tank on a ship to a piece of steel in an abrasive blast
chamber.

Always consult the specific risk assessments or toolbox talks.

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 Testing the Equipment

Abrasive blast equipment is categorised as pressurised

equipment.
Independent testing will need to be conducted on any
pressurised equipment.
Test certificates and plates should be available.
Do not use abrasive blast cleaning equipment unless you are
fully aware of all the testing.

Abrasive Blast Unit - Test Plate

Abrasive blast units are categorised as pressurised equipment

and therefore subject to independent testing, generally on an
annual basis.

Never use abrasive blast equipment which has not been

independently tested.

If the test plates are installed, check that the plates are not
damaged or painted over.

If in doubt, do not use the blast cleaning equipment.

The owner of the equipment should have full traceable test

certificates.

PPE and RPE

The abrasive blast operator should ensure the correct level of

personal protection equipment (PPE) is available. These include:

Overalls or coveralls.
Gloves or gauntlets.
Boots or shoes with steel toecaps.
Ear protection.
Head protection helmet with suitable breathing air.

The abrasive blast cleaning operative should look after their own
equipment.

Ear Protection

Risk assessments will have to be conducted for each and every

task.

This video demonstrates the simple use of ear plugs prior to

putting on the abrasive blast cleaning helmet.

Ear plugs are commonly used when communication sets are not
to be used.

Ensure the ear plugs are changed regularly and not contaminated.

RPE and PPE - Communication Set-up

This video demonstrates the abrasive blast cleaning operative

setting up the communication system and RPE and PPE ready

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 for the abrasive blast cleaning process.

The blast cleaning operative should be fully trained in setting up

the communication systems and working in a safe and proper
manner.

Abrasives

Basic Checklist:

Always ensure that the abrasive is the correct type and

grade. This information is usually found on the side of the
packaging.
Check that the abrasive is dry and not contaminated.
Check for split bags and containers etc as this may indicate
contamination within the abrasive.

Abrasive Blast Cleaning

This video demonstrates the abrasive blast cleaning assistant

loading expendable abrasive into a blast unit.

The abrasive blast bags or containers are usually available in 25

and 50 kilo sizes.

Due to Health and Safety concerns on manual handling you will

generally find most small bag deliveries are in 25 kilo size bags.

Abrasive Blast Cleaning Units - Loading Abrasives

This video demonstrates the abrasive blast cleaning assistant

loading metallic abrasive into an abrasive blast unit.

Metallic abrasives are far heavier than expendable abrasive and

are generally available in smaller bags.

It is essential that these abrasives do not get damp or wet as they

can damage the equipment and the abrasives will have to be
disposed off.

Surface contamination

Grease, oil and other surface contamination should be removed

prior to abrasive blast cleaning.

General contamination can be removed by solvent cleaning or

degreasing etc.

If the contamination is not removed there could be a danger of

spreading the contamination over the surface by the action of the
abrasive blast cleaning process.

The operator must wear suitable PPE and RPE when solvent
cleaning.

Check the risk assessment for each task.

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 Surface Contamination - Solvent Cleaning

This video demonstrates the use of solvent cleaning to remove

grease and oil before abrasive blast cleaning.

Ensure a COSHH and risk assessment are conducted on the

products and task to be performed.

Detergent may be a suitable alternative to solvents, especially in

confined spaces.

Ventilation and Lighting

The ventilation and lighting should be adequate for the task. Some
areas such as oil and gas platforms will only allow intrinsically
safe lighting. Check the specific risk assessment.

Ensure the ventilation equipment has been calculated and set-up

correctly. Also ensure testing of equipment and ducting is
conducted prior to full use.

Correct ventilation will ensure the abrasive blast cleaning operator

can work safely and efficiently. Good lighting is essential to see
the workface and surrounding areas.

Abrasive Blast Cleaning - Lighting

These illustrations demonstrate the different types of lighting

available to the abrasive blast cleaning operative.

Always check the lighting before abrasive blast cleaning.

Whichever lighting is selected, ensure it has been checked by a

competent person.

As previously discussed, intrinsically safe lighting may be a

requirement in certain locations.

Always check the risk assessment prior to commencement of

work.

Compressors

It is essential that the correct size compressor is used for

abrasive blast cleaning process.

Check the compressor set-up to ensure:

The compressor is positioned correctly and safely.

There are no irregular noises.
There is no smoke or smells etc coming from the
Compressor.
The control panel can be accessed and not blocked off by
other compressors or pieces of plant.

Note:The compressor should be positioned upwind of the blasting

operations to avoid taking in any contamination.

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 Compressor Control Panels
There are various types and sizes of compressors available to the
abrasive blast cleaner. There will also be various types of control
panels, some very basic and some very sophisticated.

Always read the instruction on the control panel

Always get to know the on/off and emergency switches
Always ask advice on compressors to the supplier, hire
company or supervisor

Hoses and Couplings

Check all hoses are connected correctly with safety devices etc.

Ensure there are no kinks in the abrasive blast hose.

The hose must be the correct grade and correct size diameter.

The couplings must be the correct type and grade.

Conduct a regular review of equipment for wear, tear and damage.

Abrasive blast unit

Prior to utilising the abrasive blast unit, check the following items
for wear and tear, also check:

Damage of the blast unit and associated parts.

Airlines for leaks, wear etc.
All safety devices are in place.
Abrasive meter valve and associated equipment is working
correctly.

Always ensure that the unit has been pressure tested.

Abrasive Blast Unit

Try to locate the abrasive blast unit as close as possible to

the work area.
Once all the equipment has been inspected and tested,
ensure the remote control and communication system is
working correctly.
Conduct a test piece to ensure you have the correct
pressures.
Only commence blast cleaning after all the checks have been
conducted and all parties have confirmed they are ready to
proceed.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 5

 Hoses

Ensure there are no kinks in the hoses and the hoses are free
from wear, tear, damage etc.
Try to ensure the hoses are as straight as possible.
Do not exceed the maximum working pressures as indicated
on the hose.

Store hoses indoors away from direct sunlight.

Communications

Check deadmans handle, cut-off devices and communication

sets on the abrasive blast cleaning equipment prior to full
use.
Always handle communications sets with care and store the
sets away when not in use.
Factory check all communication items before the equipment
is sent to site for final check before use.

Abrasive blast valve

Check the abrasive blast valve is providing the correct amount of

abrasive.

Too much abrasive, or too little abrasive can lead to inefficient

working.

Conduct a test piece, and adjust the pressures until the abrasive
quantities are correct.

Additional abrasives will not always increase productivity.

Abrasive Grit Metering Valve

This video simply demonstrates how the abrasive grit metering

valve is operated manually.

The abrasive valve controls the flow of abrasive from the blast
unit into the air flow and hose.

Certain abrasive suppliers recommend particular control valves.

Check the abrasive data sheets or supplier's recommendations on

which valve is best for which abrasive.

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 Abrasive blast unit

Never assume the abrasive blast unit is well maintained or stored

correctly.

Always check for wear, tear and damage before every use.

Report any damage or obvious wrong parts, incorrect connections

to the supervisor.

Log all work conducted and maintain the records for future
viewing.

All equipment must be maintained correctly.

Safety Device

Check abrasive blast cleaning hoses and air lines for wear, tear
and obvious damage.

Ensure all couplings and connections have safety devices

attached.

Never use hoses and air lines without the safety device
attachment.

Care must be taken when switching on the air fully.

Safety Springs

This animation demonstrates the outcome in the event that

couplings break away from each other. The blast hose will get
thrown into the air potentially hitting personnel.

Always check the connections and couplings for wear, tear and
damage.

Always ensure there is a safety spring or device attached to the

couplings or connections.

Abrasive blast cleaning operators assistant

Communication sets:

It makes common sense that the abrasive blast cleaning operator

should know the abrasive blast cleaning assistant and they speak
the same language etc.

The equipment should be tested before the main works

commence.

There should be no errors in human communication.

Ensure a common language is also used.

Communication Testing

Prior to abrasive blast cleaning ensure the communication system

is working correctly.

Test both the deadmans handle and radio communication.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 7
 These two methods of communication are the two common
methods used in the abrasive blast cleaning industry.

Health, Safety and Environment

Working Specification

Ensure documentation is available and understood, including:

- COSHH Assessments.

- Risk Assessments.

- Method Statements.

- Working specifications

- Abrasive blast standards.

- Surface profile requirements.

- Abrasive to be used.

- Environmental conditions etc.

Working environment

Ensure the blast cleaning operative is familiar with the working

environments, including:

- Scaffolding and access.

- Confined Spaces.

- Any new locations.

Pressure testing:

- Ensure the equipment has been Independently tested.

Ensure the correct level of PPE and RPE are available:

- Breathing air.

- Protective boots or shoes.

- Helmet.

- Overalls.

- Gloves etc.

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 Overall Check

Risk assessments have been conducted and discussed with the

trained operatives.

Conduct task briefings, as necessary.

Blasting equipment is suitable for the task.

Compressors and associated equipment are suitable for task.

Ensure ventilation is calculated correctly and lighting is adequate.:

Equipment is working correctly and the ducting is not

damaged.
Indirect and direct lighting are suitable for the task. Use
intrinsically safe lighting if specified.

Abrasives are clean and dry:

Correct type and grade.

In sealed bags.
Not contaminated.

Pre-surface condition:

The surface is free from grease, oil and contamination prior to

blast cleaning.

Conduct a communication test prior to commencement of the

works.

Abrasive Blast cleaning set-up

This illustration demonstrates the set up of an abrasive blast
cleaning unit.

Power is supplied by compressed air which could be electric or

diesel. The compressed air feeds the abrasive blast unit and the
breathing air filter which gives clean air to the abrasive blast
cleaning operative.

The abrasive blast unit must be suitably equipped with remote

control valve, moisture separators etc as well as having the
appropriate valve and hoses.

Wherever possible, keep the abrasive blast cleaning unit as close

as possible to the job.

Daily Checklist - Blast Equipment

A daily checklist should be conducted on all blasting equipment to

ensure they are working correctly.

1. Compressor
2. Air hose
3. Moisture control
4. Blast machine
5. Abrasive
6. Blast hose
7. Couplings
8. Remote control handle
9. Blast Nozzle

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 Compressor

The compressor should be a high quality type that can deliver and
maintain the correct working pressures.

The compressor should be fully maintained and serviced.

Personnel should be capable of switching on and off.

High temperature safety cut out should be available.

The compressor should have suitable oil and particulate filters

attached.

Blast Air Supply Hose

The Blast air supply hose (bull air hose) should be of good quality,
not damaged or worn.

The hose should have a bore hose 4X time the nozzle orifice.

Large connectors fittings should be used along with the

whipchecks and/or safety chains.

Air Moisture Control

If a separate air mosture control system is used, it should be

regularly checked and maintained.

The equipment should have the correct gauges on to demonstrate

the pressures used.

Hoses and connections should be secured with whipchecks etc.

Abrasive Blast Machine

The abrasive blast cleaning machine must be the correct size to

suit the contract.

The equipment should have been maintained correctly and have

genuine parts, etc.

The equipment must be certified as a pressure vessel and have a

adequate remote control valve attached.

Abrasive metering valves and fittings must be checked and

maintained.

A pop up valve protector (umbrella) must be fitted.

All attachments must have suitable whipchecks or similar.

Moisture separators etc must be attached also.

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 Abrasives

The abrasives should be dry and clean and the correct size and
grade to suit the contract.

The bags of abrasive should not be too heavy for the operative,
typically 25 kilo in weight.

There should be enough abrasive for the shift and the abrasive
should be close to the abrasive blast unit.

Blast Hose

The abrasive blast hose should be kept as straight as possible

and not too long.

The abrasive hose should be checked for wear and tear, also
damage and be suitably rated to work at the pressures supplied
for abrasive blast cleaning.

The abrasive hose should be 3-5 times the nozzle orifice.

Only good quality abrasive hoses should be used.

Blast Couplings/Connections

Blast couplings should be checked daily for gasket, component

wear and air leaks.

Only suitable externally fitted connectors should be used.

Lockpins and whipchecks should be used on all couplings and

connections.

Continuously check for site damage etc

Remote Control Handle

All abrasive blast cleaning equipment should have a remote

control handle.

The remote control handle must be tested before using the

equipment on the contract or project.

Pneumatic and electric types are available and the operative

should understand how they work.

Some abrasive blast set-ups also include an abrasive cut-off

control also.

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 Blast Nozzle

The correct type of nozzle should be safely in place.

The nozzle should be checked routinely for air pressure and

liner/thread wear or damage.

Venturi type nozzles are best for traditional abrasive blast

cleaning projects.

Abrasive Blast Equipment -Safety checklist

The following items should be checked on a daily based to ensure

all the safety items are fitted and working correctly.

1. Breathing air
2. Breathing Filter
3. Carbon monoxide monitor
4. breathing air line
5. Climatic control
6. Blast helmet
7. PPE
8. Spent abrasive and other hazards

Breathing Air Source

The breathing air source, which could be a separate compressor

from the one used for abrasive blast cleaning, should be checked
on a regular basis.

The equipment should preferably located in a clean environment

away from the blasting activity.

The equipment should be approved and the equipment should also

be dedicated for breathing air.

Breathing Air Filter

Breathing air cartridges should be checked and changed on a

regular basis.

The breathing air filters should be checked on a daily basis for

wear and tear and should be suitably stored and maintained after
use.

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 Carbon Monoxide Monitor

The carbon monoxide monitor should be tested and calibrated on

a regular basis.

The equipment should be inspected at the start of every shift for

damage etc.

The equipment should be stored safely when not in use.

Breathing Air Line

The breathing air line must the correct quality and utilising the
correct connections.

Check the air line and connections before the start of the shift.

Store correctly after use in a dry environment.

Climatic Control

If climate control equipment is used, ensure it cools the air

efficiently throughout the working shift.

The equipment should be purchased from reputable suppliers

only.

Check for damage and wear and tear on a daily basis.

Blaster Helmet

It is extremely important that the abrasive blast cleaning operative

has a correctly designed and manufactured blast helmet.

The helmet should have a cape/collar.

The helmet should have the correct lens system as recommended

by the supplier. Spare lenses should be available throughout the
shift.

The helmet should be capable of receiving the correct level of

breathing quality air on a continuous basis.

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 Protective Clothing

The abrasive blast cleaning operative should have the correct

abrasive blast suit, gloves/gauntlets and safety footwear.

The protective clothing should be checked for wear, tear and

damage before every shift.

The correct fitting is also important.

Spent Abrasive and Other Hazards

The abrasive blast cleaning operative should be aware of the

access and trip hazards before the start of works (while the blast
area is clean).

The working environment should be completely checked out on a

daily basis.

The blast cleaning operative should be advised on the potential

hazards associated with the spent abrasives or hazardous paints.

Summary
This training unit has reviewed the abrasive blast cleaning
equipment set-up and testing prior to use.

We have reviewed all aspects that an abrasive blast cleaner

should consider prior to conducting the task including the Health
and Safety aspects, equipment review, PPE and RPE, abrasives,
lighting and ventilation.

Every aspect of the task should be considered as the process will

reduce risk and improve efficiency.

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 Abrasive Blast Cleaning Process

Objective:
The objective of this training unit is to understand how the abrasive blast operator should safely and
efficiently blast clean surfaces.

One to one training unit with Qualified Trainer will be required on this unit.
Experience will come over time.
Abrasive Blast Cleaning Operator should be able gain a thorough knowledge of working safely and how to
be efficient with the process.

Abrasive Blast Cleaning Process

Practical training must be conducted by the trainee abrasive blast

cleaner.

Practical assessments should be conducted with a trained

experienced person.

One-to-one training should be conducted when carrying out

practical training.

All training units should be completed prior to conducting the

practical assessments.

Note: The quality of blast cleaning will be discussed/demonstrated

such as stand-off distance, angle of blasting cleaning (angle of
attack) and time after preparation (dwell time) which are examples
of operator controls that affect the quality of the blast. When you
stand back farther from the surface, the blast pattern gets bigger
and the abrasive particles rebound more slowly. Stand-off
distance determines the size of the blast pattern.

Practical Assessments

The abrasive blast cleaning operative will have to conduct a

number of practical assessments on the equipment, set-up and
abrasive blast cleaning a steel frame which has a number of
configurations including angle bar, beam, bolts etc.

The abrasive blast cleaning operative will have to demonstrate full

knowledge of the process and health and safety implications while
conducting the task.

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 Practical Assessments

The blast plate structure should be fabricated in accordance with

ASTM D4228 - Standard Practice for Qualification of Coating
Applicators for Application of Coatings to Steel Surfaces.

This practice provides a standard qualifying method for coating

applicators to verify their proficiency and ability to attain the
required quality for application of specified coatings to steel
surfaces.

Note - the same plate is used for spray paint application.

Practical Assessments

Environments

Additional practical assessments could be conducted in different

environments also.

Confined Space.
Working from Access and Scaffold.
Abrasive Blast Chamber.
General Open Environment.
Simulated Environment.

The student is to gain an understanding of the different

environments that they may be exposed too when abrasive blast
cleaning.

Practical Assessments

Equipment

Different forms of equipment will be employed during practical

training and assessment.

Different size abrasive blast units.

Different size blast hose, nozzles etc.
Different levels of pressures used.
Specialist equipment.

A review of the following items should be conducted on a

practical assessment.

Health Safety and Environment.

Working Specification.
Working Environment.
Equipment Testing.
PPE and RPE.
Ventilation and Lighting.
Abrasives.
Surface Cleanliness.
Equipment clean up etc.

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 Summary
This training unit details the practical assessment that will be
conducted after the theoretical and practical training has been
conducted.

The practical assessments will ensure that the operative can

safely abrasive blast clean steel surfaces.

By ensuring that the operative is trained and understands the

process, the task should be conducted in a safe manner, even
with different surfaces, abrasives and even different types of
equipment.

Practice in the work place will follow and ensure that the operative
becomes more effective and efficient over time.

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 Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards/Guides

Objective:
The objective of this training unit is to understand that various abrasive blast cleaning standards/Guides exist
in the coatings industry. Also to understand that abrasive blast cleaning standards differ depending upon the
initial condition of the steel.

The Abrasive Blast Cleaning Operator must gain an understanding of abrasive blast cleaning standards.
The Abrasive blast cleaning standard will be specified on most contracts.
Some organisations refer to Standards while others refer to Guides.

Abrasive Blast cleaning Standards

The principal role of the abrasive blast cleaning operator in the

industrial coatings industry, is to prepare steel surfaces to
specific standards prior to coatings application.

The abrasive blast cleaning operator should be familiar with

abrasive blast cleaning standards.

Although it is the coatings inspector's role to inspect the surface

after surface preparation, the blast operative should have an
understanding of what they are trying to achieve and why it is
important to achieve such a standard.

Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards

The coating specification will detail the abrasive blast cleaning
standards to be used:

SSPC/NACE standards
ISO standards

Visual guides associated with the standards use photographs to

illustrate a number of abrasive blast cleaned steel substrates.

The SSPC surface preparation standards are:

SSPC-SP 5/NACE No.1, SSPC-SP 6/NACE No.3, SSPC-SP

7/NACE No.4, SSPC-SP 10/NACE No.2, and SSPC-SP 14/NACE
No.8.

ISO has 4 different levels of surface preparation:

Sa1, Sa2, SA2½, and SA3.

The abrasive blast cleaning operator should understand the

standards and associated visual guides.

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 Visual Inspection

On completion of the abrasive blast cleaning operation, visual

inspection is conducted.

The abrasive blast cleaning operator should be familiar with the

specified standards.

The standards/guides can vary from country to country and the

abrasive blast cleaning operator should understand that these
include SSPC, ISO, and NACE.

SSPC uses visual guides to supplement its standards.

Visual Standards

Most experts agree that the performance of a coating system is

dependent upon the method and standard of surface preparation.

Visual standards/guides have therefore been developed by

various organisations such as:

ISO - International Standards Organisation.

SSPC -The Society for Protective Coatings.
NACE - NACE International.

Other standards also exist to a lesser extent.

SSPC-VIS 1
This visual standard has various degrees of abrasive blast
cleaning represented:

SSPC-SP 7/NACE No.4 Brush-Off Blast Cleaning

SSPC-SP 14/NACE No.8 Industrial Blast Cleaning

SSPC-SP 6/NACE No.3 Commercial Blast Cleaning

SSPC-SP 10/NACE No.2 Near-White Blast Cleaning

SSPC-SP 5/NACE No.1 White Metal Blast Cleaning

SSPC-VIS 1
There are four Initial Steel conditions (Rust Grades)

Condition A Steel surfaces completely covered with adherent mill

scale; little or no rust visible

Condition B Steel surfaces covered with both mill scale and rust

Condition C Steel surfaces completely covered with rust; little or

no pitting visible

Condition D Steel surfaces completely covered with rust; pitting

visible

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 SSPC-Vis 1
There is also initial conditions of previously painted steel:

Degree of Cleaning Over Condition G1 weathered coating

system over mill scale with extensive pinpoint rusting

Degree of Cleaning Over Condition G2 weathered coating

system over mill scale with moderate pitting

Degree of Cleaning Over Condition G3 weathered coating

system over mill scale with severe pitting

Condition G

Coating System applied over mill scale bearing steel; system

thoroughly weathered, or thoroughly stained.

Initial Conditions
Table 1 within the SSPC-VIS 1 details the initial conditions for the
surface.

It shows the initial conditions A,B,C,D (uncoated steel surfaces)

and G1 , G2 , and G3 (previously coated weathered surfaces) and
itemizes the degree of cleaning and standards.

Condition A - 100% Mill Scale

Condition B - Mill Scale and Rust

Condition C - 100% Rust

Condition D - 100% Rust with Pits

There are also a few notes to accompany the table.

Visual Standards
Example of some of the visual standards used in SSPC-VIS 1

G1 is the initial coated condition

SP 5 is the standard of abrasive blast cleaning (NACE No.1 -

White Metal Blast Cleaning)

H, L refer to angle of view for the photograph (H being high and L

being low)

D refers to Diffusion of light

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 ISO 8501-1 (BS 7079 Part A1)

The main visual standards for abrasive blast cleaning in the UK

and Europe is ISO 8501-1 (BS 7079 Part A1).

The abrasive blast operator should gain an appreciation of this

visual standard.

SSPC visual guides such as SSPC-VIS 1 are also widely used

however predominately in the USA, Middle East, Far East and the
USA.

Visual Inspection

This video demonstrates the use of a visual standard to assess

the surface finish on a abrasive blast cleaned steel surface.

You must always ensure you use the original standard for this
examination.

An experienced coatings inspector will not really need to use the

standards on blast cleaning inspection, however the standard
specified should always be available in case of a dispute.

Pre-Surface Condition

Four levels of pre-surface condition are detailed within ISO 8501-1

(BS 7079 Part A1)

Rust Grade A

Steel surfaces largely covered in adhering mill scale, but little if

any rust.

SSPC-VIS 1 guide has a condition A

Steel surface completely covered with adherent mill scale; little or

no rust visible.

Pre-Surface Condition (cont)

Rust Grade B

Steel Surface which has begun to rust and from which the mill
scale has begun to flake.

SSPC-VIS 1 guide has a condition B

Steel surface covered with both mil scale and rust.

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 Pre-Surface Condition (cont)

Rust Grade C

Steel surfaces on which the mill scale has rusted away or from
which it can be scraped, but with slight pitting visible under normal
vision.

SSPC-VIS 1 guide has a condition C

Steel surface completely covered with 100% rust; little or no

pitting visible.

Pre-Surface Condition (cont)

Rust Grade D

Steel surface on which the mill scale has rusted away and on
which general pitting is visible under normal vision.

SSPC-VIS 1 guide has a condition D

Steel surface completely covered with rust; pitting visible.

Previously Coated Substrates

Abrasive blast cleaning may also be conducted to substrates that

have previously been coated

The extent of coating breakdown and rusting will determine the

extent of blast cleaning, amount of abrasive etc.

SSPC-VIS 1 guide has a number of initially coated surfaces G1 ,

G2 and G3

Description of Blast Cleaning

Sa 1 - Light Blast Cleaning

When viewed without magnification, the surface shall be free from

visible oil, grease and dirt and from most of the mill scale, rust,
paint coatings and foreign matter. Any residual contamination
shall be firmly adhering.

Sa 2 - Thorough blast cleaning

When viewed without magnification, the surface shall be free from

visible oil, grease and dirt and from poorly adhering mill scale,
rust, paint coatings and foreign matter.

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 Description of Blast Cleaning (cont)
Sa 2½ Very Thorough Blast Cleaning

When viewed without magnification, the surface shall be free from

visible oil, grease and dirt and from mill scale, rust, paint coatings
and foreign matter. Any remaining traces of contamination shall
show only as slight stains in the form of spots or stripes.

Sa 3 - Blast Cleaning to Visually Clean Steel

When viewed without magnification, the surface shall be free from

visible oil, grease and dirt and shall be free from mill scale, rust,
paint coatings and foreign matter. It shall have a uniform metallic
colour.

ISO 8501-1 ( BS 7079 Part A1 )

Rust Grade 'A'

Sa 2½ and Sa 3

Sa 2½ allows slight staining in the form of spots or stripes and Sa

3 shall have a uniform metallic colour.

SSPC-VIS 1 has SP-10/NACE No.2 Near-White Blast Cleaning

and SP-5/NACE No.1 White Metal Blast Cleaning guides for rust
grade A

ISO 8501-01 ( BS 7079 Part A1 )

Rust Grade 'B'

Rust grade B for the ISO standard has all the four abrasive blast
standards; Sa 1, Sa 2, Sa 2½ and Sa 3.

SSPC-VIS 1 also has four blast guides for rust grade B; B SP-
7/NACE No.4 Brush-Off Blast Cleaning, B SP-6/NACE No.3
Commercial Blast Cleaning, B SP-10/NACE No.2 Near-White
Blast Cleaning and B-SP-5/NACE No.1 White Metal Blast
Cleaning.

ISO 8501 -1 ( BS7079 Part A1 )

Rust Grade 'C'

Rust grade C for the ISO standard has all the four abrasive blast
standards; Sa 1, Sa 2, Sa 2½ and Sa 3.

SSPC-VIS 1 also has four blast guides for rust grade C; C SP-
7/NACE No.4 Brush-Off Blast Cleaning, C SP-6/NACE No.3
Commercial Blast Cleaning, C SP-10/NACE No.2 Near-White
Blast Cleaning and C-SP-5/NACE No.1 White Metal Blast
Cleaning.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 23

 ISO 8501-1 ( BS 7079 Part A1 )

Rust Grade 'D'

Rust grade D for the ISO standard has all the four abrasive blast
standards; Sa 1, Sa 2, Sa 2½ and Sa 3.

SSPC-VIS 1 also has four blast standards for rust grade D; D SP-
7/NACE No.4 Brush-Off Blast Cleaning, D SP-6/NACE No.3
Commercial Blast Cleaning, D SP-10/NACE No.2 Near-White
Blast Cleaning and D-SP-5/NACE No.1 White Metal Blast
Cleaning.

ISO 8501 - 1 (BS 7079 Part A1)

Within the ISO 8501 - 1 (BS 7079 Part A1) you will find blast
cleaning appearances with different abrasives.

There can be a significant difference in appearance between

abrasives.

SSPC-VIS 1 Appendix A also has photographs which are

illustrative of some variations in colour, texture, and general
appearance that can result for the choice of abrasive used.

Flash or Sweep Blasting (Brush-Of Blast Cleaning)

Flash or Sweep blasting is sometimes specified as 'keying' an

aged coating or ' keying' a shop primer etc.

Other abrasive blast cleaning may be conducted on:

Non-Ferrous Surfaces.
Exotic Materials.
Galvanised Surfaces.
Wood and plastics.

Reference Document; SSPC-SP 7/NACE NO. 4, Brush-off blast

cleaning

Flash Blasting

Although no standards exist*, flash blasting is sometimes

conducted to aged or hard coatings to achieve a suitable key for
subsequent coatings.

There is always a potential risk with this method if you trying to

key an existing intact coating. Too severe a flash may leave
variations such as some areas will have achieved a key while
other areas may go all the way down to the surface.

* Flash blasting of shop primers standards are available for certain

industries such as shipyards etc.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 24

 Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning
SSPC-VIS 5/NACE VIS 9 - Guide and Reference Photographs for
Steel Surfaces Prepared by Wet Abrasive Blast Cleaning features
two initial steel conditions:

Condition C - Steel surface completely covered with rust, little

or no pitting visible.
Condition D - Steel surface completely covered with rust,
pitting visible.

The reference photographs illustrate surfaces prepared by wet

blasting using one abrasive.The various degrees of cleaning
represented are:

SSPC-SP 6/NACE No. 3 Commercial Blast Cleaning

SSPC-SP 10/NACE No. 10 Near white Blast Cleaning

SSPC's wet abrasive blast cleaning (WAB) standards combine

elements of the existing standards for dry abrasive blast cleaning
with elements of the SSPC/NACE waterjet cleaning standards.
These standards are:

SSPC-SP 7 (WAB)/NACE WAB-4, Brush-Off Wet Abrasive

Blast Cleaning
SSPC-SP 14 (WAB)/NACE WAB-8, Industrial Wet Abrasive
Blast Cleaning
SSPC-SP 6 (WAB)/NACE WAB-3, Commercial Wet Abrasive
Blast Cleaning
SSPC-SP 10 (WAB)/NACE WAB-2, Near-White Wet Abrasive
Blast Cleaning
SSPC-SP 5 (WAB)/NACE WAB-1, White Metal Wet Abrasive
Blast Cleaning

Wet Blasting Visual Standards

SSPC-VIS 5/NACE VIS 9

The reference photographs are therefore for the wet abrasive blast
cleaning (WAB) are:

C WAB-10

C WAB -6

D WAB -10

D WAB -6

Abrasive Blast Cleaning Test

Some customers, clients, operators etc specify that the abrasive
blast cleaning operatives conduct a test piece at the start of the
job or contract.

This test piece is to ensure the operative understands the

abrasive blast cleaning standard that is required.

The test piece can be conducted on the job itself or a test plate
as illustrated.

The plate should use the same equipment, abrasive, pressures

etc as planned for the job.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 25

 This particular plate is in accordance with ASTM D 4228 -
Standard Practice for Qualification of Coating Applicators for
Application of Coatings to Steel Surfaces.

This practice provides a standard qualifying method for coating

applicators to verify their proficiency and ability to attain the
required quality for application of specified coatings to steel
surfaces.

Summary
This training unit reviewed the abrasive visual standards that are
generally available to the abrasive blast cleaning operative,
namely SSPC/NACE and ISO Standards.

It is not expected that the abrasive blast cleaning operatives need

to fully understand the standards, however an appreciation of
these standards may help the abrasive blast cleaning operatives
understand what they are trying to achieve in their specific task.

© Copyright 2016 Fitz-Coatings Ltd Page 26