MIL-HDBK-1110
g)
Preparation of a report containing findings and
conclusions
11.3.1
Review of Specification for Coating Work. The
specification and the submittals required in the specification
for the coating work should be thoroughly reviewed and
understood. The specification states precisely the work that was
to have been done and the methods and materials that were to be
used, so that any deviations from them should become apparent.
The review may also point out discrepancies or lack of clarity in
the document that may have contributed to the failure.
11.3.2
Review of Supplier's Data. Supplier data sheets should
be reviewed, because they describe the intended purpose of the
coatings used, along with recommended surface preparation and
application practices. They may also include compositional
information that can be checked later by laboratory analysis to
determine if the batch actually used was properly prepared.
11.3.3
Review of Inspector's Daily Reports. The inspector's
daily reports should be reviewed, because they provide
information about the conditions under which the work was
accomplished and the quality of the surface preparation and
coating application. Any compromises in the conditions required
by the specification or recommended by the supplier may lead to
early failure. These reports may also reveal field changes that
were made to the original specification.
11.3.4
On-Site Inspection. Just as the inspector on the job,
the person analyzing paint failures must have access to areas
where failures have occurred. This may require ladders or lift
equipment, lighting, or mirrors. The analyst should also have
photographic equipment to document conditions and be skilled in
its use. Scales should be used to show relative size, and
permanent markings should be made on each photographic exposure
for positive identification. Dates should also be placed on the
photographs.
The analyst should have a standard kit of field test
equipment including one or more thickness gages and calibration
standards, a knife, a hand lens, and containers for samples.
Obviously, he should be well trained in their use and use them
systematically, as described elsewhere in this text. A container
of methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or other strong solvent may be
useful in either determining paint solubility (e.g., verifying
the general paint type or its complete cure) or to strip off a
coating to examine the condition of the underlying surface or the
thickness of the underlying galvanizing or other insoluble
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