loopholes for contractors resulting in poorer jobs due to specification 

 interpretation. Thus the coating specifications should be as brief as 

 possible without forfeiting any of the primary objectives. They should be 

 written in such a manner that the contractor can present his bid wisely, 

 efficiently and competitively, and such that coatings will be applied in 

 strict accordance with all requirements. 



A good coating specification should contain the following: 



(1) A scope of work (a general description of the job, its 

 location, and work to be done); 



(2) a detailed listing of the products, preferably by brand 

 name (including those that may have been evaluated) or military 

 (MIL) specifications where required; 



(3) a full description of the methods and equipment required 

 to do all phases of the work (surface preparation, application 

 and inspection) . 



(4) identification of the material supplier's responsibility 

 to supply quality coatings that meet specific performance require- 

 ments or are manufactured to meet specific formulation requirements; 



(5) safety requirements to ensure proper procedures in sand- 

 blasting and application work; 



(6) the quality of workmanship requirements spelled out to 

 include cleanup work, work logs expected, inspection acceptance, 

 and prevention of contamination of nearby structures; 



(7) a "coating schedule" that shows exactly what is to be 

 applied, where, when, and how; and 



(8) inspection requirements to show what inspection measure- 

 ments and reports are required. 



i. Safety. The combustible and toxic nature of protective coatings 

 must be considered during application and during the cure period. Special 

 precautions are required when coatings are applied in confined or enclosed 

 areas. Containers should always be opened in a well-ventilated area and 

 kept away from open flames or sparks. Proper ventilation must be provided 

 to prevent possible buildup of explosive or toxic materials. Inhalation of 

 toxic fumes and dusts whether inside or outside, must be avoided. Suitably 

 designed air masks should be worn while spraying in these locations. The 

 manufacturers' safety requirements must be studied and followed. 



3. Cathodic Protection. 



a. Types and Application Methods of Cathodic Protection. 



(1) Sacrificial Anodes. The simplest way to make the subsurface 

 structure "all cathode" is to install galvanic or "sacrificial" anodes in 

 the electrolyte and electrically connect them to the substructure. The 



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