SSPC-SP3

November 1, 1982

Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

SURFACE PREPARATION SPECIFICATION NO. 3

Power Tool Cleaning

1. Scope

1.1 This specification covers the requirements for powertool cleaning of steel surfaces.

4.Surface Preparation Before and AfterPower Tool Cleaning

4.1 Before power tool cleaning, remove visible oil,grease, soluble welding residue, and salts by the methodsoutlined in SSPC-SP 1.

4.2 After power tool cleaning and prior to painting,reclean the surface if it does not conform to this specifica-tion.

4.3 After power tool cleaning and prior to painting,remove dirt, dust, or similar contaminants from the surface.Acceptable methods include brushing, blow off with clean,dry air, or vacuum cleaning.

2. Definition

2.1 Power tool cleaning is a method of preparing steelsurfaces by the use of power assisted hand tools.2.2 Power tool cleaning removes all loose mill scale,loose rust, loose paint, and other loose detrimental foreignmatter. It is not intended that adherent mill scale, rust, andpaint be removed by this process. Mill scale, rust, and paintare considered adherent if they cannot be removed bylifting with a dull putty knife.

2.3 SSPC-VIS 3, ISO 8501-1:1988 or other visualstandards of surface preparation agreed upon by the con-tracting parties may be used to further define the surface.

5.Methods of Power Tool Cleaning

5.1 Use rotary or impact power tools to remove strati-fied rust (rust scale).

5.2 Use rotary or impact power tools to remove all weldslag.

5.3 Use power wire brushing, power abrading, powerimpact or other power rotary tools to remove all loose millscale, all loose or non-adherent rust, and all loose paint. Donot burnish the surface.

5.4 Operate power tools in a manner that prevents theformation of burrs, sharp ridges, and sharp cuts.

5.5 Regardless of the method used for cleaning, ifspecified in the procurement documents, feather edges ofremaining old paint so that the repainted surface can havea reasonably smooth appearance.

5.6 if approved by the owner, use blast cleaning assubstitute cleaning method for this specification.

3. Reference Standards

3.1 The standards referenced in this specification arelisted in Section 3.4 and form a part of the specification.3.2 The latest issue, revision or amendment of thereference standards in effect on the date of invitation to bidshall govern unless otherwise specified.

3.3 If there is a conflict between the requirements ofany of the cited reference standards and the specification,the requirements of the specification shall prevail.

3.4 SSPC SPECIFICATIONS:SP 1VIS 3

Solvent Cleaning

Visual Standard for Power- andHand Tool Cleaned Steel

3.5 International Organization for Standardization(ISO):

8501-1:1988

Preparation of Steel SubstratesBefore Application of Paints andRelated Products: Visual Assess-ment of Surface Cleanliness,Part I

6.Inspection

6.1 All work and materials supplied under this specifi-cation shall be subject to timely inspection by the purchaseror his authorized representative. The contractor shall cor-rect such work or replace such material as is found defec-tive under this specification. In case of dispute the arbitra-tion or settlement procedure established in the procure-

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SSPC-SP 3

November 1, 1982

Editorial Changes September 1, 2000

ment documents, if any, shall be followed. If no arbitrationor settlement procedure is established, the procedure speci-fied by the American Arbitration Association shall be used.6.2 The procurement documents covering work orpurchase should establish the responsibility for testing andfor any required affidavit certifying full compliance with thespecification.

The Surface Preparation Commentary, SSPC-SP COM,is not part of this specification. The table below lists thesubjects discussed relevant to power tool cleaning andappropriate Commentary Section.

SSPC-SP COMSectionFilm Thickness................................................10Rust Back.......................................................4.5Visual Standards............................................11Weld Spatter...............................................4.4.18.3 Note that the use of visual standards in conjunctionwith this specification is required only when they are speci-fied in the procurement documents (project specification)covering the work. It is recommended, however, that theuse of visual standards be made mandatory in the procure-ment documents.

SSPC-VIS 3, “Visual Standard for Power- and Hand-Tool Cleaned Steel,” provides color photographs for thevarious grades of surface preparation as a function of theinitial condition of the steel. For more information aboutvisual standards, see SSPC-SP COM, Section 11.*Notes are not requirements of this specification.

7. Safety

7.1 All safety requirements stated in this specificationand its component parts apply in addition to any applicablefederal, state, and local rules and requirements. They alsoshall be in accord with instructions and requirements ofinsurance underwriters.

8. Notes*

8.1 While every precaution is taken to insure that allinformation furnished in SSPC specifications is as accu-rate, complete, and useful as possible, SSPC cannot as-sume responsibility or incur any obligation resulting fromthe use of any materials, paints, or methods specifiedtherein, or of the specification itself.

8.2 A Commentary Section is available and containsadditional information and data relevant to this specifica-tion.

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