Coating and Lining Inspection Safety

Coating and lining inspection verifies that protective systems on steel, concrete, and pipework meet specification.
Inspectors measure dry film thickness, adhesion, surface profile, and check for defects like pinholes and runs.
Inspection often takes place in confined spaces such as tanks, vessels, pipes, and chambers after application.
Solvent fumes from freshly applied coatings create toxic and explosive atmospheres in enclosed inspection areas.
Holiday testing uses high-voltage spark testers to detect pinholes in lining systems; electrical safety applies.
Wet paint, uncured resin, and fresh lining surfaces are slip hazards inside tanks and vessels.
Inspectors work at height inside large tanks and vessels, requiring harnesses or scaffolded access.
COSHH 2002 requires control of solvent fume exposure during inspection of freshly coated surfaces.
The Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 apply when entering tanks and vessels for coating inspection.
Inspection records including DFT readings and adhesion test results form part of the quality handover.

Fume exposure	Inspectors entering freshly coated confined spaces inhale concentrated solvent fumes causing acute poisoning and collapse.
Slip and fall	Wet coating residue and uncured lining surfaces inside tanks are extremely slippery, causing falls.
Electrical hazard	Holiday testing uses high-voltage spark equipment that causes electric shock if used incorrectly or with damaged leads.

Do

Don't

Monitor the atmosphere for solvent fumes before entering freshly coated confined spaces.
Allow adequate curing time and ventilation before entering for inspection.
Wear RPE rated for organic solvents when inspecting freshly applied coatings.
Use non-slip overshoes or boards when walking on wet or cured lining surfaces.
Inspect holiday testing equipment for damaged leads and connections before use.
Follow confined space entry procedures for all inspection inside tanks and vessels.
Use safe access platforms or harnesses for inspection at height inside large tanks.
Record DFT readings, adhesion results, and defect locations accurately.
Ventilate the space continuously during inspection of solvent-based coating systems.
Brief the inspection team on the coating type, curing status, and atmosphere risks.

DON'T enter freshly coated tanks without atmospheric monitoring confirming safe levels.
DON'T walk on uncured or wet lining surfaces without slip protection measures.
DON'T use holiday testing equipment with damaged cables or exposed connections.
DON'T inspect inside tanks without following confined space entry procedures.
DON'T rush into a freshly coated space before adequate ventilation and curing time.
DON'T eat, drink, or remove RPE while inside a space with solvent fume present.
DON'T lean against or touch freshly applied coatings; they transfer to clothing and skin.
DON'T use the holiday tester near flammable solvent atmospheres without assessment.
DON'T skip recording inspection readings; they cannot be repeated once the area is backfilled.
DON'T work at height inside tanks without fall protection or access scaffolding.

See also: Weld Inspection and NDT Safety | Confined Space Entry Procedures

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