Whenever painted steelwork or other equipment is to be lifted, transported etc, consideration should be given to reducing damage to the paint.

Slings, forklifts, chains or other equipment is often used and although it may not do structural damage, it can damage the protective coatings.

This then has to be repaired, repainted, and inspected.

Proper instructions (and equipment) should be given to the workers and contractors to use web slings or similar covered with a rubber hose or similar soft material to avoid damage to the paint.

Some workers may say don’t bother and that it can be touched up later. But this is not as good as the original paint, and repainting often has to be inspected by a certified paint inspector which can be very expensive and can delay the continuation of the project.

It is cheaper and quicker to do it right the first time.

Tagged with: instructions • paint damage • paint inspection • repainting

Filed under: Construction • Quality

If a client representative asks or instructs you to do something on site (of any value or lasting effect) get it in writing before doing it.

For example, if the scope calls for a certain size concrete slab, but the client on site asks for it to be made larger, get it in writing before proceeding.

The person you get the written instruction from must be authorized to instruct you (not just a site operator or employee, it should be the project manager or his representative, who should be documented).

Tagged with: instructions

Filed under: Client • Communication • Documentation • Scope