QP Accreditation for coating and lining inspection companies

QP 5 is an accreditation program for inspection companies that focuses on the industrial coating and lining industry. QP 5 evaluates an inspection company’s ability to provide consistent quality inspection of coatings & linings for its clients.

On a fundamental level, QP 5 provides support to both the owner and inspection company by requiring checks and balances that ensure a high level of quality inspection regardless of which individual inspector is working the job site. This level of quality is accomplished by inspection service providers adopting quality programs that include regular maintenance training for inspectors, quality and procedural standards, corporate internal auditing of inspection records, and accountability.

Consistency and accountability at all levels of the inspection service gives the owner knowledge that their project is not just being inspected, it is also reviewed and supported by the inspection company itself. Because of the QP 5 requirements, both owners and inspection companies have realized that: where there was once a gaping hole – QP 5 fits perfectly.

Why You Should Specify QP for Your Projects

Well defined processes

Working with a QP accredited contractor, ensures that the contractor has documented processes in place, leading to projects that run closer to plan.

Adherence to specifications

Accredited contractors on the job lead to better adherence to job specifications, making the work of inspection easier.

To be certified to QP 5, coating and lining inspection companies must demonstrate company standards in key areas:

Management procedure
Established inspection practice
Systems of quality control
Internal audit and review procedures
Standards for qualifying and training personnel
Policy for review and resolution of complaints

These key areas are evaluated first in form of submittals at the time of application, then confirmed through an impartial on-site audit at the headquarter offices of the coatings and lining inspection company.

The on-site audit criteria can be found in both the QP 5 application and the Self-evaluation Checklist. AMPP strongly advises using the checklist to be sure all areas are addressed prior to the on-site audit.

QP 5 Background

The QP 5 standard was approved in 1999. The accreditation program was released in September of 2001. The current QP-5 program is based on the 2012 revision of the QP 5 standard.

QP 5 is based on criteria established in the standard, SSPC-QP 5 “Standard Procedure for Evaluating the Qualifications of Coating and Lining Inspection Companies,” which is part of SSPC Qualification Procedure Standards developed through the SSPC consensus process. The QP 5 standard is available for purchase (free to SSPC Members) in the AMPP SSPC Marketplace.

Purchase Standard