SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) is a professional association for the

industrial protective and marine coatings Industrial may refer to: Industry * Industrial archaeology, the study of the history of the industry * Industrial engineering, engineering dealing with the optimization of complex industrial processes or systems * Industrial city, a city dominate ...

industry. It was founded in 1950 as the Steel Structures Painting Council, a non-profit association concerned with the use of

coatings A coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the substrate. The purpose of applying the coating may be decorative, functional, or both. Coatings may be applied as liquids, gases or solids e.g. Powder ...

to protect steel structures such as bridges, ships, water tanks, and locks and dams. Since the original mission of the organization evolved over the years to include structures built with materials other than steel (concrete, composite materials, etc.), the name was changed in 1997 to SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. The organization was originally affiliated with

Carnegie Mellon University Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is a private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. One of its predecessors was established in 1900 by Andrew Carnegie as the Carnegie Technical Schools; it became the Carnegie Institute of Technology ...

but is now independent. As of the end of 2019, there are approximately 16,000 members worldwide. There are also approximately 960 corporate members.

Industrial painting contractors Industrial may refer to: Industry * Industrial archaeology, the study of the history of the industry * Industrial engineering, engineering dealing with the optimization of complex industrial processes or systems * Industrial city, a city dominate ...

are a primary beneficiary of SSPC's efforts. Because of significant overlap in mission and services, in April 2020 the membership approved a merger with

NACE International The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), is a professional association focused on the protection of assets and performance of materials. AMPP was created when NACE International and SSPC the Society for Protective Coatin ...

, along with members of that organization. The merger formed a new organization in 2021. NACE and SSPC are now known as AMPP: The

Association for Materials Protection and Performance The Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), is a professional association focused on the protection of assets and performance of materials. AMPP was created when NACE International and SSPC the Society for Protective Coatin ...

. The NACE and SSPC organizations and brands will be gradually phased out.

Publications

The "official voice of SSPC" is the

Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings A journal, from the Old French ''journal'' (meaning "daily"), may refer to: *Bullet journal, a method of personal organization *Diary, a record of what happened over the course of a day or other period *Daybook, also known as a general journal, a ...

, published monthly by Technology Publishing Company in Pittsburgh, PA. In addition to standards and the JPCL, SSPC produces books, technical manuals, training courses, professional certification programs and information regarding environmental regulations and health and safety issues that affect the protective coatings industry. SSPC has also begun developing resources for the commercial-light industrial industry.

Standards

SSPC is an

American National Standards Institute The American National Standards Institute (ANSI ) is a private non-profit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for products, services, processes, systems, and personnel in the United States. The organi ...

accredited standards development organization. SSPC develops and publishes widely used industry standards for surface preparation, coating selection, coating application, painting contractor certification, and testing. Standing committees periodically review and update the standards as required.

Contractor Certification Programs

SSPC offers various certification programs for industrial and commercial contractors, inspection firms, and supplements for the nuclear industry and

ISO 9000 The ISO 9000 family is a set of five quality management systems (QMS) standards that help organizations ensure they meet customer and other stakeholder needs within statutory and regulatory requirements related to a product or service. ISO 90 ...

Professional Training and Certification

SSPC offers training and certification for coatings applicators, inspectors, project managers, EHS managers, engineers, and other coatings professionals.

Conferences

In 2011, following the discontinuation of the annual PACE conference, SSPC launched the SSPC Annual Conference featuring GreenCOAT, which is held in the United States each year for SSPC members and affiliates. Starting in 2019, the conference was renamed to Coatings+.

Chapters

Other regional meetings are held throughout the USA and other parts of the world vi
SSPC's Chapter system

External links

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings WebsiteThe Journal of Protective Coatings & Linings WebsiteSSPC Online Training ProgramsGoldenland House Painters
Organizations established in 1950 International professional associations Professional associations based in the United States Paint and coatings industry {{Org-stub