General

This standard provides guidelines specific to the railcar industry for the in-house training and employer administered qualification of level of coating-inspection qualification. An employee who has passed this level of qualification is called an Employer-Qualified Coating Inspector (EQCI). Included are recommended criteria for employers recognizing this qualification, as well as a list of suggested training topics and references to publications useful to such a training program

One basic level of qualification is defined in this standard: the EQCI qualification. Other levels and classes may be added to a training program as needed in accordance with the employer's written practice.⁽¹⁾

The factors and conditions judged to be significant to the quality and performance of a coating or lining system to be inspected should be reviewed and agreed on at a prejob conference.

The recommendations in this standard are intended to assist employers in training and qualifying personnel to inspect coatings and linings only in the railcar industry.

If permitted in the written practice, a NACE Certified Coating Inspector may perform the duties of an EQCI without separate qualification or certification.

Although an employer may elect to incorporate CIP as part of its coating inspector qualification program, examination and certification by NACE is not requirement for EQCI qualification-

Although EQCI qualification is an established credential, employer qualification alone may not legally qualify an inspector to provide inspection services to the public. Contract documents, codes, and standards may require inspections to be performed under the direction of personnel with qualifications such as a NACE Coating Inspector certification or a professional engineer license.

⁽¹⁾ Classes that may supplement EQCI qualification include the NACE Protective Coatings and Linings Courses and the NACE Basic Corrosion Course.