TECHNICAL STANDARD
SSPC-AB 3-2019
Ferrous Metallic Abrasive
AMPP / SSPC
2019
Current
WHAT DOES THIS STANDARD COVER?
Addresses requirements applicable to ferrous metallic abrasives used for blast cleaning.
WHY IS IT RELEVANT?
Relevant when metallic shot or grit is specified and abrasive quality forms part of surface-preparation inspection or quality control. Where appropriate, relate this to the existing ISO 11124 metallic-abrasive records.
KEY INSPECTION CONSIDERATIONS
The standard addresses requirements for ferrous metallic abrasives used for blast cleaning. Abrasive characteristics can influence blasting behaviour and the resulting prepared surface. The condition of new abrasive and any requirements associated with recycled or working abrasive should be considered separately. Abrasive conformity and prepared-surface acceptance remain distinct inspection considerations.
WHAT THE STANDARD SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ASSUME
Conformity of the abrasive does not itself demonstrate achievement of the specified visual cleanliness or surface profile. Initial abrasive compliance should not automatically be assumed to demonstrate continuing condition after repeated use. Where abrasive is recycled, applicable requirements for the working abrasive and recycling process should be considered. Prepared-surface contamination remains a separate inspection issue.
PRACTICAL INSPECTION APPLICATION
Inspectors can review the specified abrasive type and available supporting documentation and consider the condition of recycled abrasive and the recycling system where applicable. The resulting prepared surface should then be assessed separately against the project requirements for visual cleanliness, surface profile and contamination.
RELATED TECHNICAL STANDARDS
RELATED TECHNICAL TOPICS
Abrasives; Metallic abrasive; ISO 11124
RELATED PIL GUIDANCE
Practical guidance on assessing abrasive blast-cleaned steel surface profile before protective coating application.
RELATED EXPERTISE
Coating Inspection; Testing & Analysis; Technical Consultancy
ABOUT THIS TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Paint Inspection Ltd provides this information to help inspectors, engineers, asset owners and contractors understand the practical relevance of commonly referenced protective coatings standards. This page is PIL technical guidance and does not reproduce or replace the published standard. Users should refer to the current published standard, project specification, coating manufacturer requirements and other applicable contract documents when establishing project requirements or acceptance criteria.
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OFFICIAL STANDARD
PIL technical summaries are intended to explain the inspection relevance of industry standards and do not replace the published document.
STATUS AND SOURCE VERIFICATION
Current standard designation remains SSPC-AB 3-2019; later catalogue information records subsequent publication/reaffirmation activity. Retain the formal standard designation rather than changing it to AB 3-2023. Verified September 2026.