The Definition of a Water Tank Professional
The American Water Works Association (AWWA) D101-53 (R1986): Page 1, Introduction; The tank owner should employ a disinterested inspector to look over the metal surface inside and out, to determine the condition of the paint and interior metal surfaces, and what repairs, if any, are needed. AWWA 3rd-Party Unbiased Tank Inspection Criteria promotes inspection by someone who has no interest in completing the work recommended.
The American Heritage Dictionary: Engaged in a specific activity as a source of livelihood. One who has an assured competence in a particular field or occupation.
National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE):
International Coatings’ Inspector Training & Certification Program establishes competence in the inspection of surface preparation and coatings application equipment, techniques and reporting procedures which offer the owner the assurance and longevity expected from the coating system/liner applied and promotes third party inspection which protects the interests of the owner/client.
TDEC, Guidance For Water Tank Inspections, Division of Water Supply, Inspector Qualifications: “The regulation requires a “professional” inspection and written report. It is the intent of the Division to allow water system employees to conduct in house inspections provided they are State certified water system operators or licensed engineers, and are experienced in water tank operation and maintenance.
As a third-party inspector, your loyalties and efforts are focused on providing the owner the most cost-effective options available that will protect the structural integrity of the tank and provide clean safe drinking water. rs or licensed engineers, and are experienced in water tank operation and maintenance.
Within the professional coatings’ inspection industry as outlined by NACE Coatings’ Inspector Training and Certification Program, and as recommended by AWWA third party tank inspection criteria, it is understood that motives of the inspector or inspectors’ employer can sometimes have a direct result on maintenance recommendations made.
Touch-up spot repairs would generally not be considered if complete removal and replacement of a coating system or interior liner can be justified through the inspection report and recommendations made.
The inspection report is then used as a means of securing tank cleaning, coating and/or repair contracts. Coating representatives get paid for selling coating materials and supplies.
Generally speaking, loyalties lie with who you work for and who is paying your salary.
As a third party inspector, your loyalties and efforts are focused on providing the owner the most cost effective options available that will protect the structural integrity of the tank and provide clean safe drinking water.
Simply speaking, this is what the owner should be paying for.
