This standard contains the general requirements for the safe and effective use of APC equipment, operated either manually hand-held or through use of automation, to prepare various metallic surfaces for maintenance, repair, recoating, or lining. This standard does not address surface preparation of concrete.

APC is applied to the entire surface specified to be prepared for a new coating or lining. Poorly adhered surface material and coating that cannot withstand the APC process are removed, while, depending on the chosen cleanliness level, any remaining coating is suitably prepared prior to the application of a new coating layer over the existing. In the case of metallic substrates, the underlying surface profile will be revealed whenever surface contamination and coatings are removed.

This standard is limited to requirements for the removal of visible surface contaminants. Information on nonvisible contamination is in Appendix A (nonmandatory). Information on soluble salt testing is in SSPC-Guide 15.

Additional information on the function of APC for metallic surface preparation is in Paragraph A1 of Appendix A. Paragraphs A2, A4, and A5 of Appendix A contain existing coating considerations for project planners and managers.