What is the initial step in preparing for a coating survey?

The initial step in preparing for a coating survey is to understand the scope. This is crucial because the scope defines the overall objectives, requirements, and limitations of the survey. It sets the foundation for all subsequent planning and activities. By clearly understanding the scope, inspectors can identify what needs to be assessed, the areas of focus, and the specific conditions that will be encountered during the survey.

This step ensures that all team members are aligned on the goals and expectations of the project, which helps prevent scope creep and miscommunication later in the process. Once the scope is established, it becomes much easier to summarize existing data, gather the team, and agree on formats for reporting and data collection. These subsequent steps are highly dependent on having a well-defined scope.