Quality Control Painting Inspector

QC PAINTING INSPECTOR

1. JOB PURPOSE

The QC Painting Inspector is responsible for ensuring that painted and sandblasted components meet the Company’s established quality standards, OEM specifications, customer requirements and applicable industry standards before products are released for further processing or dispatch.

The position is responsible for inspecting surface preparation and coating quality through various inspection and testing methods, accurately recording inspection results, identifying non-conformances and ensuring that corrective actions are implemented where required.

The QC Painting Inspector plays a critical role in maintaining the quality, durability and integrity of painted components manufactured and supplied by the Company.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 Quality Inspection and Testing

• Conduct Brinell Hardness Tests on applicable components to verify that material hardness meets specified requirements.
• Conduct Dry Film Thickness (DFT) tests on painted components to ensure coating thickness complies with OEM, customer and internal specifications.
• Conduct surface roughness/profile tests on sandblasted components to ensure the required surface preparation standard has been achieved before painting.
• Conduct dust tests to verify that surfaces are sufficiently clean and free from dust and other contaminants before coating.
• Conduct visual inspections of painted components for defects, including but not limited to:
• Runs and sags
• Orange peel
• Uneven coating
• Pinholes
• Blistering
• Peeling
• Poor coverage
• Contamination
• Overspray
• Incorrect colour or finish
• Damage to the coating
• Verify that components have been correctly prepared prior to painting.
• Confirm that the correct paint/coating system has been applied in accordance with the applicable specification.
• Inspect components at various stages of the painting process where required.

2.2 Quality Documentation and Record Keeping

• Accurately record all inspection and test results.
• Complete QC inspection reports, checklists and relevant quality documentation.
• Maintain accurate records of DFT, surface profile, dust and hardness testing.
• Ensure inspection records are completed accurately, legibly and timeously.
• Maintain traceability of inspection results to the relevant component, job, order or serial number.
• Report quality issues and non-conformances to the relevant Supervisor, QC Manager or responsible department.
• Ensure that inspection equipment readings and results are properly documented.

2.3 Non-Conformance Control

• Identify and report defective or non-conforming components.
• Place non-conforming products on hold where required and prevent them from being released without the necessary approval.
• Assist with investigations into painting and surface-preparation defects.
• Assist with determining possible root causes of recurring quality issues.
• Monitor corrective actions and verify that defects have been rectified before final approval.
• Escalate serious or repeated quality concerns to management.

2.4 Compliance

• Ensure all inspections and tests are conducted in accordance with:
• Company quality procedures;
• Applicable industry standards;
• OEM specifications;
• Customer specifications;
• Approved coating specifications; and
• Relevant inspection procedures.
• Ensure inspection equipment is used correctly and maintained in accordance with Company requirements.
• Verify that measuring and testing equipment is within its required calibration period.
• Immediately report damaged, defective or out-of-calibration inspection equipment.

2.5 Production and Operational Support

• Work closely with the Painting Department, Production, Quality Control and other relevant departments to resolve quality issues.
• Provide feedback to painters and supervisors regarding recurring coating defects.
• Assist production personnel in understanding applicable quality requirements.
• Conduct inspections within required production timelines without compromising quality standards.
• Assist with customer or third-party inspections when required.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing painting defects, rework and customer complaints.

3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Requirements

• Matric / Grade 12.
• Previous experience in a quality control, painting inspection, coating inspection or manufacturing environment will be advantageous.
• Experience working with inspection and measuring equipment will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of painting and surface preparation processes will be advantageous.
• Knowledge of slurry pumps, castings, fabricated components or industrial equipment will be advantageous.

4. REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong quality awareness.
• Ability to identify defects and deviations from specifications.
• Good numerical and measurement skills.
• Ability to accurately interpret specifications and inspection requirements.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Good administrative and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Good problem-solving and analytical skills.
• High level of accuracy and consistency.
• Ability to maintain professional relationships with production and operational staff.
• Computer literacy, particularly Microsoft Excel and relevant quality systems, will be advantageous.