How SSPC Guide No. 6 Is Used in Project Specifications
SSPC Guide No. 6 is an industry reference for containment of debris generated during surface preparation of structures. When it is incorporated into a project specification, the required containment class and controls depend on the work method, coating, structure, environmental conditions, and specification. Applicable federal, state, local, and site requirements may add other controls. Our worksite safety protocols explain how laser cleaning projects address restricted access, PPE, extraction, fire prevention, and residue handling.
Depending on the specified containment class and work method, controls can include scaffold or suspension systems, impermeable barriers, negative-pressure exhaust with filtration, worker decontamination, and collection of wash water or debris.
What Containment Costs
Containment costs vary by project size, height, and accessibility. Industry estimates run $2 to $5 per square foot of contained surface area. On a 5,000 square foot interior wall, containment adds $10,000 to $25,000 before any blasting begins. On a bridge or elevated structure, scaffold suspension costs push containment above $5 per square foot.
The Illinois DOT GBSP26 specification and Minnesota DOT containment specifications detail these requirements for public infrastructure projects. Commercial and industrial projects in the tri-state follow comparable standards.
Containment Is the Timeline Killer
Containment setup typically takes 2 to 5 days depending on project scale. Teardown takes another 1 to 3 days. On a project where the actual blasting takes 3 days, containment setup and teardown double or triple the total timeline. Every extra day on a commercial project costs the building owner in lost occupancy, delayed construction, or extended equipment downtime.
Why Laser Cleaning Can Reduce Containment Needs
Laser cleaning does not add abrasive media and, with appropriate source capture, can reduce airborne dust and cleanup compared with abrasive blasting. The required containment and worker-protection controls still depend on the contaminant, site, work area, and applicable project requirements.
On some large lead-paint projects, reduced containment complexity can materially lower cost and schedule, but the actual savings depend on the site, coating, controls, project specification, and applicable requirements. Added abrasive media and its disposal can create additional cost for conventional blasting.
For Project Estimators
When comparing laser cleaning to sandblasting bids, add the containment line item to the sandblasting estimate if it is not already there. Many initial bids omit or understate containment costs. Containment and environmental controls for lead-bearing coating removal should be specified based on the project standard, work method, exposure controls, site conditions, and applicable requirements.
For projects where containment drives the schedule, compare the work with our laser paint-stripping service and planning guidance for construction contractors and bridge and DOT infrastructure.