Fall 2026 Update

Have You Visited the Member Portal?

The new NSPCA website has lots of members-only content accessible to those who have set up a login and password.

Any LMCI member is eligible for access.

Registration is simple. Click below to get started.

Labor Relations Resources for NSPCA Members

Navigating labor relations issues can be challenging, but NSPCA members don’t have to go it alone. NSPCA offers a growing library of practical labor relations resources designed to help contractors address common workplace issues and better understand their responsibilities.

Available exclusively to NSPCA members, these resources include:

Responding to Union Information Requests: Guidance for handling requests for information from unions.
Grievance Do’s & Don’ts: Practical tips for navigating the grievance process.
Quick Guide to Resolving Jurisdictional Disputes: Information to help contractors address work assignment disputes.
What NSPCA Contractors Should Know About Withdrawal Liability: An overview of an important consideration for union contractors.

Already an NSPCA member? Take advantage of these resources by visiting the Members Only Labor Relations section of the NSPCA Updates https://www.nspcassociation.org/news/labor-relations. Be sure to check back as additional resources become available.

Not yet a member? Union-signatory contractors can join NSPCA at a very affordable rate and gain access to these resources, along with other valuable membership benefits. Whether you’re looking for practical guidance, industry information, or a stronger connection to the steel painting contractor community, NSPCA membership is a smart investment.

Visit the NSPCA website to learn more about membership and the resources available to you.

NSPCA Comments on OSHA Proposed Rule Changes

On August 21, 2026, NSPCA submitted comments to OSHA opposing proposed changes to the respiratory protection requirements for lead, cadmium, and arsenic.

NSPCA is concerned that the proposed changes would remove important minimum respiratory protection requirements and could leave workers in the industrial painting and coatings industry at greater risk of exposure to hazardous metals.

Our comments emphasize the importance of maintaining consistent minimum protections for workers, while also recognizing the potential costs to contractors and the industry when those protections are weakened.

Read NSPCA’s comments on each of the proposed rule changes:

Arsenic

Cadmium

Lead

New AMPP Standard for Power Tool Cleaning of Non-Ferrous Metals and Stainless Steels

AMPP recently published an industry surface preparation standard (SP-19) for Power Tool Cleaning (PTC) of two non-ferrous metals (that do not contain iron or steel), aluminum and copper, and stainless steels, prior to coating application. NSPCA Technical Consultant Alison B. Kaelin, CQA, put together a detailed summary.

Click the image to read more.

NSPCA Member Alert:

Check Your Copy of SSPC-Guide 6, "Guide for Containing Surface Preparation Debris Generated During Paint Removal Operations"

NSPCA has discovered that the AMPP Standards Page and the AMPP HUB recently shared an obsolete version of Guide 6. Recent and current AMPP C3 and C5 course material may also contain the obsolete versions. AMPP was notified of this error on 23 September 2026. NSPCA has monitored the affected pages and can now confirm that corrections have been made. However, we encourage all contractors to check their Guide 6 to ensure they have the correct version.

Click here to read more.

Do You Know Your HAZ?

Review of OSHA/EPA/DOT Hazardous Regulations

There are multiple definitions related to hazardous 'fill-in-the-blank' [waste/material/constituent] that cross through OSHA, EPA, and DOT regulations, and all of them are applicable to industrial painting contractors. This article discusses the specific regulations and terms related to hazardous [waste/material/constituent], and the primary training and program requirements.

Click here to read the article.

Mark Your Calendar for the 2027

Finishing Industries Forum (FIF)

February 8-10, 2027

Caesars Palace | Las Vegas, Nevada

Join NSPCA and industry colleagues for the 2027 Finishing Industries Forum, bringing together contractors, industry leaders, and representatives from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) for three days of education, networking, and meaningful discussion.

This year’s program will feature an exciting lineup of general session speakers, including keynote speaker Danny Goldberg, economist Anirban Basu, and Joe Kiedinger of Dignify.

Industry-specific breakout sessions will address issues directly affecting steel painting contractors, including upcoming AMPP QP program revisions, common OSHA and other regulatory citations, and emerging industry trends.

Beyond the educational sessions, the FIF offers a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow contractors, exchange ideas, and make your voice heard by IUPAT and NSPCA leadership on issues that matter to your business and our industry.

Plan to join us in Las Vegas!

NSPCA Contractor Spotlight Series

NSPCA will introduce a contractor spotlight series of articles in 2027 to highlight the expertise of our members across the country.

Would you like to participate? The process is very easy:

Email Joye Blanscett to request a profile.
NSPCA Consultant Amanda Weko will schedule a 30-minute phone interview to learn more about your business.
You'll be asked to provide a company logo and a few photos.
We'll handle writing and graphic design and you'll have a chance to review and approve.
The final PDFs will be shared on NSPCA channels and given to you to share on your own websites or social media.

Make 2027 the year for better engagement and promotion!

The National Steel Painting Contractors Association (NSPCA) provides a platform to help IUPAT contractors engaged in structural steel painting and industrial coatings preserve and grow market share. We are committed to our members' success.

Have an idea for a program or educational resource? Reach out to one of us:

Joye Blanscett | Executive Director
jblanscett@nspcassociation.org

Rick Matthews | Director of Contractor Engagement rmatthews@nspcassociation.org

Visit us online: https://nspcassociation.org/