This part of ISO 12944 deals with the development of specifications for corrosion protection of steel structures, using protective paint systems. It relates to new work and maintenance in the workshop or on site and is also applicable to the corrosion protection of individual components. This part of ISO 12944 concerns the corrosion protection of steel structures exposed to different corrosion stresses by environments such as indoors, open-air and immersion in water or burial in soil, as well as special stresses, for example due to medium or high temperatures. The need for different durability ranges is considered.

Steel surfaces that have been hot-dip-galvanized, metal-sprayed, zinc-electroplated or sherardized, and previously painted steel surfaces, are also covered by this part of ISO 12944.

In annex B, reference areas for assessing the quality of the corrosion protection work and the performance of the protective paint systems used are dealt with. Annexes C and D provide detailed flow charts for planning new work and maintenance, which should be taken into account when writing a specification.

If extreme corrosion stresses or high temperatures occur, or the protective paint systems are to be used on other substrates such as non-ferrous metals or concrete, the specifications will have to take this into account. This part of ISO 12944 may also be used as a guide in such cases.