Welding InspectorDuties and ResponsibilitiesSection 1

Main Responsibilities 1.1Code complianceWorkmanship controlDocumentation control

Personal Attributes 1.1Important qualities that good Inspectors are expected to have are: HonestyIntegrityKnowledgeGood communicatorPhysical fitnessGood eyesight

Standard for Visual Inspection 1.1

Basic RequirementsBS EN 970 - Non-destructive examination of fusion welds - Visual examinationWelding Inspection Personnel should:be familiar with relevant standards, rules and specifications applicable to the fabrication work to be undertakenbe informed about the welding procedures to be usedhave good vision (which should be checked every 12 months)

Welding Inspection 1.2

Conditions for Visual Inspection (to BS EN 970)Illumination:350 lux minimum required(recommends 500 lux - normal shop or office lighting)Vision Access:eye should be within 600mm of the surfaceviewing angle (line from eye to surface) to be not less than 30

Welding Inspection 1.3Aids to Visual Inspection (to BS EN 970)

When access is restricted may use: a mirrored boroscopea fibre optic viewing system

Other aids:welding gauges (for checking bevel angles, weld profile, fillet sizing, undercut depth)dedicated weld-gap gauges and linear misalignment (high-low) gaugesstraight edges and measuring tapesmagnifying lens (if magnification lens used it should have magnification between X2 to X5)

Welding Inspectors Equipment 1.3Measuring devices:flexible tape, steel ruleTemperature indicating crayonsWelding gaugesVoltmeterAmmeterMagnifying glassTorch / flash lightGas flow-meter

Welding Inspectors Gauges 1.3TWI Multi-purpose Welding GaugeMisalignment GaugesHi-Lo Gauge

Welding Inspectors Equipment 1.3Tong TesterAmmeterVoltmeter

Welding Inspection 1.3Stages of Visual Inspection (to BS EN 970)Extent of examination and when required should be defined in the application standard or by agreement between the contracting parties

For high integrity fabrications inspection required throughout the fabrication process: Before welding(Before assemble & After assembly)During weldingAfter welding

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.5Before WeldingPreparation: Familiarisation with relevant documentsApplication Standard/Code - for visual acceptance requirementsDrawings - item details and positions/tolerances etcQuality Control Procedures - for activities such as material handling, documentation control, storage & issue of welding consumablesQuality Plan/Inspection & Test Plan/Inspection Checklist - details of inspection requirements, inspection procedures & records required

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.5Before WeldingWelding Procedures:are applicable to joints to be welded & approvedare available to welders & inspectorsWelder Qualifications:list of available qualified welders related to WPSscertificates are valid and in-date

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.5Before WeldingEquipment:all inspection equipment is in good condition & calibrated as necessaryall safety requirements are understood & necessary equipment availableMaterials:can be identified & related to test certificates, traceability !are of correct dimensionsare in suitable condition (no damage/contamination)

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.5Before Welding Consumables:in accordance with WPSsare being controlled in accordance with ProcedureWeld Preparations:comply with WPS/drawingfree from defects & contaminationWelding Equipment:in good order & calibrated as required by Procedure

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.5Before Welding Fit-upcomplies with WPSNumber / size of tack welds to Code / good workmanship Pre-heatif specified minimum temperature complies with WPS

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.5During WeldingWeather conditionssuitable if site / field weldingWelding Process(es)in accordance with WPSWelderis approved to weld the jointPre-heat (if required)minimum temperature as specified by WPSmaximum interpass temperature as WPS

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.6During WeldingWelding consumablesin accordance with WPSin suitable conditioncontrolled issue and handlingWelding Parameterscurrent, voltage & travel speed as WPSRoot runsif possible, visually inspect root before single-sided welds are filled up

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.6During Welding Inter-run cleaningin accordance with an approved method (& back gouging) to good workmanship standardDistortion controlwelding is balanced & over-welding is avoided

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.6After WeldingWeld Identificationidentified/numbered as requiredis marked with welders identityVisual Inspectionensure weld is suitable for all NDTvisually inspect & sentence to Code requirementsDimensional Surveyensure dimensions comply with Code/drawingOther NDTensure all NDT is completed & reports available

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.6After WeldingRepairsmonitor repairs to ensure compliance with Procedure, ensure NDT after repairs is completedPWHTmonitor for compliance with Procedurecheck chart records confirm Procedure compliancePressure / Load Testensure test equipment is suitably calibratedmonitor to ensure compliance with Procedureensure all records are available

Typical Duties of a Welding Inspector 1.6After WeldingDocumentationensure any modifications are on as-built drawingsensure all required documents are availableCollate / file documents for manufacturing recordsSign all documentation and forward it to QC department.

Summary of DutiesA Welding Inspector must: ObserveTo observe all relevant actions related to weld quality throughout production.

RecordTo record, or log all production inspection points relevant to quality, including a final report showing all identified imperfections

CompareTo compare all recorded information with the acceptance criteria and any other relevant clauses in the applied application standardIt is the duty of a Welding Inspector to ensure all the welding and associated actions are carried out in accordance with the specification and any applicable procedures.