AWS and/or ASME Third Party Inspection

[Excellant]

Can a third party Inspector review weld related documentation, witness welding, verify correct welds to drawings, witness weld NDT testing and pressure testing if previously held CWI certification but has now lapsed.
Is this identified in ASME VIII or AWS language?

 

[Mr168]

See 6.1.4 in D1.1 for inspector requirements. Unless contract requirements stipulate that he needs to be a CWI, a competent person is acceptable to perform D1.1 inspection duties when meeting the requirements outlined.

Section VIII, and most quality programs, call for NDE personnel to be qualified based on ASNT TC-1A. Several of the other ASME codes will call for the same, though some accept valid, not expired, CWI certification as acceptable for visual exam in lieu of other qualifications. He cannot perform any "Inspection" duties where an AI is required.

None of this is to say that he can't review documentation, witness welding, or witness anything that you've mentioned on somewhat of a consulting basis, only that he cannot perform the actual required examinations for ASME.

 

[qcrobert]

As addressed in AWS D1.1-98 and AWS D1.6-07 6.2.2, An Inspector, previously certified as a Welding Inspector under the provisions of AWS QC1 or CSA standard W178.2, Level II or III, may serve as an Inspector for this work, provided there is acceptable documentation that the Inspector has remained active as an Inspector of welded fabrication since last being certified, and there is no reason to question the Inspector;s authority.

ASME B31.1-09 136.3.2 Qualification of NDE Personnel, (C), As an alternative to the preceding program, the requirements of ASME Section V, Article 1 may be used for the qualification of NDE personnel. Personnel qualified to AWS QC1 may be used for the visual examination of welds.

As far as ASME Section VIII Div 1 is concerned, it only addresses the qualifications of the Authorized Inspector regularly employed by an ASME accredited Authorized Inspection Agency.

 

[connectegr]

Why would someone select a "third party" inspector who is not presently certified? I know the paper work and renewal fees are the easy part, but why would a testing agency send an "unqualified" person?

AWS D1.1-2010 6.1.4.1
If the Engineer elects to specify the bases of inspector qualification, it shall be so specified in the contract documents.

The acceptable qualification basis shall be the following:
(1) Current or previous certification as an AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)


That said, I hope you never have to explain to a jury that welds were inspected by someone you knew had expired credentials.

http://www.FerrellEngineering.com

 

[qcrobert]

The reason AWS states acceptable qualification shall be current or previous certification is that they acknowledge that the CWI didn't forget everything he knew just because his certification lasped and is no longer current.

Previously qualified CWI can still inspect and fulfill all the responsibilities of a currently qualified CWI, but he cannot use his "stamp".

Besides, inspection personnel qualification allows the inspector to be an engineer or technician who, by training and experience in metal fabrication, inspection and testing, is acceptable to the Engineer.

It all goes back to the Engineer of Record and/or contractural requirements and even then a "variance" can be levied by the PE.

 

[gtaw]

Qualification and certification are two separate issues.

Qualification typically includes education, training, relevant experience, and can even include an examination to demonstrate the necessary skill requirements have been attained.

Certification is the written signature of someone that attests to the qualifications of an individual.

Just because an individual has decided to allow his certification or license to lapse does not mean they no longer have the qualifications to do their job. I know of several P.E.s that have not renewed their registration for different reasons, but they still are engaged in design, inspections, etc. They still work for the same engineering firm they did when they did have their P.E.s in effect.


Best regards - Al