welder is qualified indefinitely unless the weldr is not engaged in a given process of welding for which the welder is qualified for a period exceeding 6 months.
Look up Part A General Requirements under Qualification...
If his certs are expired (i.e. he has exceeded the limitations of his continuity), he is no longer qualified. He would have to retest just as anyone else who was not previously qualified.
You didn't reference a specific editions, so I'll refer you to clause 4.32.1.3 in D1.1-2010.
The welder only needs to requalify on 3/8 inch plate to reinstate previous qualifications. Of course he would have to requalify for each welding process.
Good catch, gtaw! Also note that in addition to process, all of the other performance essential variables would still apply, e.g. position, etc. I know that clause goes back to at least the 2000 edition of D1.1.
I have a Welder Requalifying on SMAW our procedure states:
When renewal of AWS D1.1 welder/welding operator qualifications is
performed, the thickness required for the qualification test shall be 3/8 inch to qualify any production welding thickness greater than or equal to 1/8 inch.
Can he test in any position to be requal for all? example
He takes a 3/8" thick plate in the 3G position. But is qual in 2g, 3g and 4g.
if the welders qualification has expired then they have re do the test, unless you can locate a NDT request that was called for either RT or UT and matching the original qualification specifications if not then a re test is required.
One thing to consider is that many welders are itinerant. They must prove continuous welding activity with no lapse in such activity greater than 6 months in order to remain qualified. That is sometimes difficult to trace. When in doubt (whether due to time issues or performance), do the requalification.
In the US, AWS D1.1 is a building code mandate. Failure to comply can create liability on numerous parties, including the engineers.
