Subcontracted weld testing 1

[amorton5]

Per asme IX or AWS D1.1 and D1.2 can a contractor perform the welder performance qualification test at their shop. At completion of the weld test can they send the completed test coupon off to a 3rd party for review, guided bend test and receive certification for that welder? My question is, does code allow for a 3rd party CWI to physically examine the welded coupon, perform the guided bend test, complete the wpq process and send certification for that welder back to the contractor for the welder to go to work for the contractor?

Does Asme IX or AWS D1.1 allow for this?

 

[pipewelder1999]

I am late on this conversation and tried to read through most of the posts so may be duplicating something already said.

I am sure all of the code requirements related to who can do what, when where and why have been addressed. One point I wanted to make is this.
There is NO NEED for the inspector to be a CWI according to most codes.
As Al already mentioned about a welder being "certified by an ATF" what about an "Inspector being certified by AWS" and then the contractor AND AWS having to explain in court why the inspector failed to properly test the welders as required by the code.

I have seen as much questionable skills/knowledge in CWI's as I have welders tested somewhere. Each company should ensure that the personnel they have performing special processes be adequately skilled to do them. Regardless of all that happens, every MFGs data report for new products and R-1's I have ever seen, the responsibility for compliance and quality lies with the manufacturer or contractor.

If thats the case, who do you want making sure all of your testing is done right ?


Gerald

Gerald Austin

http://www.weldingdata.com

Greeneville Tennessee