Welding Inspection Qualifications 1

[drewtheengineer]

Stay with me here...

The IBC (specifically NY State BC) states under Chapter 17, Special Inspections (1704.3.1) "The basis for welding inspector qualificaion shall be AWS D1.1"

I don't have AWS D1.1 but I found an article stating that Qualification and Certification of inspectors are two different things. I'm trying to find out if AWS is more specific about what makes for a qualified welding inspector.

Does anyone have an AWS D1.1 handy that can take a quick peek for me?

Thanks
Drew

 

[TFL]

aws has a class to take to become a certified welding inspector

 

[Ron]

The Welding Inspector qualification referenced under AWS D1.1 is the AWS Certified Welding Inspector(CWI). This is the culmination of a certification process for welding inspectors that requires certain levels of experience in visual weld inspection (at least 5 years), followed by a written and practical examination geared to inspection of welding with respect to a reference welding code. In order to meet most code requirements for QUALIFICATION, one must be CERTIFIED through this process. If a code references the provisions of AWS D1.1, then the welding inspector must be certified as a CWI for visual inspection of the welds.

The basic difference between qualification and certification is that the certification is basic evidence of the qualification. In general you might be "qualified" without being "certified", but you're not likely to be "certified" without being "qualified"! Confused yet?!

 

[Lutfi]

I am a member of AWS. I strongly recommend that every structural engineer has a copy of AWS D1.1.

I agree with Ron's input.

Just as an advice to engineers who detail and require welded connections, utilize as much as possible a pre-qualified weld whenever you can. A complete list is in AWS D1.1 and the AISC steel manual under connections. Use of these details saves time, money and quality.

Regards