WPS interchange between regional offices of the same company

[KnaT]

A company has its main workshop in one country and many regional workshops in other countries. The regional workshops are using the welding procedures that were qualified in the main workshop.

The regional workshops have their own ISO and API certifications but the control system being followed are same as the main workshop.

Question 1: Is this allowed as per API 1104, ASME Sec IX and D1.1?
Question 2: How should this be documented in the Quality Management System that it conforms to Code requirements and also acceptable to the Clients?

 

[stanweld]

#1 Yes.
#2 We have documented it within our ASME Code Quality Manual and our Corporate Quality Manual.

 

[metengr]

It should be documented as follows - you as the regional organization and your Authorized Inspection agency have reviewed accepted responsibility for the welding procedures from the main workshop and have direct control of the welding being done by your organization using the main workshop welding procedures.

 

[KnaT]

Should a similar statement be mentioned in Main workshop's manual as well?

 

[metengr]

Yes. I would recommend you have a brief statement in your main workshop Quality Manual that welding procedures are controlled by the main shop and are made available for use to the regional workshop locations. The main thing you need to be concerned about is who ultimately controls the welding procedures.

 

[stanweld]

Please refer to the third paragraph of QW-201. Also review QW-201.1, if it should apply.