WELDING CODES AND QUALIFICATIONS OF WELDERS
Before a welder can begin work on any job covered by a welding code or Specification,
Certification under the code that applies is required. Many different codes are in use and it is exceedingly important that the specific codes is referred to when taking qualification tests. In general, the following type of work is covered by codes :
Pressure vessels and pressure piping, Highway and Railway bridges,
Public buildings, Tanks and containers that will hold flammable or explosive materials,
Cross country pipelines, Aircraft, Ordinance material, Ships and boats, and nuclear facilities. A qualified welding procedure is normally required.
Certification is obtained differently under the various codes. Certification under one code will not necessarily qualify a welder to weld under a different code. In most cases, certification for one employer will not allow the welder to work for another employer (except in cases where welders are qualified by an association of employers). Also if the welder uses a different process or if the welding procedure is altered drastically, recertification is required. In most codes, if the welder is continually employed, welding recertification is not required providing the work performed meets the quality requirement. An exception is the military aircraft code which requires recertification every six months.
Qualification tests may be given by responsible manufacturers or contractors. The welding procedure must be qualified before the welders can be qualified. To become qualified the welder must make specified welds using the qualified welding procedure which includes information such as :
Process, Base metal, Thickness, Electrode type, Position and Joint design.
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