How to meet Visual Inspection Qualifications as per ASME B31.1

Work Instruction: Weld Process Verification and Visual Examination of Welds

APPENDIX A:

Visual NDT Examination of Welds for CANADA-Personnel qualification

Scope: to meet   ASME B 31.1, paragraph 136.3 ,ASME  sec I, ASME   B31.3 requirements for Personnel certification, training and competency   for NDT Visual Examination of Welds

Definition:

visual examination: the observation of whatever portions of components, joints, and other piping elements that are exposed to such observation before, during, or after manufacture, fabrication, assembly, erection, inspection, or testing. This examination may include verification of the applicable requirements for materials, components,dimensions, joint preparation, alignment, welding or joining, supports, assembly, and erection.

Who is doing it: As per ASME QC Manual   Visual examination of welds is done by Quality Control Welding  Inspector. This QC role is completing Visual NDT Examination of Welds.  

Qualifications: for Canada region personnel qualified to CWB CSA Standard W178.2 “Certification of Welding Inspectors” may be used for the NDT visual examination of welds, provided they meet the annual visual acuity examination and the J1 visual acuity requirements of ASME BPVC, Section V, Article 9

As per ASME  B31.1

Program Review: CWB -CSA Standard W178.2 “Certification of Welding Inspectors” Certification Program overview:

This program is reviewed by QA Manager for a scope, application process, required  experience, training hours required as well as exam requirements , written and practical exams  and concluded to be satisfactory . The program is also reviewed for other details and renewal requirements. All information of this certification program are available on CWB web site https://www.cwbgroup.org/services/certification/visual-welding-inspector-certification  

Requirements

To achieve certification as a welding inspector under the CSA W178.2 program, individuals must meet several key requirements. These include:

• Individuals must meet a minimum number of years of experience and/or have completed training programs in accordance with the level of certification sought.
• Individuals must demonstrate specified technical knowledge through completion of both written and practical examinations.
• Individuals must demonstrate specific knowledge of a least one product standard to which they wish to inspect.
• Individuals must meet minimum vision requirements.
• Individuals must demonstrate ongoing involvement in welding inspection activities and an understanding of current product standard requirements.
• Individuals must adhere to a strict code of ethics.

Levels of Certification

CSA Standard W178.2 divides welding inspectors into three different levels:

• Level 1 is considered an entry level for welding inspectors. These individuals may independently conduct inspections but must work under direct certified Level 2 or 3 supervision.
• Level 2 welding inspectors are considered fully competent to inspect without supervision.
• Level 3 welding inspectors have demonstrated additional technical knowledge and are deemed capable of additional tasks such as inspections and test plan reviews.

To progress to a higher level, CSA Standard W178.2 requires welding inspectors to achieve additional experience in welding inspection for a specified number of years:

• Two years to progress from Level 1 to Level 2
• Four years to progress from Level 2 to level 3

Individuals will be required to demonstrate they have the additional knowledge required for those higher levels through written and practical examinations.

Renewal and Recertification

Certification isn’t a one-time process.

Every 3 years, certified inspectors must renew their certification by providing proof of continued work experience.

Every 6 years, certified inspectors must also complete a recertification process by either passing a practical examination, or by providing evidence of taking related professional development courses.