Duties of a Welding Inspector

Welding Inspectors generally, ensure that weldments and welding related activities comply with all applicable quality and safety criteria.

According to the AWS standards, AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors, Paragraph 11.2 in part states:

“Responsibility to the Public. The SCWI, CWI, and CAWI
shall act to preserve the health and well being of the public by
performing duties required of welding inspection in a conscientious
and impartial manner to the full extent of the inspector(s)
moral and civic responsibility and qualification.”

While AWS B5.1, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspectors, states in paragraph 4.1 that the employer is responsible for defining the welding inspector’s duties.

So, please check with your employer for your exact scope of work as a welding inspector.

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Although the standard provides a detailed listing of inspection tasks relevant to each level of certification, it is very specific and requires a bit of research to fully understand and practice.

Not to worry, because here is a simplified version of the typical duties of a welding inspector that can be used as a general guideline for newcomers.

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The duties are divided into 3 main phases; Before, During and After welding.

Duties before welding

• Verify that the material is
  – in accordance with drawing / WPS
  – identified and traced to a test certificate
  – in suitable condition (free from damage and contamination)
• WPS is approved and available to welders (and inspectors).
• Welding equipment is in suitable condition and calibrated as appropriate.
• Weld preparations are in accordance with WPS (and/or drawings).
• Identification of welders qualification for each WPS to be used and all welder qualification certificates are valid.
• Welding consumables to be used are
  -as specified by the WPS
  -stored/controlled as specified by the QC procedure.
• Joint fit-ups are in accordance with WPS / drawings
• Tack welds are acceptable per standards, code or WPS.
• Weld faces are free from defects, contamination, and damage.
• The minimum temperature for Preheat (if required) is in accordance with WPS.

Duties during welding

• Ensure weather conditions are suitable / comply with Code (conditions will not affect welding) when on-site / field welding.
• Welding process must be in accordance with WPS.
• Preheat (if required) minimum temperature is being maintained in accordance with WPS.
• Inter-pass temperature maximum temperature is in accordance with WPS.
• Welding consumables are in accordance with WPS and being controlled as the procedure.
• Welding parameters e.g. Current, volts, travel speed are in accordance with WPS.
• Root run is visually acceptable to Code before filling the joint (for single sided welds).
• Gouging / grinding only allowed by an approved method and to good workmanship standard.
• Inter-run cleaning must be at good workmanship standard.
• The welder is on the approval register /qualified for the WPS being used.

Duties after welding

• Each weld is marked with the welder’s identification and is identified in accordance with drawing/weld map.
• Ensure welds appearance is suitable for all NDT (profile, cleanness, etc) and visually inspect welds and sentence in accordance with Code.
• Check to ensure the dimensions are in accordance with drawing/Code.
• Ensure any modifications are included on as-built drawings.
• Ensure all NDT is complete and reports are available for records.
• Monitor repair work in accordance with the procedure.
• Monitor PWHT  process (if required)  for compliance with the procedure (check chart record).
• Ensure test equipment for Pressure/load test  (if required) is calibrated. Monitor test to ensure compliance with procedure/Code and ensure reports/records are available.
• Ensure all reports/records are completed and collated as required. 

Reference: 

1. Inspector Responsibilities By Neal Chapman
2. CSWIP 3.1 Course note