The Welding Leader - Commercial Welding Requirements

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Commercial Welding Requirements

There are always four key categories in contracts that involve welding. These are: design, materials, processes and compliance. These topics are always present. Experienced owners and managers understand that addressing each of these categories is mandatory. Some bosses comment that operations would be simpler if they did not use welding.

Design -
Designs for ease of welding and design compliance are simple.

We enjoy the benefits of safe buildings, bridges and infrastructure. Our engineers are trained to incorporate fail-safe designs to avoid structural failures or personal injuries. The root of welding code development is located in the history of welded items. Though today's projects are “special” and the contract may specify “design-build” techniques, most welds are a common variety and repeated for decades. Design for code compliance is never discretionary.

Education is the answer. Education the is only way to maintain and improve our safety and financial security. To learn more about the welding codes (AWS, ASME, API) buy a code book and read it. The cost of education is an expense, while the cost of ignorance is more.

Materials -
Welding base materials and consumables must be verified for compliance with standards and project requirements. Material Test Reports (MTRs) for heats and lots of steel are readily available from the supplier. All material and consumables must have permanent identification markings to maintain traceability. Management planning and internal audits are necessary. Welding documents and welder performance certifications are specified by base materials and verification is an essential variable.

Processes -
Common welding processes are Stick, Mig, Tig, Flux core and Sub-arc. Local welding distributors can readily support these processes with equipment and consumables. Code compliant welding requires skill, proficiency and experience.

Welding documents (WPSs, PQRs and Welder performance certs) must be written for each company and are required by all codes. Ownership and sign-off of these documents is a liability issue. The WPSs list the values essential variables used in the qualification process and the ranges of tested heat inputs required to produce sound welds. When essential variables are altered, welding documents and certifications must be retested.

Welding power supplies wear out. WJMG offers routine welding power supply verification to confirm that equipment is working. To initiate equipment or instrument verification please visit www.wjmg.com.

WJMG routinely documents welding procedures and conducts welder certification tests. WJMG maintains certified power supplies, pre-beveled coupons and assorted consumables. For an appointment call 303-451-6759.

Compliance -
Code compliance for welding is specified in contracts. These codes specify acceptance criteria that qualified inspectors use in visual inspection and certified nondestructive testing (NDT) technicians use in examinations. ASNT requires the use of a Level III in the codes. Every company performing NDT must have a Written Practice outlining technician certification, that documentation can assure a successful audit.