Conducting Welder Qualifications Testing

27/05/2020 - by darren.donnison

The Welding Examiner should have received appropriate training in the invigilation of welder testing and have association with a UKAS approved Recognised Third Party Organization (RTPO)

Part 1 Welding Examiner Duties for Welder Qualification Testing

The conduct and witnessing of welder qualification tests by a Welding Examiner has to be in accordance with the requirements of the relevant standard, client or nominated third party authority. The Welding Examiner needs to ensure that current issues of relevant standards, client specifications and third party authority regulations are used in the conduct of welder qualification tests.

Prior to commencing and during the welder qualification test, the Welding Examiner should ensure the following:

  1. Establish what welder testing standard is applicable.
  2. Verify a copy of the applicable welding pWPS or WPS is available at the test location
  3. Establish what tests are required, i.e. bend tests, fillet break test, NDE, etc.
  4. Establish the size of the test pieces and what test positions are required
  5. Establish base metals and thicknesses are to be welded.
  6. Establish what welding process will be used.
  7. Check the welder’s identification (before testing starts)
  8. Record all relevant information required by the standard, specification or regulation:
    • the welding equipment calibration/validation reference number, ensuring it has been done to BS EN IEC 60974-14 or that the measuring equipment (amp volt meter) has been calibrated and are Traceable to National standards
  9. Discuss WPS, test rules, and acceptance criteria with the welder.
  10. Verify the correct materials are being used, including the following:
    • Base metal material specification (certified material test report) This is not essential but recommended
    • Consumable type and classification
    • If MMA low-hydrogen covered electrodes are to be used they have been stored in accordance with the manufactures recommendations
  11. Verify test assembly is correctly set up and the use of tack welds/clamps are in accordance with the WPS.
  12. Verify the test assembly is in the correct test position (check with a spirit level if required).
  13. Verify correct preheat is being applied if required prior to commencing welding.
  14. Check welding parameters, amps volts Interpass temperature and travel speed while the welder is welding to ensure compliance with the WPS.
  15. If the test criteria is for a full penetration weld, visually inspect the root pass and if satisfactory allow the welder to continue, If root defects not permitted by the standard/code are present then the candidate fails to satisfy requirements, arrange a re-test if this is permitted by the standard/code again, following the procedure as detailed above.
  16. Verify that the correct Interpass cleaning technique is being performed.
  17. Perform visual examination of the completed weld. If defects that are not permitted by the standard/code are present then the candidate fails to satisfy requirements, arrange a re-test if this is permitted by the standard/code again, following the procedure as detailed above
  18. Verify the appropriate identification is applied to the test coupon root stop start and the top of the test coupon for pipe or stop starts for fillet welds are marked before removing it from the test position. The following information is usually considered to be the minimum required:
    1. Welder’s identification
    2. Examiners name
    3. Test position
    4. WPS
    5. Date.
  19. Subject the test specimens to the appropriate destructive or non-destructive tests as required by the applicable welding standard.
  20. Record all necessary data relating to the test including any mechanical test or NDE results and produce the welder certificate for endorsing by the UKAS approved Recognised Third Party Organization (RTPO)