Introduction:

The welding inspector is one of the frontline individuals who must check to see if all the required
manufacturing steps have been completed properly.

Section 4 of AWS QC1 standard for AWS certification of welding Inspectors outlines the various
function of the welding inspector.

In addition to this course, selected technical references included in the body of knowledge include:

1. Selected code (AWS D1.1, API 1104)

2. Welding inspection (WI-80)
3. AWS A 1.1, Metric practice guide for the welding industry
4. AWS A2.4 Standard symbols for welding, brazing, and non destructive examination
5. AWS A 3.0 Standard welding terms and definition
6. AWS B 1.10, Guide for non destructive inspection of welds
7. AWS B 1.11, Guide for visual inspection of welds
8. ANSI Z49.1 , Safety in welding cutting and allied process
9. AWS QC1 standard for AWS certification of welding Inspectors

Who is the welding inspector?

A welding inspector is the person responsible for the determination of weld quality according to
applicable codes and/or specifications.

General categories of welding inspector work function:

1. Overseer
2. Specialist
3. Combination Overseer-Specialist

Overseer: An individual/ individuals whose skills vary such that they can inspect any amount or type
of workmanship.

Specialist: Specialist does some specific task in the inspection process.

Important qualities of a welding inspector:

1. Knowledge
2. Attitude
3. Skills
4. Habit

The welding inspector brings “KASH” to the job.

Knowledge: the welding inspector should have knowledge of drawings and specification, welding
terms, welding processes and testing methods.

Attitude: Professional attitude is the first and most important quality of a welding inspector. And it’s
often the key factor for welding inspector success. Included in this category is the ability of the
inspector to make decisions based on facts so that inspections are fair, impartial and consistent. The
condition of the weld acceptance criteria is based on the specification.

Skill: The skills include the training in engineering and metallurgy, inspection experience and welding
experience.

Habit: These include safe practices, ability to maintain records, good physical condition and good
vision.

 The inspector should have a good vision, whether natural or corrected.

 AWS CWI program requires the inspector to pass and eye examination, with or without
corrective lens, to prove near vision acuity on Jaeger J2 at 12in and complete a colour
perception test.

Ethical requirements:

Ethical requirement include common sense, honesty and integrity.

Public statement:

As an inspector avoid if possible, never go for personal publicity also get legal advice.

Communication:

Effective communication is often the key to avoiding mistakes. The welding inspector must
communicate with various groups such as the design/project engineer, welding foreman/ supervisor,
shop or field superintendent, reporting supervisor, plant manager, the welder and the welding
engineer.

The NDE personnel:

The welding inspector must have knowledge of NDE methods, knowledge of NDE certifications for
example, ASNT, AWS, EN or Local statutory codes and standards. The ASNT recommended practice
for certification of NDE personnel is the SNT-TC-1A.

Experience required:

SCWI- 15 years minimum

CWI- 5 years minimum

CAWI- 2 years minimum

The CWI exam comprises of 3 parts:

A- Fundamentals: this consist of 150 questions closed book examination for 2 hours
B- Practical: consist of 46 questions on measurement and calculations for 2 hours
C- Code: consist of 60 questions for 2 hours