By 803056
Date 09-05-2009 14:28
Edited 09-05-2009 18:22
Anyone can qualify a welder or write a WPS with the lone exception of the CAWI.
The point I was trying to make is that a CWI is not automatically qualified or has the ability to write a WPS by virtue of being a CWI. That function, if I recollect, is not a responsibility assigned or expected of a CWI per table 1 of B5.1. That is not to say there are no CWIs with the where-with-all to do so. It is simple not a given and it is not a function assessed/evaluated when taking the CWI examinations. The questions (on the CWI examination) relating to welder qualification, procedure qualification, and welding procedure specifications do not determine if the examinee can develop a procedure from "scratch".
Different codes have different requirements. As per D1.1, the Engineer is tasked with approving WPSs and welder qualifications. Once approved, it is one of the CWI's responsibilities to ensure the welders are qualified, i.e., they are amongst those welders approved by the Engineer, and that the welders are working within the parameters of the approved WPS. That isn't to say the Engineer cannot assign or ask the CWI to perform the review if the CWI has the background and training to do so. Again, it is simply not a given that every CWI has the qualifications by virtue of the CWI credential to perform that task.
If my recollection serves me, the CWI representing the owner, i.e., the verification inspector, has little if any responsibility for ensuring the WPSs meet D1.1. Other welding standards do not recognize the CWI nor require CWI involvement in any aspect of the qualification of welder or welding procedures, nor do they require a CWI credential to perform visual inspections.
Many CWIs have earned the respect and recognition of their peers and employers as having the expertise required to perform other functions in addition to those typically assigned to CWIs. Among those responsibilities are reviewing welding documentation to ensure WPSs and welder qualifications comply with the appropriate welding standard, developing WPS for use with welding codes such as D1.1 or ASME Section IX, and other functions such as checking high strength bolts, structural fabrication and erection per AISC, NDT, etc. It is by working with other "more experienced" CWIs or by completing additional training programs that provide the back ground needed to perform those functions or by working one's way through the "School of Hard Knocks" that a CWI gains sufficient proficiency to perform additional tasks. I often tell those attending my classes that the CWI is but a stepping stone to a challenging career. The CWI credential may be sufficient to become a valued addition to any company, but expanding one’s capability into areas such as NDT is well worth the effort.
On the other hand, table 1 of B5.1 does expand the scope of responsibility for the SCWI. The SCWI is expected to know how to develop a PQR and WPSs in addition to those functions performed by the CWI.
As for when should the CWI use the stamp? This has been discussed in earlier threads. The response I gave then is still appropriate: “As a new CWI you will have the urge to use it on everything. So go ahead, knock yourself out. You earned it, so use it with gusto. It will soon pass.
It's like a new wife that you want to show off to everyone, but even that passes and you find yourself saying, "Oh yea, she's with me!"
Best regards - Al