Hello pipes, this isn't AWS D1.1, but is based on it and in use in the state of Washington to govern their welding requirements for welding of structural steel under their WABO program. Note 1.1.5 and 1.1.6, these statements cover allowances/restrictions for grinding and other removal means during a certification/qualification test. In this particular case the examiner is able to dictate whether he/she will allow for certain amounts of grinding while testing. The link is the entire code, the excerpts are from the section covering testing requirements and limitations. Hope this helps a little bit. I have not been able to find anything similar in the the AWS code books as of yet. Good luck and best regards, Allan
http://www.wabo.org/assets/pdfs/Welder/wabo-standard-27-13.pdfSection 27-13.5 - WELDER QUALIFICATION GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
1. KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY
1.1 Work Performance. Each welder and welding operator shall perform one or more test welds
on prepared test coupons in accordance with the following:
1.1.1 Welding machines shall be set at zero or minimum setting prior to the welder or
welding operator adjusting the machine.
1.1.2 Prior to welding, each test weldment shall be identified by placing a welder or
welding operator identification mark and laboratory test number on the test weldment
for each process and position.
1.1.3 Each specimen removed from the test weldment shall be stamped with laboratory test
number and specimen number.
1.1.4 Test weldments may not be removed from position during the test.
1.1.5 Cleaning and removal of slag, undercut and excess bead convexity between passes is
acceptable if made in position with the approval of the welder examiner.
1.1.6 Grinding of root and cover passes not permitted.