Both AWS and ASME codes state there must not be any lapse in the use of the welding process for which the welder is qualified in excess of 6-months. There is no requirement that the welding be in accordance with the applicable code or any specific welding code. There is no stated requirement that the welds deposited be subject to any specific test method, volumetric or otherwise.
In the United States the employer is solely responsible for the work produced by their employees. Should something go horribly wrong, the employer is the entity that is legally responsible, not the employee (unless the business is a sole proprietorship or partnership). With that in mind, how the employer wishes to demonstrate or maintain welder continuity is entirely the employer's decision. If the employer has a written quality control system in place, the method of maintaining welder continuity is typically described in their QC manual.
A common means of documenting welder continuity is to have a welding inspector or project manager cosign the welder qualification test record on the back side at least every 6-months (or less). This method works nicely for the independent welder as well as the welder that works on a series of work sites, i.e., field welding. Many shops that employ several welders approach the problem in a manner that is more systematic. The employer issues each welder a continuity log that is completed by the welder. The log lists the welder's name and employee or welder's identification. Typically the log has several columns listing the welding process used, the WPS used, the job number or project identification, perhaps a part number, and a place for the welder's initials and date. The log is collected monthly or quarterly, cosigned by the individual authorized to do so, and filed. Should a customer audit the company's activities or QC program the continuity logs makes verifying continuity a simple matter. Again, the method of maintaining welder continuity is not addressed by the welding code, the means of maintaining welder continuity is left to the employer.
The only opinion I would offer is that "time cards" unless they list what the welder was doing, is a weak means of establishing continuity.
Best regards - Al
welderbrent,
I'm hoping to learn more on the following statement:
"As long as the fabricator can provide welders having 6 month continuty welding and weld visual inspection report as a proof is enough." It doesn't even REALLY REQUIRE a VT report. What is necessary is employer documentation of continual successful usage, within each six month period, of each process the welder is 'qualified/certified' in. Doesn't have to have any kind of CWI or other inspector validation. Just someone in a position of authority and oversight to confirm code compliance with usage of the process.
In which exact section is the person in authority in reference to?
-BIGTMAN83