We have already had the wallet dented:). I will let all know how it goes. I do love audits.

I have a pretty lengthy quality manual that I prepared that I think is more than was needed based upon a conversation with the auditor so I will see how that goes.

Gonna let one of my current students do a flat GMAW Groove weld test as a demo. He will have 40 hours of training and be an "AWS Certified Welder". Something to think about :).

Doughnuts, Hmmmm.

The audit went very well. Tim Gary was able to come administer a test to one of my students while I reviewed the audit checklist with the auditor.

The checklist in my opinion could stand some revision. A reference to the applicable documented requirements within  the QC4 standard would be good. There are a few redundant items.

The auditor was thorough and experienced with the testing and certification of welders.  I have a few editorial changes to make to a couple of forms and quality control procedures, submit them, and we are gonna just be waiting on AWS to send us our notification. There were no discrepancies noted .

All in all, very little changes about how I test welders in the lab other than the additional AWS paperwork and their poorly designed WPQR form.

Tim tested one of my students on a GMAW 1G plate IAW D1.1 and he passed so that was really the high point for my day.

Have a good day.

Gerald Austin