No, there's no requirement in D1.1:2006 for it be signed. Informative Annex N starting on Page 337 does mention a signature but this section is NOT considered part of AWS D1.1 (see pages xii, 129, 275 and 337). However, if you choose to use Annex N as your basis anyway then you may notice that they don't actually sign 'em either - they simply type in name of the company or person taking responsibility in the "signature" area.
I'm all for listing specifically who recorded this information and certifies it as accurate but, if nothing else, it's a digital age and type written in names mirror the AWS examples, are more practical, and are legally enforcible (if it ever comes to that).
However, I can certainly see an inspector getting up-tight if there's a place for a signature on your form and all the other ones are signed. As I said, it's not required by the code but by having a signature line there then it implies that it's required by you or company policy. I'd try the old, "There is no requirement in AWS or company policy that it have a signature - we are just using a generic form. Besides, all the information contained is fully traceable." ...or something like that. Also, if your policy doesn't require a signature then I'd suggesting rev'ing your form as soon as conveniently possible.
I agree with everyone above-
Here is what happens sometimes when I audit weldment vendors: I ask for the welder qualification - certification records. They hand me a bunch of radiographic report reader sheets. I then ask for the welder qualification records. They look at me funny and say they just gave them to me.
The sample form in D1.1 for Welder qualifcation records states at the bottom, "We the undersigned certify that...". That to me indicates that AWS strongly suggests that the welder qualification document requires a certification signature --since it is the employer that performs the welder qualification and a responsible authorized individual certifies the report as being correct by signing the document. I advise the vendor that the testing lab does not certify your welders, you do and that the testing lab just performs the required testing on the welders coupon. Personally, if the reader sheet did not have a signature of the RT technician I would not consider that to be a big issue unless the testing labs' written NDT procedures require the signature, then it should of course have the signature.
Our "Document Control" section of our QA program requires us to save our x-ray reports for welder qual. Just to play devils advocate...Aside from any internal requirements, does one actually have to save the x-ray reader sheets? You do not have to save bend test coupons for welder qualification, just certify that the tests were performed by signing the qualification record.
They have always sign our WQR and said any question ask tell them to call.
Thanks to everyone for your replies. I agree. This is just another example of why this forum is so great. The way people will respond so fast is just unbeleivable. Again-- THANKS.
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