Welders at are shop are qualified per. D1.1 2006, using figure 4.21 for unlimited thickness. This test is preformed with backing. A question has been raised by an outside inspector regarding are production welds. We are welding single bevel groove welds in a tee connection. The welds are done by welding the groove side first then backgouging 2nd side and welding. The inspector has told me that are welders are not qualified because the welder qualification test they took says qualified with backing, so they are only allowed to make these welds if they use a steel backup bar. Questions: Is the weld metal deposited from the first side considered backing? If I do need to requalify welders what qualification test plate should I use? If we are using the weld metal as backing does it require a new wps to be written? I have shown the inspector in D1.1 where welding groove welds from one side with backing also quailfies welding from second with backgouging. He is not questioning are wps only welders qualifications and the use of backing.
Thanks in advance for any help on this.