Many welder qualification sections practice what is shown in D 1.1 for plate, Shapes and HSS.  However, most of the other codes have significant differences in the way the test is administered, the coupon is prepared and tested, the results are reported and the life span of the qualification.  Sheet Steel is different, Re-Bar is different, Sheet Metal is different, Seismic is different, and pipe welding is different.  ASME and API are just two of the most common codes other than D 1.1.  LIke many other codes, standards, specifications, and recommended practices, they have such significant differences, that usually there is no way to cross qualify with a single test.

Often the D1.5 unlimited test can be substituted for D 1.1 testing, because of the similarities, but seldom can D 1.1 be substituted for D 1.5, unless the D 1.5 requirements are included at the time the test is administered.

EN and ISO standards for welder qualification cannot be harmonized with US standards.

Joe Kane

Most welding standards allow the contractor to administer the performance test, do the evaluations, i.e., bend tests or RT, and certify their own welders.

That being said, the system is open to all sorts of problems. I saw one contractor actually grinding the bent test coupons to see how deep the cracks were. He deemed they were not too deep, pronounced the coupons as "acceptable," and completed the test report. In another case I was present when the contractor said the crack isn't that bad and certified the welder. One last example, the welders coupons were bent per API 1104 and the paperwork indicated they passed API, ASME, and AWS D1.1.

You can open yourself to a world of liability if you sign for work that you did not witness.

Best regards - Al

I have the 1998 edition sitting on my desk and you make a valid point, it does not stipulate who is responsible for the qualification of welders under the D1.3 code. That being the case, anyone can qualify the welders and the contractor can accept previous qualifications from a lab, previous employer, or the bar tender at Joe's Corner Bar.

I believe it is standard business practice to recognize the employer is responsible for the work produced by their employees. The employees are legally shielded from liability unless there are extenuating circumstances. It is in the employer's best interest to ensure the employees are properly qualified (and certified where required) to minimize the chance an unqualified worker is performing work for which they are not qualified to do. Relative to welding, this creates a funny situation because welding is not considered a skilled trade by the federal government, thus the requirements differ from one state to another with regards for the need to be licensed or qualified and certified. Again, the employer is responsible for the work produced by their employees.

The bottom line is that your friend can do all the testing in-house and does not need the services of a third party.

Best regads - Al

CWI's do not have any special authority for mechanical testing.