Hi guys,

I read this in AWS D1.1-2015

"The welder’s or welding operator’s qualification as specified in this code shall be considered as remaining in effect indefinitely unless:

(1) the welder is not engaged in a given process of welding for which the welder or welding operator is qualified for a period exceeding six months, or

(2) there is some specific reason to question a welder’s or welding operator’s ability (see 4.24.1)."

So it means the effectiveness of qualification will remain indefinitely as long as validity of qualification is verified at the period of six months since initial approval, doesn't it?

And one more question: Is it possible to verify the validity of qualification as many times as I want?

I mean that I just need to make a verification on product, no need to make a retest on test specimen then have essential inspection to check the ability of welder, even the verification will be repeated at the period of six months since initial approval in 2 years, 5 years, etc.

Pls. help me

Thanks and best regards.

I hate to say this, but you still have me confused. I'm not sure what you are looking for and what your function or reason for asking the question is.

As QC, working for the contractor doing the work, you need to verify the welder has used the process at least once in any six month period. The code doesn't state the welds have to be subjected to any form of inspection or that there is a minimum amount of welding that must be performed. The welder could simply make a tack weld and the letter of the code is met.

As QA, representing the owner, there is no stated requirements regarding the method used to demonstrate continuity. The contractor can employ any means they want to use. A simple written statement that the welders have used the process in question during the previous six month period, a check of time card, etc. is all that is needed. There is no requirement for a paper trail in the code. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure the welders have no lapses. An audit trail is not required per D1.1 or any of the AWS structural welding codes.

Another contractual requirement might be included in the project specification or construction code, but a formal, written system of demonstrated continuity is not included in any AWS structural welding code save the bridge code (and I haven't checked it to verify the requirements).

Continuity can be addressed by the contractor's QC manual if they have one.

Al