Six Sigma Quality International

A Welder Inspector (often called a Welding Inspector) is a trained professional responsible for checking and ensuring the quality of welding work according to specific standards and codes. Their main job is to inspect, test, and verify that welded joints meet all safety, quality, and design requirements.

�� Key Responsibilities:

1. Inspect welds visually and through testing methods (like ultrasonic, radiographic, magnetic particle, or dye penetrant testing).

2. Check materials and consumables used in welding to ensure they meet specifications.

3. Verify welder qualifications – making sure welders are certified for the required welding process.

4. Monitor welding procedures – ensuring welders follow approved Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).

5. Document and report findings – maintaining inspection records, test results, and reports.

6. Ensure compliance with codes like ASME, AWS, ISO, or client-specific standards.

�� Qualification:

• Usually requires a background in mechanical engineering or related field.

• Must be trained and certified, often by bodies such as:

  • CSWIP (Certification Scheme for Welding and Inspection Personnel – UKJAS,UK&india)

  • AWS-CWI (American Welding Society – Certified Welding Inspector – Deming certification)

  • BGAS/PCN/UKJAS

  • ISO 9712 (International standard for Non-Destructive Testing Personnel)

�� Why Important?

• Welding is critical in industries like oil & gas, construction, shipbuilding, aerospace, and pipelines. A welding defect can lead to costly failures, accidents, or loss of life—hence, strict inspection is necessary.   

• International and Regional Standards for Welding Inspection�� 1. ISO Standards (International)

  • ISO 9606 – Qualification testing of welders

  • ISO 14731 – Responsibilities of welding coordinators (including inspectors)

  • ISO 9712 – Qualification and certification of NDT personnel (related to inspection)

  • ISO 3834 – Quality requirements for fusion welding of metallic materials

  • ISO 17635 – NDT – General rules for metallic welds

  � 2. AWS (American Welding Society – USA)

  • AWS D1.1 – Structural Welding Code – Steel

  • AWS QC1 – Standard for AWS Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI)

  • AWS D1.2 to D1.6 – Codes for aluminum, stainless steel, reinforcing steel, etc.

  • AWS B1.10 – Guide for Nondestructive Examination of Welds

  � 3. BS / EN Standards (UK and Europe)

  • BS EN ISO 5817 – Welding – Imperfections in metallic welds

  • BS EN 1090 – Execution of steel structures and aluminium structures

  • BS EN ISO 17637 – Visual Testing of Welds

  �� Related NDT Standards

  • ASTM E165 – Liquid penetrant testing

  • ASTM E709 – Magnetic particle testing

  • ISO 17640 – Ultrasonic testing of welds

  ��️ Industries Where These Apply:

   

  • Oil & Gas

  • Power Plants

  • Shipbuilding

  • Aerospace

  • Construction & Steel Structures

  • Automotive Manufacturing