This standard presents a system for indicating welding, brazing, and nondestructive examination requirements. The system includes provisions for the graphical representation of welds, brazes, and nondestructive examination methods with conventions for specifying, at a minimum, the location and extent of their application. Optional elements and supplementary symbols provide a means for specifying additional requirements. Requirements not detailed on the symbol used for welding, brazing, or nondestructive examination shall be provided or referenced elsewhere on the drawing.

Both figures and illustrations are used to depict the use of symbols. Figures are referenced by number within this document to show the correct format and application of symbols used to convey welding, brazing, and nondestructive examination information. An illustration is an un-numbered graphical representation of an example application described within the associated text without providing additional technical requirements. Figures and illustrations are not intended to represent recommended welding, brazing, nondestructive examination, or design practices.

The clause addressing brazing uses the same symbols and conventions as for welding, with the addition of the scarf symbol. The clause addressing symbols for nondestructive examination represents nondestructive examination methods as discussed in the latest edition of AWS B1.10M/B1.10, Guide for the Nondestructive Examination of Welds.

The limitations included in specifications and codes are also beyond the scope of this standard.