This specification establishes the minimum requirements for an employer’s (company’s) internal written practice for the training, qualification, and that company’s certification of Welding Inspector Specialists and Welding Inspector Assistants. The employer is responsible for the testing, examination and qualification of their inspectors.

This specification is to aid employers in identifying the basic factors in qualifying personnel performing welding inspection for a specific company or project.

In developing the written practice (see Clause 7), the employer shall review the detailed recommendations presented herein and incorporate them into the practice, as applicable.

Examination and certification by the American Welding Society (AWS) shall not be a requirement for the Welding Inspector Specialist nor is there reciprocity between a Welding Inspector Specialist or Welding Inspector Assistant and AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI) in accordance with AWS QC1, Specification for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors.

Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and therefore are not addressed herein.

Safety and health information is available from the following sources:

American Welding Society:

(1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes

(2) AWS Safety and Health Fact Sheets

(3) Other safety and health information on the AWS website

Material or Equipment Manufacturers:

(1) Safety Data Sheets supplied by materials manufacturers

(2) Operating Manuals supplied by equipment manufacturers

(3) Applicable Regulatory Agencies

Work performed in accordance with this standard may involve the use of materials that have been deemed hazardous, and may involve operations or equipment that may cause injury or death. This standard does not purport to address all safety and health risks that may be encountered. The user of this standard should establish an appropriate safety program to address such risks as well as to meet applicable regulatory requirements. ANSI Z49.1 should be considered when developing the safety program.