| The Inspector's role begins well before welding starts, continues during welding operation, involves action after welding is completed, and is finished only when the results are properly reported. As a part of quality system, inspection activities are defined in an inspection and test plan, which clearly describes what, is required. The inspector is frequently responsible for producing documents that ensure traceability of the components and related fabricating action.
Prior to welding, the inspector must be assured that the base materials and consumables are correct and the shop has approved welding procedures and appropriately qualified welders. Written procedures and competent operators are important to the production of a quality welded product, but the actual execution of the weld is also critical point for the inspector. Once the inspector is satisfied that all is in order for welding to proceed, the task becomes one of witnessing and monitoring. There are two basic interests at this point, ensuring that written procedures are followed and of course, watching for any physical sign of non-conformance of the final product.
The inspector must verify that the base material and consumables are correct and observe the fit-up and preparation for weld. Once the welding is completed a new series of inspection tasks begin according to an approved procedure, keeping track of the status of examination and testing and selecting specific welds for further NDT or mechanical testing. |
