Qualification Records and Code Conflict for a Level II Inspector
A Level II inspector holds a certification from a national scheme that recognizes UT Level II for welds. The project specification invokes a code that requires certification to a different scheme and also requires a specific practical examination on the project's reference blocks. The inspector's certificate is current, but the practical examination on the project blocks has not been done. The project schedule is tight, and the contractor asks the Level III to allow the inspector to start work while the practical examination is arranged. The code also requires that the Level III approve the written procedure before any inspection.
1. Can the inspector start work before the practical examination? Justify against the code requirements.
Read the worked answer
No. The code requires certification to a specific scheme and a practical examination on the project reference blocks. A current certificate from another scheme does not satisfy the code's certification requirement, and the practical examination is a separate, explicit condition.
Allowing work to start would create a nonconformance: any inspection performed would be by personnel not qualified to the invoked code, and the results would be subject to rejection. The schedule pressure does not override the code requirement.
Correct action: the inspector may perform non-code work or preparatory activities, but not code inspection, until both the certification and the practical examination are complete.
2. What is the Level III's responsibility regarding the procedure and the qualification records?
Read the worked answer
The Level III must:
- Approve the written procedure before any inspection, as the code requires.
- Verify that the inspector's certification matches the invoked scheme and is current.
- Ensure the practical examination is documented on the project reference blocks, with the results recorded.
- Maintain the qualification records so they can be produced on request.
The Level III cannot waive the code requirement; only the code or the customer's authorized representative can grant a deviation, and it must be documented.
3. If the customer insists on proceeding, what should the Level III do?
Read the worked answer
The Level III should:
- State the nonconformance in writing, citing the specific code clause.
- Offer a compliant path: expedite the practical examination, or obtain a documented deviation from the customer's authorized representative.
- If a deviation is granted, record it and ensure the inspection results are flagged as performed under deviation.
- Refuse to sign inspection records that would misrepresent the qualification status.
The Level III's professional obligation is to the code and to accurate records, not to the schedule.