Qualification Records, Documentation, and Inspector Responsibilities
The record set
A compliant project maintains: approved drawings and shop details, written WPSs (prequalified or qualified), supporting PQRs with all essential variables recorded, welder performance qualification records showing position, thickness, and continuity, NDE reports, and inspection/nonconformance records. Prequalified WPSs must still be written documents - prequalification exempts testing, not paperwork.
Who is responsible for what
The Engineer approves design, departures, and, where the contract requires, procedures. The Manufacturer/Contractor is responsible for quality control: qualifying procedures and personnel, producing to the WPS, and making records available. The inspector verifies compliance and reports; the inspector does not direct production, redesign joints, or waive code requirements. Deviations require Engineer approval in writing.
Traceability
Each welder should be identifiable by stamp or marking so a weld traces to a qualified welder and an approved WPS. Qualifications must be current - welders who have not welded in a qualified process/position for six months must be requalified. Records should be legible, retrievable, and retained per contract.
Traps
- Accepting a verbal or "shop standard" procedure as a WPS.
- A PQR missing an essential variable such as preheat, position, or filler classification.
- Qualification records with no continuity or renewal date.
- An inspector "approving" a design change or an unlisted base metal.
Rule of thumb
If it is not written down and traceable, it does not exist for code-compliance purposes. Before accepting a weld, ask: which WPS, which qualified welder, which inspection record?
Compliance habit
Build a per-weld checklist: WPS number, welder ID, base metal and filler match, preheat verified, inspection results, and repair history.