Page 11 - Quick Guide to Welding and Weld Inspection by S.E. Hughes, Clifford Matthews

Introduction

This book was written to provide a quick guide to welding
inspection which is easy to read and understand. There are
many books covering all aspects of welding (many of them go
into great detail on the subject) but it is difficult to find books
specifically covering weld inspection requirements. This
book’s subjects are purposely not covered in great detail
because it is assumed that the reader is able to find detailed
books on specific subject areas of particular interest. What
this book will do is give you a basic understanding of the
subject and so help you decide if you need to look further. In
many cases the depth of knowledge required for any
particular welding-related subject will be dependent on
specific industry requirements. In all situations, however,
the welding inspector’s role is to ensure that welds have been
produced and tested in accordance with the correct code
specified procedures and that they are code compliant. Code
compliance in this sense means that the weld meets all the
requirements of the defect acceptance criteria specified within
the code.
Inspectors considering training to achieve certified welding
inspector status under certification schemes such as CSWIP
(Certification Scheme for Welding Inspection Personnel) or
PCN (Personal Certification Number) will find the book a
useful pre-course learning aid giving coverage of the ‘body of
knowledge’ they are expected to be familiar with. Non-
welding personnel will find it a useful introduction to the
world of welding inspection. Some people believe that a
welding inspector must have previous welding experience,
but this is not necessarily true as welding and welding
inspection are two totally different subjects. Welding is
naturally a mainly practical ‘skill of hand’ process and
requires dexterity and good hand-to-eye coordination from
the welder. The inspector does not require this practical skill
but must be able to oversee the welding process, take

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Woodhead Publishing Ltd – A Quick Guide to Welding and Weld Inspection
Data Standards Ltd, Frome, Somerset – 17/9/200900QG Welding Prelims.3d Page 10 of 14