AWS QC7-93 Supplement G Supplement G— AWS Performance Qualification Test Keywords — AWS Certified Welders, welders, AWS QC7-93 Supplement G welder certification, welder s Performance Qualification Test AW qualification AWS QC7-93 Standard for AWS Certified Welders Developed by AWS Qualification and Certification Committee Under the Direction of AWS Education and Certification Council Approved by AWS Board of Directors Abstract This Supplement G to AWS standard QC7-93 describes testing administrated by Accrediled Test Facilities to the requirements of AWS QC 4, Standard for Acreditation of Test Facilities for AWS Certified Welder Program. American Welding Society 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, P.O. Box 351040, Miami, Florida 33135 Statement on Use of AWS Standards AH standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the American Welding Society are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the American National Standards Institute. When AWS standards are either incorporated in, or made part of, documents that are included in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other governmental bodies, their provisions carry the full legal authority of the statute. In such cases, any changes in those AWS standards must be approved by the governmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and regulations. In all cases, these standards cany the full legal authority of the contract or other document that invokes the AWS standards. Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS standard must be by agreement between the contracting parties. International Standard Book Number: 0-87171-411-6 American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, P.O. Box 351040, Miami, Florida 33135 © 1993 by American Welding Society. All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America Note: The primary purpose of AWS is to serve and benefit its members. To this end, AWS provides a forum for the exchange, consideration, and discussion of ideas and proposals that are relevant to the welding industry and the consensus of which forms the basis for these standards. By providing such a forum, AWS does not assume any duties to which a user of lhese standards may be required to adhere. By publishing this standard, the American Welding Society does not insure anyone using the information it contains against any liability arising from that use. Publication of a standard by the American Welding Society does not carry with it any right to make, use, or sell any patented items. Users of the information in this standard should make an independent investigation of the validity of that information for their particular use and the patent status of any item referred to herein. With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards may be rendered. However, such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. These individuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpretations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation. This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS Qualification and Certification Committee. It must be reviewed every five years and if not revised, it must be either reapproved or withdrawn. Comments (recommendations, additions, or deletions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are requested and should be addressed to: Director of Qualification and Certification Department, AWS Headquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS Qualification and Certification Committee and the author of the comments will be informed of the Committee's response to the comments. Guests are invited to attend all meetings of the AWS Qualification and Certification Committee to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal of an adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the Rules of Operation of the Technical Activities Committee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, P.O. Box 351040, Miami, Florida 33135. Personnel AWS Qualification and Certification Committee C. E. Pepper, Chairman Oak Ridge Nat'l Laboratory J. F. Harris, 1st Vice Chairman Centerior Energy L. P. Connor, Secretary American Welding Society E. M. Beck* Law Engineering Incorporated W. F. Benke Ford Motor Sterlin Plant E. R. Bohnart Miller Electric Manufacturing Company H. Chapman Consultant H.F.Clark II Fluor Daniel, Incorporated A. L. Collin Consulting Engineer P. R. Evans B&W Nuclear Service Company H. W. Goser Stupp Bros. Bridge and Iron Company W. L. Green* Retired, Ohio State University J. E. Greer Moraine Valley Community College M. L. Houle* Consultant W. H. Kennedy Canadian Welding Bureau R. E. Long Consultant S. P. Martin General Dynamics Land Systems R. D. Messer Exxon Chemical A. L. Petroski Valmet Paper Machinery R. R. Picard ASEA Brown Boveri S. L. Raymond National Training Fund T. Schlafly* AISC S. W. Scott Westinghouse Hanford Company R. M. Simons Washington Public Supply System W. F. Urbick Welding Management Consultants R. F. Waite Consultant R. K. Wiswesser Welder Training and Testing Institute F. G. DeLaurier, Ex-Officio American Welding Society D. W. Dickinson, Ex Officio Ohio State University J. C. Paprilan, Ex-Officio Ohio State University ' Advisor 111 AWS Certification of Welders/Welding Operators Subcommittee (QCE) R. K. Wiswesser, Chairman Welder Training and Testing Institute J. H. Balch National Pipeline Welding School H. Chapman Consultant H. F. Clark, II Fluor Daniel Incorporated A. L. Collin Consulting Engineer D. H. Delk United States Air Force P. R. Evans B&W Nuclear Service Company H. W. Goser Stupp Bros. Bridge and Iron Company R. L. Harris Consultant R. E. Long Consultant R. D. Messer Exxon Chemical J. S. Pdwluk Western Nevada Community College C. E. Pepper Oak Ridge National Laboratory A. L. Petroski Valmet Paper Machinery L. C. Pratt Ingalls Shipbuilding S. L. Raymond National Training Fund M. L. Slaton The Pritchard Corporation W. E. Strate Strate Welding Supply Company IV. F. Urbick Welding Management Consultants IV Foreword (This Foreword is not a part of the Supplement G to AWS QC7-93, Standard for AWS Certified Welders, but is included only for information.) The standard to which this Supplement applies contains the criteria for AWS Certified Welder Program and the AWS National Registry of Welders. Listing on the AWS National Registry of Welders is at the option of the individual welder. This Supplement G should be used in conjunction with AWS QC7-93, Standard for AWS Certification of Welders. This Supplement is not a standard unto itself and shall be considered only as a supplementary part of AWS QC7-93. This Supplement G specifies requirements intended to provide an alternative ioi manufacturers and contractors to certify welders. Manufacturers or contractors may continue to conduct their own welder qualification programs as they have in the past, unless otherwise defined in contract documents. Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary, Qualification and Certification Committee, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, P.O. Box 351040, Miami, Florida 33135. Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may be obtained by sending a request, in writing, to the Director of Qualification and Certification Department, American Welding Society. A formal reply will be issued after it has been reviewed by the appropriate personnel following established procedures. Table of Contents Page No. Personnel . iii Foreword... v Gl. Scope G-l Gl.l Program.. G-l G1.2 Exclusion G-l G1.3 Safety Precautions G-l G2. Definitions G-l G3. Responsibilities Regarding AWS Certified Welders G-l G3.1 Employer's Responsibility G-l G3.2 Employer's Obligation G-2 G3.3 AWS Responsibilities G-2 G3.4 Test Facility Responsibility G-2 G4. Provision for Testing G-2 G4.1 Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) G-2 G4.2 Acceptance Criteria G-2 G4.3 Test Facilities G-2 G5. Qualification Test Requirements G-2 G5.1 Test Control G-2 G5.2 Test Responsibilities < ; G-2 G5.3 Qualification G-2 G6. Performance Test G-3 G6.1 Identification G-3 G6.2 Verification G-3 G6.3 Safety Equipment G-3 G6.4 Material and Equipment Check G-3 G6.5 Fit-Up G-3 G6.6 Assembly Control G-3 G6.7 Positioning G-3 G6.8 Examination and Testing Methods and Acceptance Standards G-3 G7. Retests G-3 G7.1 Immediate Retest G-3 G7.2 Retest After Further Training or Practice G-3 G8. Documentation of Welder Performance Qualification G-3 G9. Period of Effectiveness G-3 G10. Identification/Certification Documents G-4 Gil. Maintenance of Certification G-4 G12. Renewal of Certification G-4 G13. Revocation G-4 Forms QC-WF3A — Maintenance of Certification vi Supplement G AWS Performance Qualification Test Gl. Scope G3. Responsibilities Regarding AWS Certified Welders This Supplement to the AWS QC7-93, Standard for AWS Certified Welders, provides a welder certification G3.1 Employer's Responsibility. The employers of method not specifically based on a code but which may AWS Certified Welders are responsible for the work be acceptable for various codes. The rules for perform- performed by their employees. The employer may ac- ance qualification are as defined by the applicable spec- cept the AWS certification without additional testing, or ification referenced in the WPS or as defined by the may add requirements as deemed necessary to meet their employer in the WPS or accompanying documentation particular needs. (acceptance criteria). G3.2 Employer's Obligation. Manufacturers or con- Gl.l Program. The administrative rules for the Amer- tractors about to employ or employing AWS Certified ican Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder Program Welders should be fully aware of the provisions of the are provided in AWS QC7-93. Test facilities participate AWS QC7-93 standard and this Supplement. ing in the program are required to meet the provisions of G3.2.1 The employer is responsible for all work per- AWS QC4, Standard for Accreditation of Test Facilities formed by their employees; and therefore, should verify for AWS Certified Welder Program. that the qualification(s) apply to the employer's work. G1.2 Exclusion. Neither AWS QC7-93, nor this sup- The employer shall determine specifically that the plement prevents or supersedes a manufacturer or con- extent of qualification as stated on the AWS Welder tractor from continuing to qualify welders in accordance Certification Card, and the accompanying documenta- tion encompass the welding to be performed. with other standards or procedures. Manufacturers or contractors may impose.supplementary requirements to G3.2.2 The employer may obtain a copy of the weld- this standard as deemed necessary. er's Performance Qualification Test Record, and other related documents, required by this supplement from the G1.3 Safety Precautions. This document is not intend- AWS Q&C Department. ed to address safety and health matters regarding the training of certified welders. This document only covers G3.23 The welder's current status shall be verified the rules of certification. with the AWS Q&C Department. G3.2.4 The employer shall prepare and sign a certifi- cation record for each welder which shall include the completed Performance Test Description and test accept- G2. Definitions ance criteria (if not a referenced published standard). The terms used in this supplement are defined in G3.2.5 The employer shall specify the standard, or ANSI/AWS A3.0-89, Standard Welding Terms andDefi- customer specification, and WPS for which the welder is nitions, and AWS QC7-93. to be qualified. This is to be accomplished by the employer G-l G-2 providing the Accredited Test Facility, the WPS and dards on the WPS document, or the employer may sub- acceptance criteria to be used for qualification testing. mit written acceptance criteria to the Accredited Test Facility for use in evaluating their employees' qualifica- G3.2.6 The user of AWS QC7-93 may require the tion test results. If provided by the employer, the accept- approval of the inspector, engineer of record, or owner. ance criteria shall become a part of the Welder The employer shall obtain such approval when required. Certification Record and must accompany the application G3.2.7 If the employer or inspector questions the and supporting documents for record purposes by AWS welder's ability for a specific reason, the employer or Q&C Department. inspector should file a formal documentation with the G43 Test Facilities. The test facilities for the AWS AWS Q&C Department in accordance with AWS QC7-93, Welder Certification Program shall meet all of the re- 13, Revocation. quirements of AWS QC4. G3 J AWS Responsibilities G4.3.1 The Accredited Test Facility shall have the G3.3.1 The AWS Q&C Department shall be respon- responsibility to forward a copy of the welder's certifica- sible to maintain the following: tion test procedure (WPS/PQR) and qualification test acceptance criteria—if not a referenced published stan- (1) Application for AWS Certified Welder dard — to the AWS Q&C Department. AWS standard (2) Welder qualification test records welding procedures are excluded from this requirement. (3) Decertification action reports In addition, for test procedures used to certify more than (4) Maintenance of certification records one welder, only a single submission of the procedure (5) National Registry of Welders revision used is required. (6) List of Accredited Test Facilities (7) Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) (8) Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) G5. Qualification Test Requirements (9) Acceptance criteria G3.3.2 The Q&C Department will provide, upon re- G5.1 Test Control. Performance qualification test cou- quest, individual welder verification of maintenance of pons shall be welded in accordance with a written WPS certification. as indicated in G4.1. G3 J3 The Q&C Department will provide database G5.2 Test Responsibilities searches upon request. These searches will include only G5.2.1 Qualification testing shall be performed under those authorizing public disclosure on the application the direction of a Test Supervisor. The Test Supervisor form. shall be a current AWS Certified Welding Inspector G3.4 Test Facility Responsibility. The test facility is (CWI) in accordance with AWS QC1, Standard for Qual- responsible for safety and health matters during testing at ification and Certification of Welding Inspectors. that location in addition to other requirements stated herein. G5.2.2 The Test Supervisor shall be responsible for the performance qualification in accordance with this Supplement. G4. Provision for Testing G5.2-3 If during qualification testing the Test Super- G4.1 Welding Procedure Specification (WPS). The visor determines that the welder does not exhibit the skill WPSs used to qualify welders according to this supple- required to perform the test satisfactorily, the test may be ment shall be provided by the employer to the Accredit- terminated. ed Test Facility. The employer may utilize AWS standard G5.2.4 The Test Supervisor may allow a welder to welding procedures. Neither AWS nor the Accredited retest immediately or may require additional documented Test Facility has any responsibility in ensuring that em- training or practice prior to retesting in accordance with ployer supplied WPSs, are applicable for production 7. Retests. applications, or that successful welder qualification test results will be obtained from their use. Providing a G5.2.5 The Test Supervisor shall be responsible for written WPS for production applications is the responsi- enforcement of test shop safety rules, procedures, and bility of the employer. housekeeping as required by the Test Facility QA Manual. G4.2 Acceptance Criteria. Acceptance criteria for G5.3 Qualification. The test facility is responsible for welder qualification testing may either reference accept- the actual qualification of the candidate welder. The Test ance criteria from recognized, referenced published stan- Supervisor attests to the application of specified test G-3 variables and acceptance criteria provided or referenced part of the qualification test procedure. The Test Super- by the employer. visor shall interpret the results. G6.8.3 Radiographic Examination. Radiographic examination (when used as an alternate to mechanical G6. Performance Test testing) shall meet the acceptance criteria as specified in G6.1 Identification. The applicant shall be assigned an the acceptance criteria referenced or provided as part of identifying letter, symbol, or number coded to the appli- the qualification test procedure. The personnel perform- cant, and this identifier shall be marked on test materials ing the radiographic work shall be qualified to a written and records. practice prepared in accordance with ASNT SNT-TC-1A to either Level I or Level II. The personnel interpreting G6.2 Verification. Prior to the initiation of welding, the film shall be qualified to Level II or III. the applicant's photographic identification shall be checked by the Test Supervisor. G7. Retests G6.3 Safety Equipment The applicant shall use per- sonal safety equipment applicable for the welding proc- Unless otherwise specified in the test procedure, if the ess. The safety requirements of the Accredited Test welder performance test fails to meet the requirements, a Facility shall conform to the requirements of ANSI/ASC retest may be allowed under the following conditions: Z49.1, Safety in Welding and Cutting, and shall be fol- G7.1 Immediate Retest. An immediate retest may be lowed by the welder. made consisting of two welds of each type and position G6.4 Material and Equipment Check. The energy that the welder failed. All retest specimens shall meet all source, base material, filler metal, and fluxes and gases of the specified test requirements and acceptance criteria shall be checked by the Test Supervisor prior to tack as the original test weld. welding and initiation of joint welding. G7.2 Retest After Further Training or Practice. A G6.5 Fit-Up. The applicant shall assemble the speci- retest may be made, provided there is documented evi- fied test assembly(ies) for welding in accordance with dence that the welder has had further training or practice. the requirements of the WPS. Test pieces may be assem- A complete retest of the types and positions failed shall bled and tack welded in any position. The Test Supervi- be made. sor shall verify the test assembly prior to welding in accordance with the requirements of the WPS. G8. Documentation of Welder G6.6 Assembly Control. The Test Supervisor shall wit- Performance Qualification ness placing of each test assembly in the specified weld- ing position and shall mark the test assembly or secure it The welder performance qualification data and results such that it remains in the specified position until weld- of the examination and test shall be recorded on a form ing has been completed. supplied by the employer. Records of compliance that G6.7 Positioning. All cleaning, grinding, chipping of meet the requirements shall be processed in accordance slag, or other in-process operations shall be performed with AWS QC7-93, and maintained on file by AWS with the test assembly in the specified welding position. Q&C Department as part of the Welder Certification Evidence of removal of the test assembly or movement Record. from the original location, except by accidental means (subject to concurrence by the Test Supervisor), shall be cause for test termination. G9. Period of Effectiveness G6.8 Examination and Testing Methods and G9.1 Unless otherwise specified in the test procedure, Acceptance Standards the initial certification is valid for six months from the date of completion of the examination results and signa- G6.8.1 Visual Examination. The test specimens shall ture by the Test Supervisor. Thereafter, the certification meet the visual acceptance criteria as provided in G4.2. shall be considered as remaining in effect indefinitely The visual examination shall be performed by a Certified unless (1) the welder is not engaged in a given welding Welding Inspector. process for which the welder is certified for a period G6.8.2 Mechanical Testing. The mechanical test- exceeding six months or an alternative time period spec- ing and acceptance criteria shall comply with that speci- ified in the test procedure, or (2) there is some specific fied in the acceptance criteria referenced or provided as reason to question the welder's ability.