Welders, welding operators
The welding process is part of the special processes or, in other words, those production processes whose validity cannot be fully verified with a final control. For a “normal” process, like for example the cold cutting of a profile, it is possible to ascertain that it has been carried out correctly by checking the result with a dimensional control. For a welding, a visual inspection and even a radiographic control can at the most verify the correct geometry and highlight the absence or the presence of potential superficial or internal defects in the joint, but not its mechanical and chemical properties, which can be tested only with destructive tests
The Certification of the welders’ competence and that of the operators of the automatic welding procedures follows an extremely important training programme, during which the operators demonstrate their capacity to product joints in conformity with the applicable regulations and standards.
The current legislative framework requires that welders be qualified in the welding processes used by manufacturers in different fields, like: pressurised equipment, machinery, railway constructions, and metallic structures, just to name the main ones.
ECO Certificazioni offers a Certification service pursuant to international ISO 9606 and ISO 14732 standards and United States ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) codes and standards, organised in the following phases:
VERIFICATION OF TECHNICAL DOCUMENTS
Verification of the technical documentation of the trials to be carried out: welding process specifications (WPS), certificates of the basic materials, certificate of the filler material (if applicable).
SURVEILLANCE DURING THE EXECUTION OF THE TRIALS
Control, by a qualified inspector, of the welder’s knowledge, of the correct application of the welding procedure specifications (WPS), during the execution of the trials and inspection of the joints.
SURVEILLANCE OF LABORATORY TESTS AND EMISSION OF THE CERTIFICATION
Surveillance at the laboratory during the execution of the tests, and emission of the welder qualification and/or welding operator certificate.