A welding inspector ensures the safety and quality of welded structures through non-destructive testing and visual inspections. They must have good eyesight, communication skills, and be certified in a specific field. Different organizations offer certification for different types of structures.
A certified welding inspector is primarily committed to ensuring the quality and safety of welded work on various structures. Perhaps one of the important tests conducted by a weld inspector includes ultrasonic non-destructive testing, in which a check is made for the safety of welds in structures and for any defects and cracks that could compromise the safety of the structure.
To perform some of the necessary welding tests, such as checking for cracks and testing weld strength, an inspector may need to use flashlights and magnifying glasses. They are also used to determine if a solder joint has cold welds or undercuts.
While welding jobs can easily ruin one’s eyesight, especially if the welder is not careful when using a hot rod near a metal object, it is very important for welding inspectors to have impeccable eyesight. Some employers still require annual vision checks.
Often times, a welding inspector will be working on skyscrapers and other structures that are overhead, which means that an inspector shouldn’t have a fear of heights. A welding inspector has a clear understanding of welding techniques and, in addition to inspection, must be able to weld and test metal samples for proper welding techniques and processes.
An inspector must frequently take notes and record what he or she observes in the field, which is why it is necessary for him or her to have clear communication skills. Proper communication is even more important given the safety and seriousness of the issues for which a welding inspector is responsible.
Above all, a welding inspector must be certified to conduct inspections in a specific field. Not only does this help ensure that the welder is up to date on proper procedures and rules, but it is something that most, if not all, employers require. To receive certification in the US, it is not necessary to have a high school diploma. Typically, welding experience counts as the most important skill in certification for an inspection job. Depending on the certification he receives, a welding inspector can work in a number of different areas.
One of the organizations offering certification in the United States is the American Welding Society, which certifies welders to perform inspections on structures such as buildings and dams. The American Petroleum Institute offers certification for welding and inspecting oil vessels, while the American Society of Mechanical Engineers certifies welders for inspecting pressure vessels such as steam drums. Each organization has its own codes that the inspector must adhere to, called the Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS).
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