AWS QC47

Abstract

Scope: Requirements. This specification describes the accreditation of AWS Accredited Test Facilities (ATF), the qualification and testing of welders, and the certification of welders desiring to be listed in the AWS National Registry of Certified Welders (NRCW). The Program establishes the controls and methods to maintain an AWS NRCW. This specification supersedes AWS QC4, Standard for Accreditation of Test Facilities for AWS Certified Welder Program, AWS QC7, Standard for AWS Certified Welders and all of its supplements. The elements of this program establish requirements for: (1) Certified Welders (2) Accredited Test Facilities (3) Qualifiers Users wishing to set up welder test facilities not leading to AWS accreditation are advised to consult AWS B5.4, Specification for the Qualification of Welder Test Facilities. Users wishing to obtain AWS accreditation as an AWS ATF and certify welders for entry into the AWS NRCW shall meet the requirements of this Specification. Program. This specification shall be used by welders, Qualifiers, Certified Welding Inspectors (CWI), Senior Certified Welding Inspectors (SCWI), employers, NDE technicians, and AWS Accredited Test Facility personnel to recognize and implement their responsibilities in the Program. Certification under the AWS Certified Welder Program for inclusion in the NRCW shall be conducted using AWS B2 Standard Welding Procedure Specifications (SWPSs) or an alternative WPS, as described in Annex A. Performance testing methods and visual acceptance criteria are derived from the governing standard chosen by the candidate or candidate’s employer. It is the responsibility of the candidate or candidate’s employer to select the SWPS and governing standard that is suitable for the work planned for production. When no governing standard is specified, the performance testing method and acceptance criteria shall be selected from the current revisions of AWS B2.1, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification, or AWS B2.2, Specification for Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualification, or AWS B2.4, Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification for Thermoplastics. Participants (Accredited Test Facilities [ATFs] and Qualifiers) in this program conduct performance qualification tests that can result in certification in the AWS Certified Welder Program. Participants in this program may also conduct performance qualification tests that do not result in certification in the AWS Certified Welder Program. Other Requirements. This specification shall be used for all welder performance testing conducted by the AWS Accredited Test Facility for welders that will be entered into the NRCW. In situations where the AWS ATF is requested to conduct welder performance testing in accordance with programs which have requirements different from this specification, the requirements of this specification may be waived. In all such circumstances, the ATF bears the responsibility for establishing that all variations comply with the published requirements of the governing standard and is included in the ATF’s quality manual. Safety Precautions. Safety and health issues and concerns are beyond the scope of this standard and therefore are not fully addressed herein. It is the responsibility of the user to establish appropriate safety and health practices. Safety and health information is available from other sources, including, but not limited to: (1) ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes (2) Manufacturer’s safety literature on equipment and materials (3) Applicable federal, state, and local regulations, or other jurisdictional requirements Work done in conformance with this specification may involve materials that are classified as hazardous. The user should determine the applicability of any regulatory limitations prior to use.