Certification Requirements for Pipeline New Construction
Certification Requirements for Pipeline New Construction
(OP)
My company is bidding on a new construction NGL product pipeline pump station. Prior company experience has been with facilities under B31.3. Are there specific certification requirements for construction personnel (namely welders and pipefitters) originating from DOT Title 49 CFR Parts 190-199, API 1104, and/or ASME B31.4?
Per PHMSA’s Operator Qualification Rules pipeline operators must implement an OQ program for O&M work. Work that falls under the definition of new construction is not covered by this program.
AWS offers a certified welders (CW) program as well as a certified welding inspector (CWI) certification. An endorsement is offered for the inspectors for API 1104 related welding, but not for the regular CW.
Per PHMSA’s Operator Qualification Rules pipeline operators must implement an OQ program for O&M work. Work that falls under the definition of new construction is not covered by this program.
AWS offers a certified welders (CW) program as well as a certified welding inspector (CWI) certification. An endorsement is offered for the inspectors for API 1104 related welding, but not for the regular CW.





RE: Certification Requirements for Pipeline New Construction
Unless required by the project specs an AWS CWI is a CWI, most projects I have been involved with have not required the inspectors to have code specific endorsements. That being said I would look for people that have experience with the type of project you are building.
OQ is generally not needed for new contruction until you either expose an inservice line or tie into a line or facility that is or has been in-service, again the project specs may dictate something different.
RE: Certification Requirements for Pipeline New Construction
DOT 195 allows both ASME IX and API 1104 to be used. DOT 195 does not reference B31.4 in regards to welder/procedure qualfications so either can be used.