How long our weld certs good for?

[jbeans25]

My company tracks welding certs for the companies that do welding for us. I recently received a Welding cert in accordance with the requirements of Mil-Std-248D and Section IX of the ASME code. How long are these certificates valid for, there is no expiration date on the form?

Thank you,

Jbeans

 

[metengr]

By welding process, within 180 days from the time last welded. You need to have the welder verify the last time (date) they actually deposited a weld with a specific process.

 

[DVWE]

jbeans25,

When you say cert, do you mean individual welder (personnel) certifications? Or are you refering to a WPS (Welding Procedure Specification)?

A WPS is good indefinitely.

 

[jbeans25]

I am talking about the individual welder (personal) certifications. Sorry I didn't clarify before.

 

[DVWE]

They are good indefinitely as well, unless the welder has not welded with the specific process for a period which exceeds 6 months. Or, there is a specific reason to question his ability to make welds that meet the specification. (QW-322 ASME IX)

 

[jbeans25]

Thank you so much for the info. This is greatly appreciated!!!

 

[metengr]

Once again confusion is present in my mind. A welder certification for ASME Section IX work should be a form similar to QW-484 Form, and is used for initial certification. There must be a date on this form.

If all you have is some general form or paper that claims Joe Q Welder is certified to weld using SMAW, this means nothing.

 

[metengr]

Forgot to add before I hit the send button.... If you are evaluating current welder certification for a process you need to obtain and verify information from the previous employment of the welder that this person was certified for a process and has welded with the process over the last 6 months.

 

[brandonb73]

JBeans....I just want to clarify something: Are you the manufacturer? ASME Sec IX, requires the manufacturer to test and qualify the welder, WPQ's from other employers mean nothing. Ref QW-300.2(b). I don't know about Mil-Std-248D, I'm not familiar with it.

 

[gtaw]

MIL-STD-248D has been replaced with NAVSEA S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248 for a very long time. Unless you are fabricating replacement parts for a ship that has been in the fleet for a decade or so, I doubt the old MIL-STD is the appropriate welding standard.

Assuming you should be welding to the newer version, i.e., NAVSEA S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248, there are a few items that have to be addressed. Paraphrasing1) the welder has to complete a training program the covers all the fabrication standards involved, i.e., NAVSEA S9074-AR-GIB-010/278, MIL-STD-22D, MIL-STD-2035A, and any others that may be involved. (2) the welder must pass a written examination covering the fabrication standards. (3) pass a visual acuity examination on an annual basis.(4) pass the hands-on demonstration of skill.

The welder must not have any lapses in welding continuity, must pass the annual eye examination, complete the training and written examination every three years in order to maintain his qualifications and certifications.

Very few contracts that I know of still invoke the old MIL-STD-248D, so I would check the purchase order very closely to make sure you or your vendor is in compliance with the current requirements.



Best regards - Al

 

[gtaw]

There are differences between ASME Section IX and MIL-STD-248D and the current version NAVSEA S9074-AQ-GIB-010/248.

While there is a clause 248 that allows welder quals and procedure quals in accordance with ASME, there are conditions attached. One of the conditions is the positions for which the qualifications are valid. Another difference is the procedure has to have NDT performed on the test plate prior to the mechanical tests in order to meet 248 requirements. Charpy impact testing requirements are different, etc. Even the bend diameters may be different depending on the base metals for which qualifications are sought.

Tread this mine field carefully.

Best regards - Al