C-N4N4 Inspection and nondestructive testing personnel

N4.1 Quality Control Inspector Qualifications

QC Inspectors (QCI) should be qualified in accordance with the fabricator’s or erector’s QC program. The QC program should require training and experience to provide basic knowledge of design documents and project specifications, fabrication and erection documents, code and specification requirements, and fabrication and/or erection practices. On-the-job training under the guidance of a qualified individual, as defined in the QC program, is acceptable.

QCI need not be proficient on all aspects of inspection but should be capable of performing the tasks they are assigned. For example, QCI who inspect fit-up should be familiar with the Fabrication clause of AWS D1.1/D1.1M (AWS, 2020); QCI who inspect work related to qualification of welding procedure specifications (WPS) or welding personnel should be familiar with the Qualification clause of AWS D1.1/D1.1M; and QCI who perform visual inspection should be familiar with the Inspection clause of AWS D1.1/D1.1M. Personnel working on projects where other AWS codes are the relevant welding code should be trained in the corresponding clauses of those codes.

Personnel assigned to inspect bolting-related functions should be trained and familiar with RCSC Specification chapters on Fastener Components, Bolted Parts, Use of Washers, Pre-Installation Verification, Installation, and Inspection.

QCI should be trained in proper documentation of inspections that may be required by contract documents or the QC program as applicable.

N4.2 Quality Assurance Inspector Qualifications

The QA agency determines the qualifications, training, and experience required for personnel conducting the specified QA inspections. This may be based on the actual

work to be performed on any particular project. AWS D1.1/D1.1M, clause 8.1.4.2(5), states, “An individual who, by training or experience, or both, in metals fabrication, inspection and testing, is competent to perform inspection of the work.” Qualification for the QA inspector may include experience, knowledge, and physical requirements. These qualification requirements are documented in the QA agency’s written practice. AWS B5.1-AMD1 (AWS, 2013) is a resource for qualification of a welding inspector.

The use of assistant welding inspectors under direct supervision is as permitted in AWS D1.1/D1.1M, clause 8.1.4.4 and 8.1.4.5.

N4.3 NDT Personnel Qualifications

NDT personnel should have sufficient education, training, and experience in those NDT methods they will perform. ASNT SNT-TC-1a (ASNT, 2020a) and ASNT CP-189 (ASNT, 2020b) prescribe visual acuity testing, topical outlines for training, written knowledge, hands-on skills examinations, and experience levels for the NDT methods and levels of qualification.

As an example, under the provisions of ASNT SNT-TC-1a, an NDT Level II individual should be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to applicable codes, standards, and specifications. The NDT Level II individual should be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the methods for which they are qualified and should exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of trainees and NDT Level I personnel. The NDT Level II individual should be able to organize and report the results of NDT tests.