A CWI is reviewing a project's quality control plan, which mandates that all critical welds undergo 100% visual inspection, 10% magnetic particle testing (MT), and 5% radiographic testing (RT). During the inspection process, the CWI observes that only 50% of critical welds are being visually inspected and no MT or RT has been performed. What is the CWI's immediate and primary responsibility?
- AProceed with the inspections as performed, but document the deviations in the daily report.
- BInform the project manager and request a formal revision to the quality control plan reflecting current practices.
- CConduct the missing visual inspections themselves to meet the 100% requirement, then raise the issue.
- DImmediately halt all welding operations on critical welds until the specified inspection rates are met.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Immediately halt all welding operations on critical welds until the specified inspection rates are met.
The CWI's primary responsibility is to ensure compliance with the specified quality control plan. Failure to perform mandated inspections, especially NDT methods like MT and RT for critical welds, is a severe non-conformance that directly impacts weld integrity and safety. Halting operations is necessary to prevent further non-compliant work and potential safety hazards.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Documenting without stopping the non-conforming work is a failure of the CWI's duty to enforce quality standards.
- B. Requesting a revision to match non-compliant practices is unethical and undermines the quality control plan's purpose.
- C. While a CWI performs visual inspections, their role is to *verify* that the QC plan is followed, not to make up for missing inspections by others, especially for NDT methods, before addressing the systemic non-compliance.
CWI Enforcement of QC Plan
A CWI is responsible for enforcing adherence to the project's Quality Control Plan, ensuring all specified inspections and testing are performed at the mandated rates and methods.
- QC Plan specifies inspection types and frequencies.
- Non-compliance can compromise safety and quality.
- CWI must halt non-conforming work.
- Documentation alone is insufficient for critical deviations.
Memory trick: When the 'Q'uality 'C'ontrol 'P'lan is 'P'oorly followed, 'P'revent 'P'roblems by 'P'ausing 'P'roduction.