AWS Certified Welding Inspector — FundamentalsInspector Duties and ResponsibilitiesMedium
A CWI is reviewing a completed radiographic test report for a pipe weld. The report indicates several indications classified as 'linear indications' with lengths exceeding the allowable limits per the applicable code. The CWI's primary ethical responsibility in this situation is to:
- AReject the weld and ensure proper repair procedures are initiated as per the code.
- BConsult with the welding foreman to determine if the indications can be visually blended out.
- CAccept the weld if the project schedule is severely delayed and the indications are minor.
- DRequest a re-interpretation of the radiographs by a different NDT Level II technician.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Reject the weld and ensure proper repair procedures are initiated as per the code.
The CWI's ethical and professional responsibility is to ensure that welds meet the requirements of the applicable code. If the report clearly indicates non-conforming linear indications, the weld must be rejected and repaired, regardless of schedule or other pressures. Compromising code compliance is a breach of ethics.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Visual blending cannot rectify internal linear indications identified by radiography; this suggests a misunderstanding of NDT principles and is an inappropriate action.
- C. Accepting non-conforming work due to schedule pressure is a significant ethical breach and a violation of professional duty.
- D. While re-interpretation can be done in ambiguous cases, if the report 'clearly indicates' exceeding limits, the primary action is to address the non-conformance, not to seek a different interpretation to potentially bypass the issue.
CWI Ethical Responsibility (Code Compliance)
A CWI's paramount ethical responsibility is to ensure that all welding activities and completed welds strictly adhere to the specified codes, standards, and WPS, without compromise.
- Uphold the integrity of the code.
- Reject non-conforming work.
- Prevent acceptance of defective welds.
- Act without bias or undue influence.
Memory trick: Code Compliance is the CWI's 'C'ore 'C'ommitment, no 'C'ompromise.