To understand what certification is needed for the visual examination of welds under ASME B31.3, it is critical to distinguish between the two (2) distinct roles defined by the Code:
1) the Examiner and
2) the Inspector
While in fact, B31.3 requires 100% visual examination of fabrication (341.4.1), the “certification” depends on which of these two roles you are fulfilling.
Let’s discuss the role of the Examiner first:
The Examiner (Quality Control)
The Examiner is the person who actually performs the visual inspections, typically called examinations in this context. This individual is typically employed by the fabricator or erector.
There is no single “national” certificate mandated by B31.3. Instead, the Examiner must be certified by their employer in accordance with the employer’s Written QA Program. However, most QA programs will specify the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) SNT-TC-1A or CP-189 Standards. Some QA programs will reference the American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welding Inspector (CWI). Either organization is highly reputable and widely accepted as a baseline certification. HOWEVER, B31.3 does NOT specifically require a “certification”. But trust me, the few times I have worked on a piping installation projects and the low bidder did not have an “inspector/examiner” with one of these reputable certifications, we always had issues with QA.
What B31 does state is that this examiner must have training and experience commensurate with the needs of the examination. Their employer is responsible for maintaining records of these qualifications, including eye exams (visual acuity) and test results.
NOTE: see my article on the eye-exam part of this requirement. https://safteng.net/peeling-the-onion-with-your-asme-b31-3-pipe-examiners/
The Owner’s Inspector (Quality Assurance)
The owner’s Inspector is the person who verifies that the examinations (performed by the Examiner) have been completed and done well. They “inspect” to the extent necessary to be satisfied that the piping complies with the Code.
The “inspector” has very specific REQUIREMENTS in order to fill this key role. Unlike the Examiner, the Inspector must meet one of the following criteria under paragraph 340.4:
- Experience: At least 10 years of experience in the design, fabrication, or examination of industrial pressure piping.
- Engineering Degree + Experience:** An engineering degree (ABET-accredited) plus 5 years of experience.
- AWS CWI: Being a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or Senior CWI (per AWS QC1) with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
- API 570: Being an Authorized Piping Inspector (per API 570) with at least 5 years of relevant experience.
Under B31.3, the Inspector cannot be an employee of the fabricator or erector unless the owner is also the fabricator (to avoid conflict of interest).