ASME Section V, Article 9 places the responsibility for the designation and qualification of these individuals on the organization (the employer or manufacturer). The organization is responsible for assigning “qualified personnel” to perform visual examinations. ASME Section V requires that personnel be qualified and certified in accordance with a program established by their employer. The employer’s program must include:
- Instruction in the fundamentals of the visual examination method.
- On-the-job training to familiarize the personnel with the appearance and interpretation of indications of defects.
- An annual eye examination to ensure the individual meets the near-distance acuity requirements specified in Article 9 (Jaeger J-1 letters on standard test charts).
These qualified personnel are responsible for performing the examinations according to a qualified, written procedure and signing the report forms. It is common industry practice to hold certifications such as ASNT Level I, II, or III in Visual Testing (VT) or to be a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), depending on the requirements of the referencing Code Section (such as Section VIII or B31.3) and the manufacturer’s own quality control manual.