It’s worth starting with the fact that certification of welding technology can be of two types. The first is the research type, and the second is the production type.
Research work
The first group of certification works is carried out in such cases as:
- The use of new types of materials (steels), the parameters of which are for some reason higher or, conversely, lower than the established limits.
- Research certification of welding technology is carried out in cases where preparatory work is underway for the application of a new type of welding process.
- Also, this type of certification is applied in a situation when they plan to use some new type of welding work from the point of view of the technology of its implementation.
- The reason for such a check may be the use of new types of welding materials that are not previously used.
- Certification is also necessary if it is planned to use new mechanized or automatic welding complexes that were not in operation before.
The certification of welding technology of a research type is carried out by LLC NII TNN, also ACST, which has the necessary tools, as well as qualified staff, is involved in this process. Such inspections are carried out in agreement with Transneft, JSC.
Production check
The main purpose of the production certification is to identify the organization’s technical and organizational capabilities for welding. Also, the presence of qualified employees who are entitled to carry out this kind of work is checked.
It is important to note here that a production audit, which is not provided for in accordance with the current normative documents, can only be carried out if research work on this technology is carried out in order to determine its capabilities and application conditions.
Types of Production Inspection
It is important to know that certification of production-type welding technology is divided into three types. It can be primary, periodic or extraordinary.
If we talk about the primary certification, then the reasons for its implementation may be the following points:
- For the first time, the organization will use any technology during welding operations at those enterprises that belong to Transneft, JSC.
- There are such cases when it becomes necessary to make certain changes to the process of welding. Production certification is carried out if the welding technology goes beyond the limits that were previously established.
It is also worth adding that the certificate, which is issued after the inspection, is valid for four years. Records of the date of the recording are recorded in the welding log.
Periodic and Extraordinary Checks
As for the periodic inspection, it is carried out at intervals of four years. However, this is subject to the fact that the organization will constantly conduct welding work on the territory of those enterprises that belong to Transneft, JSC. The interval between the provision of services may be no more than six months. If this period has been exceeded, then before starting work, it is necessary to conduct a periodic check, even if 4 years have not yet passed.
The reason for the extraordinary certification of work may be the fact that the quality of the welds is unsatisfactory and does not correspond to the qualities and parameters established by the certification issued to the enterprise. Such checks are carried out by agreement between the representative of the independent technical supervision and the enterprise itself.
In addition, the reason may also be that the poor quality of the seams will be repeated. In this case, a commission will be convened, which should be attended by representatives of the customer, employer, and technical supervision. In addition, the employee responsible for carrying out welding work in this area should be present. Based on the findings of the commission meeting, an extraordinary audit may also be scheduled. Records of this are also recorded in the welding log.
Preparation for verification
All activities related to the preparation and conduct of certification activities should be held in accordance with document RD 03-615-03. In order to submit an application for verification, it is necessary to fill out Appendix B, as well as submit documents related to the production and technological process. A package of papers is sent to the ACST organization for further consideration.
Also, when applying, it is necessary to confirm that the company has all the necessary equipment, as well as organizational capabilities for welding. In addition, you need to submit a list with the structure of the welding service, provide a list of the quantitative composition of qualified personnel who must perform all the work.
Verification
The first thing that the commission checks is the availability of technical means, organizational capabilities, as well as the number of personnel capable of performing the work that the enterprise indicated in its application. The organizational structure or service of the chief welder will also be checked. The correctness of how production and technological papers are filled, as well as their compliance with the standards of ND OJSC Transneft, is subject to certification. During the audit, certification documents will be studied confirming the qualifications of the employees.
If during the inspection any inconsistencies were found that the organization cannot resolve, then the commission issues a corresponding negative opinion, which should indicate the reasons for the refusal. Quite an important point that is paid attention to during the inspection was the safety of welding. It is also worth noting that the applicant can submit a second application for certification, but only when he eliminates all these shortcomings.
NAX
It is important to understand here that at enterprises the certification of personnel is carried out only at the initiative of the organization itself. But certification of NAKS welding technology is mandatory for all employees. NAKS is a national welding control agency. Not only personnel are subject to verification, but also equipment, materials, as well as the welding process itself.
It is important to note that before an employee receives the right to pass certification in this agency, he should already have a qualification rank in this area. Currently, there are four levels of certification, depending on what the employee is applying for. For example, in order to get the usual access to work, you need to get only the 1st level. Leading positions, such as chief welders, engineers, and others, must be at level 4.