Specification forthe Qualification ofWelding InspectorSpecialists andWelding InspectorAssistants

AWS B5.2:2001An American National Standard

550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, Florida 33126

AWS B5.2:2001An American National Standard

Approved byAmerican National Standards Institute

May 11, 2001

Specification for

the Qualification of

Welding Inspector Specialists

and Welding Inspector Assistants

Prepared byAWS B5 Committee on Qualification

Under the Direction ofAWS Technical Activities Committee

Approved byAWS Board of Directors

AbstractThis specification defines the requirements and program for an employer (company) to qualify Welding InspectorSpecialists and Welding Inspector Assistants to contract or industry-specific inspector standards. The qualification programis developed and controlled by an employer. The qualification requires documentation of experience, training, and satis-factory completion of an examination. The examination tests knowledge of welding processes, welding procedures,welder qualification, destructive testing, nondestructive testing, terms, definitions, symbols, reports, records, safety, andresponsibility as specifically applied by the contract or industry standards applicable to the employer.

Key Words—Inspection, qualification, training, weld, Welding Inspector Specialists, Welding Inspector Assistants

Statement on Use of AWS American National Standards

All standards (codes, specifications, recommended practices, methods, classifications, and guides) of the AmericanWelding Society are voluntary consensus standards that have been developed in accordance with the rules of the AmericanNational Standards Institute. When AWS standards are either incorporated in, or made part of, documents that areincluded in federal or state laws and regulations, or the regulations of other governmental bodies, their provisions carrythe full legal authority of the statute. In such cases, any changes in those AWS standards must be approved by thegovernmental body having statutory jurisdiction before they can become a part of those laws and regulations. In allcases, these standards carry the full legal authority of the contract or other document that invokes the AWS standards.Where this contractual relationship exists, changes in or deviations from requirements of an AWS standard must be byagreement between the contracting parties.

International Standard Book Number: 0-87171-645-3

American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126

© 2001 by American Welding Society. All rights reservedPrinted in the United States of America

AWS American National Standards are developed through a consensus standards development process that bringstogether volunteers representing varied viewpoints and interests to achieve consensus. While AWS administers the processand establishes rules to promote fairness in the development of consensus, it does not independently test, evaluate, orverify the accuracy of any information or the soundness of any judgments contained in its standards.

AWS disclaims liability for any injury to persons or to property, or other damages of any nature whatsoever, whether spe-cial, indirect, consequential or compensatory, directly or indirectly resulting from the publication, use of, or reliance on thisstandard. AWS also makes no guaranty or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of any information published herein.

In issuing and making this standard available, AWS is not undertaking to render professional or other services for or onbehalf of any person or entity. Nor is AWS undertaking to perform any duty owed by any person or entity to someoneelse. Anyone using these documents should rely on his or her own independent judgment or, as appropriate, seek the adviceof a competent professional in determining the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances.

This standard may be superseded by the issuance of new editions. Users should ensure that they have the latest edition.

Publication of this standard does not authorize infringement of any patent. AWS disclaims liability for the infringementof any patent resulting from the use or reliance on this standard.

Finally, AWS does not monitor, police, or enforce compliance with this standard, nor does it have the power to do so.

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may be obtained by sending a request, in writ-ing, to the Managing Director Technical Services, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126(see Annex D). With regard to technical inquiries made concerning AWS standards, oral opinions on AWS standards maybe rendered. However, such opinions represent only the personal opinions of the particular individuals giving them. Theseindividuals do not speak on behalf of AWS, nor do these oral opinions constitute official or unofficial opinions or interpre-tations of AWS. In addition, oral opinions are informal and should not be used as a substitute for an official interpretation.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the AWS B5 Committee on Qualification. It must be reviewed everyfive years and if not revised, it must be either reapproved or withdrawn. Comments (recommendations, additions, or dele-tions) and any pertinent data that may be of use in improving this standard are required and should be addressed to AWSHeadquarters. Such comments will receive careful consideration by the AWS B5 Committee on Qualification and theauthor of the comments will be informed of the Committee’s response to the comments. Guests are invited to attend allmeetings of the AWS B5 Committee on Qualification to express their comments verbally. Procedures for appeal ofan adverse decision concerning all such comments are provided in the Rules of Operation of the Technical ActivitiesCommittee. A copy of these Rules can be obtained from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami,FL 33126.

Photocopy Rights

Authorization to photocopy items for internal, personal, or educational classroom use only, or the internal, personal, oreducational classroom use only of specific clients, is granted by the American Welding Society (AWS) provided that theappropriate fee is paid to the Copyright Clearance Center, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, Tel: 978-750-8400;online: http://www.copyright.com.

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Personnel

AWS B5 Committee on Qualification

R. D. Messer, Chair ExxonMobil Chemical AmericasJ. F. Harris, 1st Vice Chair Ashland Specialty Chemical Co.

S. A. Tennant, 2nd Vice Chair Northeast Wisconsin Technical CollegeJ. L. Gayler, Secretary American Welding Society

W. F. Behnke Visteon*N. S. Brown Canadian Pacific Railway Co.*H. B. Cary Consultant

K. W. Coryell Consultant*S. L. Cotham Quality Engineering & Inspections, Inc.

P. R. Evans PCI Energy Services*H. W. Goser Stupp Brothers Bridge and Iron Co.

J. A. Grantham Welding & Joining Management GroupP. A. Grimm Modern Welding Co.

W. H. Kennedy Canadian Welding BureauV. Kuruvilla Havens Steel Co.

B. W. Phillips Bureau Veritas North AmericaR. Poe Thermal Arc Stoody

J. R. Reid Sithe New EnglandB. D. Schlueter Precision Calibration & Testing*G. C. Shubert United Technologies—Pratt & Whitney

R. C. Stevens Stevens Engineering, LLC*O. J. Templet TNT Welding Supply Co., Inc.

Z. Turner City and County of San Francisco*T. W. Wallace Metro Water District of Southern California

B5B Subcommittee on Qualification of Welding Inspector Specialist

J. R. Reid, Chair Sithe New EnglandJ. L. Gayler, Secretary American Welding Society

*P. R. Evans PCI Energy Services*H. W. Goser Stupp Bridge Co.

D. R. Lopez BP AmocoE. M. Lorence Aircraft Welding & Mfg. Co., Inc.

*C. C. Magnuson Caltest Construction ServicesP. A. Michalski East Ohio GasS. L Raymond International Training InstituteG. C. Shubert United Technologies—Pratt & Whitney

*Z. Turner City and County of San Francisco

*Advisor

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Foreword

(This Foreword is not a part of AWS B5.2:2001, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspector Specialistsand Welding Inspector Assistants, but is included for information purposes only.)

The Qualification and Certification Committee of the American Welding Society was formed in 1973. In 1996, theQualification and Certification Committees became two separate entities. The B5 Committee on Qualification was formedas a Technical Committee and under the direction of the Technical Activities Committee (TAC), and the CertificationCommittee remained as a Standing Committee. The B5 Committee on Qualification creates qualification standards uponwhich a central certification agency or employer may base a certification program.

This is the first issue of AWS B5.2:2001, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspector Specialists andWelding Inspector Assistants. This document supersedes, in part, QC2-93, Recommended Practice for the Training,Qualification, and Certification of Welding Inspector Specialist and Welding Inspector Assistant.

This specification for the qualification of welding inspector specialists and welding inspector assistants was developedto provide a qualification basis which defines minimum requirements for a welding inspector specialist to demonstratecompetence through a combination of education, experience, and examination.

The purpose of welding inspection is to determine that a welded product meets the requirements of a code, other standard,or contract. These documents usually contain reference to a code, or other standard, and detailed drawings that outlinegeneral and specific requirements for the work. The welding inspector specialist and welding inspector assistant must bethoroughly familiar with the welding processes used, welding procedures, welder qualifications, materials and limitationsof weld testing.

The person performing inspections must be able to read drawings, keep records, make reports and make responsiblejudgments. For weld inspection to be effective, it must be performed in a manner that is consistent with the specificationrequirements and the technical and ethical principles. The employer must accept the burden of responsibility of training,testing and qualifying employees in accordance with an established written practice.

Comments and suggestions for the improvement of this standard are welcome. They should be sent to the Secretary,AWS B5 Committee on Qualification, American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

Official interpretations of any of the technical requirements of this standard may be obtained by sending a request, inwriting, to the Managing Director, Technical Services Division, American Welding Society (see Annex D). A formalreply will be issued after it has been reviewed by the appropriate personnel following established procedures.

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Table of Contents

Page No.

Personnel .................................................................................................................................................................... iiiForeword .......................................................................................................................................................................v

1. Scope .....................................................................................................................................................................1

2. Reference Documents ...........................................................................................................................................1

3. Levels of Qualification ..........................................................................................................................................13.1 Welding Inspector Specialist.........................................................................................................................13.2 Welding Inspector Assistant..........................................................................................................................1

4. Definitions .............................................................................................................................................................1

5. Functions ...............................................................................................................................................................2

6. Education and Experience .....................................................................................................................................2

7. Written Practice.....................................................................................................................................................2

8. Physical Requirements ..........................................................................................................................................2

9. Training .................................................................................................................................................................3

10. Examination Requirements ...................................................................................................................................310.1 Proficiency Examination...............................................................................................................................310.2 Welding Inspector Specialist Examination ...................................................................................................310.3 Welding Inspector Assistant Examination ....................................................................................................3

11. Certification...........................................................................................................................................................3

12. Company Responsibilities.....................................................................................................................................3

Annexes—Nonmandatory InformationAnnex A—Body of Knowledge ......................................................................................................................................5Annex B—Sample Outline for Recommended Practice ................................................................................................7Annex C—Visual Acuity Record ...................................................................................................................................9Annex D—Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiries for AWS Technical Committees .................................11

AWS B5.2:2001

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1. Scope1.1 This specification establishes the minimum require-ments for the qualification of the Welding InspectorSpecialist and Welding Inspector Assistant. The employeris responsible for the testing, examination and qualificationof these inspectors.

1.2 This specification is to aid employers in identifyingthe basic factors in qualifying personnel performingwelding inspection for a specific company or project.

1.3 In developing the written practice (see Section 7), theemployer should review the detailed recommendationspresented herein and incorporate them into the practice.

1.4 The Welding Inspector Specialist will not be subjectto examination and certification by the American Weld-ing Society (AWS). They are not acceptable candidatesfor reciprocity as an AWS Certified Welding Inspector(CWI) or Certified Associate Welding Inspector (CAWI)in accordance with AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certifi-cation of Welding Inspectors.

2. Reference Documents(1) AWS A3.0, Standard Welding Terms and Definitions1

(2) AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification ofWelding Inspectors1

3. Levels of QualificationThere are two levels of welding inspector qualifica-

tion defined in this document. These are Welding InspectorSpecialist and Welding Inspector Assistant.

1. Available from the American Welding Society, 550 N.W.LeJeune Road, Miami, FL 33126.

3.1 Welding Inspector Specialist. A Welding InspectorSpecialist is an individual who has been qualified by theemployer as meeting the requirements of the employer’swelding inspector qualification program.

3.2 Welding Inspector Assistant. A Welding InspectorAssistant is an individual who has been qualified by theemployer as meeting the requirements of the employer’sprogram to assist the Welding Inspector Specialist in per-forming the defined duties. The Welding Inspector Assistantshall perform inspection duties under the supervision of aWelding Inspector Specialist.

4. Definitions

Unless otherwise defined below, the terms included inthis specification are as defined in AWS A3.0, StandardWelding Terms and Definitions.

certification. The act of determining, verifying, andattesting in writing to the qualification of personnel ororganizations in accordance with specified requirements.

certifying agency. The employer of the person beingcertified.

certifying official. The employee of the company who isdesignated to certify inspectors and revoke certification.

employer. The corporate, private, or public entity whichemploys personnel for wages, salary, fees, or otherconsiderations.

owner. The person or entities for whom/which weldmentsare produced to comply with a code, other standard orcontract.

qualification. Process of demonstrating whether anentity or individual is capable of fulfilling specifiedrequirements.

Specification for the Qualification ofWelding Inspector Specialists and

Welding Inspector Assistants

AWS B5.2:2001

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specification. Document stating requirements.

training. An organized program developed to impart theknowledge and skills necessary for qualification.

written practice. A document to specify methods,requirements, examination, records, certifying official,etc., for a company’s welding inspection personnelcertification program.

5. FunctionsIn establishing a program, the employer shall state in

the written practice the specific functions to be carriedout by the inspectors. The items in Annex A shall be in-corporated as applicable into the written practice. Thecompany methods for accomplishing each duty shall bedefined. The specific functions of the Welding InspectorSpecialist and the Welding Inspector Assistant shall bedefined in the written practice.

6. Education and Experience6.1 The following are minimum requirements for eachcandidate for Welding Inspector Specialist.

6.1.1 The candidate shall be a high school graduate orhold an approved general equivalency diploma.

6.1.1.1 As an alternative to the requirements in6.1.1, the employer may accept additional years of expe-rience in lieu of the education requirements.

6.1.2 The candidate shall have no fewer than fiveyears experience in an occupational function that hasdirect relationship to weldments being fabricated to aspecified code, other standard, or contract and shall be di-rectly involved in one or more of the following functions:

(1) Design. Preparation of plans and drawings forweldment construction.

(2) Production. Planning and control of welding oper-ations such as procedures, equipment, materials, or per-sonnel involved in weldment fabrication.

(3) Construction. Performance as a welder, fitter,or other function in the fabrication or erection ofweldments.

(4) Inspection. Detection and measurement of welddiscontinuities or verification of fabrication requirements.

(5) Repair. Repair of weldments.

6.1.2.1 As an alternative to the requirements in6.1.2, the employer may substitute an equal number ofyears of post high school education for required years ofexperience, provided the studies are directly related tothe functions defined in 6.1.2.

Post high school education is defined as any of thefollowing:

(1) Associate or higher degree in engineering, engi-neering technology, physics, or sciences.

(2) Engineering/technical school courses successfullycompleted in a curriculum that can be applied to (1)above.

(3) Trade/vocational school courses in a curriculumrelated to welding.

6.1.3 The candidate shall submit written documenta-tion that he/she meets the requirements of 6.1.1 and 6.1.2or the alternatives listed in 6.1.2.1.

6.2 The following are minimum requirements for eachcandidate for Welding Inspector Assistant:

6.2.1 The candidate shall hold a high school or anapproved general equivalency diploma.

6.2.1.1 As an alternative to the requirements in6.2.1, the employer may accept additional years of expe-rience in lieu of the education requirements.

6.2.2 The candidate shall have at least six month’sexperience in an occupational function that has a directrelationship to weldments fabricated to a code or otherstandard (see 6.1.2).

7. Written Practice7.1 The employer shall establish a written practice thatdetails the job functions for welding inspectors. The writ-ten practice shall also describe the education, experience,and training required for company certification. A sampleoutline for recommended practice is included as Annex B.

7.2 The written practice shall include topics, subjects,and training related to the inspection of weldments fabri-cated to a code, specification, or other standard as appliedby the employer.

7.3 The written practice shall define the company officialwho is authorized to certify inspectors and revokecertification.

8. Physical Requirements8.1 Candidates must be physically able to safely performthe activities as required or specified by the employer.The functions to be performed by an inspector are de-fined in the employer’s written practice.

8.2 The Welding Inspector Specialist and Welding In-spector Assistant shall pass an eye examination, in at leastone eye, with or without corrective lenses, to prove nearvision acuity on Jaeger J2 at 12 inches or equivalent, andshall take a color perception test. The eye examination

AWS B5.2:2001

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results shall be documented on a form similar to the sam-ple form (Visual Acuity Record) shown in Annex C.

Note: Near vision acuity is considered essential to theproper performance of welding examination. Failure tomeet the above level of acuity shall be a failure to meetthis standard. Color perception is desirable in some spe-cific applications, but is not considered essential for allexaminations. It shall be the employer’s responsibility toestablish and enforce color perception requirements forthose Welding Inspector Specialists in his/her employ.

9. TrainingCandidates to be considered for qualification and cer-

tification shall have received sufficient training to be-come thoroughly familiar with the principles of weldinginspection applicable to the practice to be used and theproducts to be inspected. Training shall include applicablesafety considerations and the proper care and use ofinspection tools and equipment when used. A recom-mended body of knowledge is provided in Annex A.

10. Examination Requirements10.1 Proficiency Examination. The employer shall con-duct initial examinations for new candidates and periodicupdates for previously qualified inspectors. The exami-nations shall incorporate checkpoints or proficiencydemonstration to verify that the individuals possess theability to perform specific inspection and interpret re-sults. Verification that the candidate met the minimumrequirements of this standard shall be a permanent part oftheir records.

10.2 Welding Inspector Specialist Examination

10.2.1 The employer shall structure a test consistingof three parts as defined below. Candidates shall meet thevision acuity requirement and achieve a minimum pass-ing score, as determined by the employer, for each of thethree parts.

10.2.2 The recommended examination shall consist ofan open-book test on industry standards or contracts ap-plicable to the employer, closed-book test on weldingfundamentals (including safety), and a test on practicalapplications of welding inspection. See Annex A for rec-ommended body of knowledge.

10.3 Welding Inspector Assistant Examination

10.3.1 The employer shall structure a test consistingof three parts as defined below. Candidates shall meet thevision acuity requirement and achieve a minimum pass-ing score, as determined by the employer, for each of thethree tests.

10.3.2 The recommended examination shall consist ofan open-book test on industry standards or contracts ap-plicable to the employer, closed-book test on weldingfundamentals (including safety), and a test on practicalapplications of welding inspection. See Annex A for rec-ommended body of knowledge.

11. Certification11.1 At the option of the employer, an outside agencymay be engaged to provide assistance in training andqualification services. In such instances, the employer isresponsible to assure that training, qualification, and cer-tification are in accordance with this document.

11.2 The employer purchasing outside training and qual-ification services is responsible for assuring that the ser-vice complies with this document by conducting periodicaudits of the outside services. The employer shall main-tain a written record of the audit(s).

11.3 Certification records shall be maintained on file bythe employer and shall contain records of the certified in-dividual and copies of written practices as required bySection 7. These records shall be maintained during thetime the inspectors are certified and for three years afterthe termination of the employee. These records shallcontain as a minimum the following:

(1) Name of certified individual(2) Statement indicating experience and completion

of training in accordance with employer’s written practice.(3) Verification that individual met the requirements

prescribed in Sections 8, 9, and 10, including copies ofapplicable: Education and Experience certificates, VisualAcuity Records, and Test records.

(4) Signature of certifying official(5) Date(s) of certification

12. Company ResponsibilitiesCode of ethics, responsibility to the public, conflict of

interest, unauthorized practice, revocation of certifica-tion, reinstatement, recertification, and termination shallbe in accordance with the employer’s written practice.

Note: While the Welding Inspector Specialist and Weld-ing Inspector Assistant have established credentials,company certification alone may not legally qualify theinspector to provide inspection service to the public.Building codes and regulations contract documents andother project specifications may require that inspectionsto be performed by or under the direction of others, suchas a third party agency, a professional engineer, or AWSCertified Welding Inspector.

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A1. IntroductionA1.1 Capabilities

(1) Judges quality(2) Interprets specification limitations and intent(3) Communicate results and makes reports to

supervisor

A1.2 Qualifications(1) Physical condition(2) Vision(3) Knowledge of welding(4) Knowledge of drawings, specifications, codes, and

procedures(5) Knowledge of testing methods(6) Experience(7) Education and training

A1.3 Responsibilities(1) General(2) Specific company responsibilities(3) Personal and company safety practices

A2. Welding, Cutting, and Brazing Processes

A2.1 Processes used in fabricating the product beinginspected

A2.2 Overview of each process

A2.3 Discontinuities that may be encountered with eachprocess

A3. Material FundamentalsA3.1 Weldability

A3.2 Metallurgy

A3.3 Chemistry

A3.4 Mechanical(1) Tensile strength(2) Hardness(3) Toughness

A3.5 Testing for mechanical properties

A3.6 Metallographic tests

A4. FabricationA4.1 Joint preparation

A4.2 Joint fit up

A4.3 Welding procedure specification

A4.4 Welder qualification

A4.5 Other fabrication documents

A5. Heat TreatmentA5.1 Preheat

A5.2 Interpass temperature

A5.3 Postweld heat treatment

A6. Nondestructive ExaminationA6.1 Visual inspection

(1) Application and acceptance standards(2) Tools and their use

A6.2 Liquid penetrant testing(1) Procedures(2) Acceptance standards

Annex A

Body of Knowledge(This Annex is not a part of AWS B5.2:2001, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspector Specialists and

Welding Inspector Assistants, but is included for information purposes only.)

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A6.3 Magnetic particle testing(1) Acceptance standards(2) Procedures

A6.4 Other testing and inspection(1) 100% sampling(2) Random sampling(3) Radiographic(4) Ultrasonic

A6.5 Specific company procedures

A7. Inspection DocumentationA7.1 Verify dimensions

A7.2 Written welding procedures

A7.3 Welder qualification papers

A7.4 NDE reports

A7.5 Narrative reports

A8. ReferencesA8.1 Welding Handbooks, Volumes 1–4, AWS, 8th Edition

A8.2 Welding Inspection, AWS 1980

A8.3 Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and AlliedProcesses

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JOB FUNCTIONSA Welding Inspector Specialist (or assistant) employed by the _______________________ Company is responsible forperforming the following Functions:(1) _____________________________________________________________________________________________(2) _____________________________________________________________________________________________(3) _____________________________________________________________________________________________etc.

QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION__________________________ Company Certification as a Welding Inspection Specialist (or assistant) is based on theindividual presenting evidence of _______ years of relevant experience combined with _____________________ levelof Education and meeting specified Physical requirements.

PERSONNEL TRAININGSuccessfully completing training in the following:(1) ____________________________ consisting of _______ hour’s classroom combined with _______ hours practical.(see ________________ course curriculum)(2) ____________________________ consisting of _______ hour’s classroom combined with _______ hours practical.(see ________________ course curriculum)(3) ____________________________ consisting of _______ hour’s classroom combined with _______ hours practical.(see ________________ course curriculum)etc.

EXAMINATIONAttaining a minimum passing score of ___________ on each of the three parts of the ____________________ CompanyWelding Inspection Specialist Test.

CERTIFICATION RESPONSIBILITY__________________________ is Responsible for Certifying Welding Inspection Specialists (or assistants) for the____________________ Company and maintains applicable Records for each individual certified. The Records aremaintained for a minimum period of ______________ and are available for review upon request. Certification recordsshall be audited for completeness and compliance with this standard on a ________________basis.

CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCEThe performance of Certified Welding Inspector Specialists (or assistants) is monitored on a ______________basis toverify continued proficiency of the individual.

Annex B

Sample Outline for Recommended Practice(This Annex is not a part of AWS B5.2:2001, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspector Specialists and

Welding Inspector Assistants, but is included for information purposes only.)

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Your Company NameVISUAL ACUITY RECORD

The applicant is required to pass an eye examination, with or without corrective lenses, to prove: near vision acuity onJaeger J2, or equivalent, at 12 inches. In addition, they shall also take a color perception test for red/green and blue/yellowdifferentiation.

______________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________Applicants Name S.S. or ID number Date of examination

Examination: Meets Without Meets WithEye Correction Eye Correction Does Not Meet

Near Vision

Jaeger J2 (or Equivalent) ! OR ! OR !Distance of 12 inches (check only one)

Color Perception Meets Does not meet

Red/Green Differentiation ! OR !

Blue/Yellow Differentiation ! OR !

I certify that the above named applicant demonstrated the vision capabilities indicated above.

______________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________Printed Name of Examiner Signature Date

______________________________ ____________________________ ____________________________Printed Name of Administrator Signature Date

Annex C

Visual Acuity Record(This Annex is not a part of AWS B5.2:2001, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspector Specialists and

Welding Inspector Assistants, but is included for information purposes only.)

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D1. IntroductionThe AWS Board of Directors has adopted a policy

whereby all official interpretations of AWS standardswill be handled in a formal manner. Under that policy, allinterpretations are made by the committee that is respon-sible for the standard. Official communication concern-ing an interpretation is through the AWS staff memberwho works with that committee. The policy requires thatall requests for an interpretation be submitted in writing.Such requests will be handled as expeditiously as possi-ble but due to the complexity of the work and the proce-dures that must be followed, some interpretations mayrequire considerable time.

D2. ProcedureAll inquiries must be directed to:

Managing Director, Technical ServicesAmerican Welding Society550 N.W. LeJeune RoadMiami, FL 33126

All inquiries must contain the name, address, and af-filiation of the inquirer, and they must provide enough in-formation for the committee to fully understand the pointof concern in the inquiry. Where that point is not clearlydefined, the inquiry will be returned for clarification. Forefficient handling, all inquiries should be typewritten andshould also be in the format used here.

D2.1 Scope. Each inquiry must address one single provi-sion of the standard, unless the point of the inquiry in-volves two or more interrelated provisions. That provisionmust be identified in the scope of the inquiry, along with

the edition of the standard that contains the provisions orthat the inquirer is addressing.

D2.2 Purpose of the Inquiry. The purpose of the inquirymust be stated in this portion of the inquiry. The purposecan be either to obtain an interpretation of a standard re-quirement, or to request the revision of a particular provi-sion in the standard.

D2.3 Content of the Inquiry. The inquiry should beconcise, yet complete, to enable the committee to quicklyand fully understand the point of the inquiry. Sketchesshould be used when appropriate and all paragraphs, fig-ures, and tables (or the Annex), which bear on the in-quiry must be cited. If the point of the inquiry is to obtaina revision of the standard, the inquiry must provide tech-nical justification for that revision.

D2.4 Proposed Reply. The inquirer should, as a pro-posed reply, state an interpretation of the provision that isthe point of the inquiry, or the wording for a proposed re-vision, if that is what inquirer seeks.

D3. Interpretation of Provisions of the Standard

Interpretations of provisions of the Standard are madeby the relevant AWS Technical Committee. The secre-tary of the committee refers all inquiries to the chairmanof the particular subcommittee that has jurisdiction overthe portion of the standard addressed by the inquiry. Thesubcommittee reviews the inquiry and the proposed replyto determine what the response to the inquiry should be.Following the subcommittee’s development of the re-sponse, the inquiry and the response are presented to theentire committee for review and approval. Upon approval

Annex D

Guidelines for Preparation of Technical Inquiriesfor AWS Technical Committees

(This Annex is not a part of AWS B5.2:2001, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Inspector Specialists andWelding Inspector Assistants, but is included for information purposes only.)

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by the committee, the interpretation will be an official in-terpretation of the Society, and the secretary will transmitthe response to the inquirer and to the Welding Journalfor publication.

D4. Publication of InterpretationsAll official interpretations will appear in the Welding

Journal.

D5. Telephone InquiriesTelephone inquiries to AWS Headquarters concerning

AWS standards should be limited to questions of a gen-eral nature or to matters directly related to the use of thestandard. The Board of Directors’ policy requires that allAWS staff members respond to a telephone request foran official interpretation of any AWS standard with the

information that such an interpretation can be obtainedonly through a written request. The Headquarters staffcannot provide consulting services. The staff can, how-ever, refer a caller to any of those consultants whosenames are on file at AWS Headquarters.

D6. The AWS Technical CommitteeThe activities of AWS Technical Committees in regard

to interpretations, are limited strictly to the interpretationof provisions of standards prepared by the committee orto consideration of revisions to existing provisions on thebasis of new data or technology. Neither the committeenor the staff is in a position to offer interpretive or con-sulting services on: (1) specific engineering problems, or(2) requirements of standards applied to fabrications out-side the scope of the document or points not specificallycovered by the standard. In such cases, the inquirershould seek assistance from a competent engineer experi-enced in the particular field of interest.