W178.2-08 (R2013)

Welding inspectors are a critical element in any welded fabrication or construction. This standard provides a consistent framework for the initial and ongoing certification of welding inspectors in a wide range of industry segments including buildings, bridges, marine structures, transportation, pipe & pipeline systems, pressure vessels and storage tanks. The standard details requirements for ethics/conduct, experience, knowledge base and overall competency.

Preface

This is the fifth edition of CSA W178.2, Certification of welding inspectors. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2001, 1996, 1990, and 1982.

Scope

1.1
This Standard covers the certification of welding inspectors at three certification levels. It specifies the responsibilities and the basic technical functions associated with each level.

1.2
This Standard specifies the requirements for the periodic review of welding inspector certification, including vision tests.

1.3
This Standard, by including a code of ethics for the welding inspector, defines principles of practice and conduct for maintaining certification.

1.4
To assist candidates in preparing for examinations, this Standard contains sample course outlines (see Annex A) covering

(a) welding fundamentals;
(b) welding inspection; and
(c) welding metallurgy. It also includes a list of relevant reference publications for each product category (see Annex B).

1.5
This Standard does not address safety issues associated with welding. It is the responsibility of the users of this Standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations. Note: CAN/CSA-W117.2 addresses safety in welding, cutting, and allied processes.

1.6
In CSA Standards, shall is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; should is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; may is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard; and can is used to express possibility or capability. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.