Recognition to Administer Welder Qualification Tests

Scope

 

The following directive is being issued to clarify the requirements for the acceptance of pressure welder performance qualification tests and the recognition of an individual or organization to administer performance qualification tests in accordance with section 5(3) of the Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration Safety Regulation (the Regulation) and section 4.5 of the CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code.

 

Definitions

 

Performance qualification test: The demonstration of a welder or welding operator’s ability to produce welds meeting prescribed standards.

Pressure welder: An individual holding a Class A, IT or R pressure welder certificate of qualification issued under section 41 of the Regulation.

Recognized test administrator: An individual or organization recognized by Technical Safety BC as competent to administer performance qualification tests conforming to CSA B51 and ASME Section IX.

Regulated product: Includes boilers and boiler systems, pressure vessels, pressure piping, and refrigeration systems and equipment, in accordance with the Safety Standards Act and associated regulations.

Regulated work: The assembly, manufacture, construction, installation, operation, testing, maintenance, or repair of a regulated product, as well as the alteration of a regulated product.

 

Specific Details

 

Individuals performing welding on regulated products in British Columbia must possess the appropriate pressure welder certificate of qualification issued under section 41 of the Regulation. Additionally, pressure welder certificate of qualification holders must maintain a valid performance qualification(s), conforming to CSA B51, for the welding procedure specifications used while performing regulated work.

 

Performance Qualification Tests

 

Performance qualification tests for welding on regulated products must be approved by the regulatory authority in accordance with CSA B51 section 4.5.2:

4.5 Welding and Brazing Qualifications

4.5.2

Welding or brazing tests for equipment fabricated in Canada shall be acceptable for the purposes of Clause 4.5 only if approved by the regulatory authority of the province where the welding or brazing is to be performed.

Performance qualification tests for pressure welding in British Columbia are approved by Technical Safety BC and comply with CSA B51 when administered by an individual or organization holding a valid letter of recognition confirming that they are recognized as competent to administer performance qualification tests conforming to CSA B51 and ASME Section IX.

Upon successful completion of a performance qualification test, the recognized test administrator will issue a performance qualification record (QW-484a, QW-484b) which is to be retained by the pressure welder and recognized test administrator as evidence of successful completion of the test(s). In addition, the recognized test administrator will complete an entry into the performance qualification section of the welder's logbook. Performance qualification tests remain valid so long as continuity is maintained in accordance with ASME Section IX.

 

Recognized Test Administrators

 

The minimum requirements which must be met to obtain and maintain recognition as a test administrator are contained within: MAN-4017 – Requirements for Recognized Test Administrators.

Provincial Safety Manager – Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration

References:
Power Engineers, Boiler, Pressure Vessel, and Refrigeration Safety Regulation
CSA B51 Boiler, pressure vessel, and pressure piping code