Welding Code Compliance Consultant

Compliance to welding/brazing industry Codes, specifications and standards can be a burdensome process. Users often get bogged down understanding what has changed between revisions, lost flipping back and forth between sections, have limited experience using the documents or may even get perplexed by the wording, especially if they do not have a background in welding. Understanding how to use these documents is critical for meeting end user/purchaser contractual agreements. 

It is these Codes, specifications and standards that frequently govern the design and fabrication of welded/brazed components. Often these documents are adopted by jurisdictions, agencies or organizations whose service or product has a considerable influence on public health and safety. Some of these documents even become law and are often referred to as Regulations. Industry-specific specifications are continually developed and updated by the society/organization/institute and implemented internationally. Sometimes, customers have their own specifications that are intended to address specific requirements that could supersede and/or reference these Codes.

Organizations that remain compliant with Codes, specifications and standards can greatly improve weld quality and process control. Companies attempting to certify an organization to a quality management system (i.e. ISO 9000 family) will see process control elements including process documentation (PQR-procedure qualification records, WPS-welding procedure specifications), workmanship and personnel qualification overlap with these specifications. 

I am here to help you remain or become compliant with all contractual customer requirements for welding and brazing. 

Commonly used Codes and Standards

American Welding Society (AWS) – AWS’ mission is “Advancing the science, technology, and application of welding and allied joining and cutting processes, including brazing, soldering and thermal spraying.” AWS has published several hundred welding specifications, standards and documents. All AWS standards are approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). A few common AWS publications:

• AWS B2.1 – Specification for Welding Procedure and Performance Qualification
• AWS B2.2 – Specification for Brazing Procedure and Performance Qualification
• AWS D1.1 -- Structural Welding Code (Steel)
• AWS D1.2 – Structural Welding Code (Aluminum)
• AWS D1.5 – Bridge Welding Code
• AWS D14.3 – Specification for Welding Earthmoving, Construction, Agricultural, and Ground-Based Material Handling Equipment
• AWS D17.1 – Specification for Fusion Welding for Aerospace Applications

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) – ASME publishes the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) and the Code for Pressure Piping, both of which contain information regarding design, construction, and inspection of boilers and pressure vessels. Common ASME publications:

• ASME BPVC Section I – Rules for Construction of Power Boilers
• ASME BVPC Section III – Rules for Construction of Nuclear Facility Components
• ASME BVPC Section VIII – Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels
• ASME BVPC Section IX – Welding, Brazing & Fusing Qualifications
• ASME B31.1 – Power Piping
• ASME B31.3 – Process Piping
• ASME B31.4 – Pipeline Transportation Systems for Liquids and Slurries
• ASME B31.8 – Gas Transmission & Distribution Piping Systems

American Petroleum Institute (API) – API establishes and maintains standards for the worldwide oil and natural gas industry. This institute has published 700+ standards relating to petroleum production

• API 1104 – Standard for Welding Pipelines and Related Facilities.