The very demanding educational requirements for the division supervisor extend to his/her knowledge
of principles and application of welding processes, through understanding of inspection methods, weld
discontinuities and the applicable welding codes and standards. He/she may be required to
demonstrate his/her knowledge by means of examinations. Reference is made to acceptable courses
of study, upon successful completion of which the foregoing requirements may be partly reduced.
With respect to the second personnel level, separate provisions are made for junior and senior welding
inspectors with the former to perform routine inspection but under the supervision of the responsible
senior personnel. Obviously, less demanding educational requirements are set for the junior inspector
level requiring some knowledge related to welding and experience in certain capacities.
In the case of senior inspectors, the Standard stipulates more advanced educational requirements,
extending to a proven ability to interpret drawings and inspection results, to understanding governing
codes, and to demonstrate acceptable familiarity with the qualification system of welders and welding
procedures. A longer period of practical welding fabrication or welding inspection is also stipulated.
These superior qualification requirements for the senior key inspection personnel are thought to add
markedly to their capability to properly carry out their inspection responsibilities.
With respect to operators of other testing equipment like that for the Magnetic Particle or Liquid
Penetrant methods, certification to pertinent CGSB specifications is required, while in the case of other
equipment the qualification is left to the discretion of the Bureau.
2.14 CSA W178.2
Certification of Welding Inspectors
2.14.1 General
The main objective of the W178.2 Standard is to provide further assistance to the industry’s efforts to
produce quality products by providing welding inspection personnel certified individually with qualified
skills and capability.
Effectively supporting this main objective is the fact that the prospective applicants need not be
members of an inspection organization. This adds a good measure of flexibility to the setting of the
manufacturer’s own quality programs.
Recognizing the fact that the integrity of inspection is largely dependent on the theoretical knowledge
and practical experience on the part of those performing it, the W178.2 Standard establishes
appropriate educational and experience criteria considered adequate to ensure the required level of
inspection competence. In its scope it also logically provides a link with the W178.1 Standard.