Why have Coded Welders?

Applying standards of practice ensure that a welded joint has an acceptable level of quality and integrity required for the job. As a coded welder in the UK you will be working to one of the following:

• National British Standard (BS)
• European British Standard European Standard (BS EN)
• US American Welding Society (AWS) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• International Standards Organisation (ISO)

Standards for specific industries and job roles:

• Welder Approvals for Pressure vessels – BS EN ISO 9606, ASME Section IX
• Welder Approvals for Process pipework – BS 4872, BS EN ISO 9606, ASME Section IX
• Welder Approvals for Structural fabrication – BS EN 287,  BS 4872, BS EN ISO 9606, AWS D1.1/ D1.2/ D1.6
• Welder Approvals for Storage tanks –  BS 4872, BS EN ISO 9606, AWS D1.1/ D1.2/ D1.6

Class 1 Welder Coding –  BS EN ISO 9606, ASME Section IX

Welder approval testing is carried out by a competent welder observed by a welding inspector. An assessment of the weld quality using non-destructive (X-ray, UT) and mechanical (Bend Tests) testing techniques takes place in a UCAS approved laboratory. Once both elements pass, the welder becomes approved.

Approval tests examine a welder’s skill and ability under pressure. Testing demonstrates that a welding procedures design is fit for purpose, producing a welded joint that will meet the mechanical and quality requirements for the job.

Usually, testing is job-specific. You will be tested to that specification to qualify thus becoming a coded welder.

 BS EN ISO 9606, ASME Section IX are appropriate for welders working on pressure vessel, piping, off-shore structures and for other products where the consequences of failure are catastrophic such as structural steel.

Class 2 Welder Coding, BS 4872

In less demanding situations, such as small to medium building frames and non-structural work, an approved welding procedure may not be necessary. However, to ensure an adequate level of skill, welders are often recommended to a less stringent standard such as the BS 4872.

The  BS 4872 offers a measure of competence to people who are using welding for maintenance or as a small part of their job role.

Being a coded welder in a particular specification does not cover you for all standards. Each specification requires welder training, welding tests and examination. People who have passed multiple tests for different standards are called multi-coded welder.

Adapted from https://www.twi-global.com/technical-knowledge/job-knowledge/standards-application-standards-codes-of-practice-and-quality-levels-038 BS EN ISO 9606, ASME Section IX