CSA W178.2:18 (R2023)

Preface This is the seventh edition of CSA W178.2, Certification of welding inspectors. It supersedes the previous editions, published in 2014, 2008, 2001, 1996, 1990, and 1982. This Standard provides requirements for those seeking certification as welding inspectors. Individuals may be certified in accordance with this Standard regardless of whether they are employed by an inspection organization. The effectiveness of welding inspection depends largely on the knowledge and integrity of the individual responsible for carrying out the inspection. Thus, there is a need for inspectors with both appropriate knowledge and the capability of exercising responsible judgment. This Standard is not intended to replace an employer’s final responsibility for the work or a supervisor’s judgment of an individual’s suitability to perform a given task. This Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on the Certification of Welding Inspectors and Inspection, under the jurisdiction of the Strategic Steering Committee (SSC) on Construction and Civil Infrastructure, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. 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 knowledge requirements (see Annex A) covering a) welding fundamentals; b) welding inspection; and c) welding metallurgy. This Standard also includes a list of relevant reference publications (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.