I was recently interviewed by a writer who was researching how welders make the transition to certified welding inspectors (CWI). One of the questions he asked was, “What key skills make for the best certified welding inspector?”

PAUL
CAMERON

Communication—written, photographed, or verbal— is the key to becoming a successful CWI.

I received a report the other day evaluating a set of bend coupons for a welder qualification test. The document stated, “All his welds looked very good except he failed the bend test in a few spots.”

Words mean nothing if they are not intel-
ligible. A CWI needs to be able to speak and
write clear, accurate reports that state, in the
words of Joe Friday, “Just the facts, ma’am.”
No opinions or spin, half truths, or sugar
coatings. Just clear and accurate accounts of
what was seen, measured, found to be accept-
able or unacceptable, and why. You should
also include what couldn’t be seen, was not
measured, and why.

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• Coupon 1 (C1); Root bend: One discontinuity less than 1⁄ 32 in. Acceptable.

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When a CWI is called on to review his past records, those records need to be clear. You may not recall the conditions that led to your report, but you will be thankful that you developed a clear, accurate report and that you filed it with copies of the marked-up prints, inspection requirements, relevant weld procedure specifications (WPS), and weld personnel qualification report (WPQR).

Pictures are an excellent means of communication. They can quickly clarify a condition to those not on-site. However, most photographs of welds I’ve seen lack size perspective. I rarely photograph a weld that doesn’t show my 5-in. Starrett scale. Also, I never make the call based on a photo. There are far too many unknowns for my comfort level.

Verbal communication needs to be clear and respectful. Statements need to be founded on adequate knowledge of the facts, which means the CWI needs to possess a background of technical competence pertinent to the issue. It’s equally important that the CWI get feedback from those in the conversation to ensure the message is being received correctly and as intended. ■

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Paul W. Cameron, CWI, is senior weld engineer for McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing, Dodge Center, Minn., 507-269-7142 or weldinspector@ charter.net. He also is a member of Practical Welding Today’s Editorial Review Committee.