QUALITY ASPECTS

Personal qualification
NDT personnel have a great responsibility, not only with respect to their employers or
contractors but also under the rules of good workmanship. The NDT personnel must be
independent and free from economic influences with regard to his test results, otherwise the
results are compromised. The NDT personnel should be aware of the importance of his signature
and the consequences of incorrect test results for safety, health and environment. Under legal
aspects, the falsification of certificates is an offence and judged according to the national legal
regulations. A tester may find himself in a conflicting situation about his findings with his
employer, the responsible authorities or legal requirements.
Finally, the NDT personnel is responsible for all interpretations of test results carrying his
signature. NDT personnel should never sign test reports beyond their certification.
Non-destructive testing and the evaluation of results for final acceptance of welds shall be
performed by qualified and capable personnel. It is recommended that personnel be qualified in
accordance with ISO 9712 or an equivalent standard at an appropriate level in the relevant
industry sector.
An individual certified to Level 2 shall have demonstrated competence to perform non-
destructive testing according to established procedures. Within the scope of the competence
defined on the certificate, Level 2 personnel may be authorized by the employer to
1. Select the NDT techniques for the test method to be used,
2. Define the limitations of application of the testing method,
3. Translate NDT codes standards, specifications and procedures into NDT instructions
adapted to the actual working conditions,
4. Set up and verify equipment settings,
5. Perform and supervise tests
6. Interpret and evaluate results according to applicable codes, standards, specifications or
procedures,
7. Prepare NDT instructions
8. Carry out and supervise all tasks at or below level 2
9. Provide guidance for personnel at or below level 2
10. Report the results of non-destructive tests.
Equipment Verification
Verification shall be carried out to ensure that the equipment or test arrangement (system) will
fulfil its test function. This may include checking the Equipment verification and the probe
verification and physical condition of the equipment.
The verification of the system and the test sensitivity shall be by comparison with the
specification in the test documentation.
1. Ultrasonic equipment verification has to be performed as per the standards and check for
the tolerance limits.
2. Verification of equipment has to be done as per the frequency mentioned in the standards
3. Equipment and conditions shall be arranged as per the actual test with the whole system.
4. Attention shall be given to the acceptance criteria and the expected orientation of
indications.
The verification test parameters and results shall be included in the post test documentation.
Verification shall be made at the start and end of every test session. It is also recommended that
the verification is checked periodically. The check can be a simpler form of the verification.
Verification shall be repeated when the operator suspects that a malfunction has occurred.
When the verification or check fails a retest shall be required of all areas covered since the
previous satisfactory check.
Written instructions
The person qualified to Level 2 or Level 3 prepares a NDT instruction for implementation by a
person qualified to Level 1 or Level 2. The NDT instruction is a document that, in accordance
with a general procedure contains only requirements and instructions that apply to a particular
examination. This document is issued for internal use to a subordinate and serves as further
explanation of the existing procedures
The basic objective of preparing a document containing a set of NDT instructions is to assist the
NDT operator to perform the particular test. The instruction sheet contains all the details
essential for the operator to follow and perform the test. The instruction sheet is derived from the
main detailed procedure of a particular method.
An individual certified to NDT Level 1 is qualified to carry out NDT operations in accordance
with the written instructions and under the supervision of Level 2 or Level 3 personnel. His tasks
include:
Setting up the equipment; perform the tests; record and classify results in accordance with the
documented criteria and report the results.
The individual is however not responsible for choice of the method or technique to be used. The
procedure writing of any NDT method is the responsibility of the NDT personnel qualified and
certified to Level 3.
TRACEABILITY OF DOCUMENTS