What document must be completed prior to a welder performing work?

The requirement for a welder to have a completed welder qualification record prior to performing work is essential for ensuring that the welder has the necessary skills and competencies to adhere to the relevant specifications and standards. This record demonstrates that the welder has successfully passed qualifications tests that verify their ability to perform the required welding processes in accordance with established guidelines.

A welder qualification record typically includes details about the welder's identification, the specific welding processes they’re qualified in, the test results, and the test conditions. This documentation is crucial in the pipeline industry as it aims to assure both the employer and the regulatory bodies that the welder has been adequately trained and certified, thus contributing to the overall safety and integrity of the welding operations.

While documents such as a quality assurance plan, a welding procedure specification, and an operation manual are important in the overall process of welding and ensuring quality and compliance, they do not specifically validate the individual capabilities of the welder. The welder qualification record focuses directly on the welder’s proven skills and is a fundamental requirement for starting any welding operations.