Why do I need a Welding Supervisor?

I already have a foreman or I run the factory myself. This is just another cost to running my business. This blog will help bring to light the difference a Welding Supervisor can make to your bottom line in a positive way. Firstly let’s look at exactly what a Welding Supervisor is or more precisely what a W.T.I.A. AS2214 or AS1796 Welding Supervisor is.

The AS2214 Structural Steel Welding Supervisor has completed a WTIA run course for Structural Steel Welding Supervisor and has passed the exams for it. He is now fully trained in welding theory, Australian Standards, non destructive testing (NDT), inspection requirements, quality assurance, weld procedures, on the job monitoring of welding variables and welding supervision of staff either in a factory or on site. The codes he is trained to work with are the AS/NZS 1554 series and AWS D1.1. It is also required that to begin the AS2214 course that the candidate be a tradesman thus assuring a certain level of experience at the work front.

The AS1796 Pressure Vessel Supervisor, also known as a Cert 10 Supervisor, has also completed a WTIA run course for Pressure Vessel Supervisor and has passed the exams for it. This is a much more in depth training course than the AS2214. Pressure vessels and associated piping can be lethal and at the least destructive if they fail in service. Hence the responsibility is much greater for a Certificate 10 Welding Supervisor. The Certificate 10 supervisor is now fully trained in welding theory, metallurgy, Australian Standards, International Standards, non destructive testing (NDT), inspection requirements, quality assurance, ITP’s, weld procedures, on the job monitoring of welding variables and welding supervision of staff either in a factory or on site. The codes he is trained to work with are the AS/NZS 1210, 1228, 3992, 4037, ASME 9, ASME 31.3, AWS codes, ISO codes and API standards. It is a pre-requisite that a Cert 10 candidate possesses a WTIA Welding Certificate and has several years of experience in place. This assures adequate experience for his role as a WTIA Welding Supervisor.

Generally the above training descriptions are not met by the foreman or by the owner(s) of the business. This leaves the business open to errors at quotation level, errors at purchase level, errors at fabrication level, errors in the welding, errors in the coatings and errors in the testing of the finished goods i.e. NDT. This is where the value of a WTIA Welding Supervisor is found. With the avoidance of errors all these negative impact costs to the business can be avoided or at the very least minimized. You are able to manufacture your goods at best speed with minimal waste or error so that your clients only see a high quality item manufactured in full compliance with the construction code with all required testing completed. This ensures repeat business for your company. Using the experience and high training of the WTIA Welding Supervisor you will also be able to take on more complex work that will yield higher profit margins.

The use of an external WTIA Supervisor is also very cost effective as you only pay for the hours the Welding Supervisor is in attendance. The use of an external Welding Supervisor also adds to the credibility and integrity of your company as he will not be under the influence of management to yield under pressure from tight schedules. It maintains the “at arm’s length” perception of integrity of the work you are performing. Most welding codes also state that any Supervisor involved with the manufacture cannot be involved in final inspections and most end clients stipulate the same in their specifications.

Global Welding Technology is available 24/7 to assist you with your welding supervision, welding inspection, NDT and quality system management needs.