Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Awareness

A welding procedure specification defines exactly how a weld must be made to achieve the required quality.
The WPS covers joint design, welding process, filler material, preheat, interpass temperature, and technique.
Every structural and pressure weld on a construction project should be made in accordance with an approved WPS.
The WPS is qualified by a procedure qualification record (PQR) proving the procedure produces acceptable welds.
Welders must hold qualifications that cover the range of the WPS they are working to.
Deviating from the WPS produces welds that may not meet the design strength or quality requirements.
Key WPS parameters include amperage, voltage, travel speed, gas flow rate, and electrode type.
The WPS should be available at the welding station for reference by the welder during the work.
Inspection and NDT requirements are linked to the WPS and determine the acceptance criteria for each weld.
BS EN ISO 15614 and BS EN 1011 set the standards for welding procedure specification and qualification.

Weld quality	Welds made outside the WPS parameters may contain defects including cracking, porosity, and lack of fusion.
Structural integrity	Non-compliant welds fail to achieve the design strength, risking structural failure under service loads.
Contractual compliance	Projects require welding to approved WPS as a specification and contractual obligation. Non-compliance is a defect.

Do

Don't

Check the approved WPS before starting any structural or pressure welding task.
Confirm your welder qualification covers the WPS range for the joint being welded.
Follow the WPS parameters for amperage, voltage, travel speed, and gas flow.
Use only the filler materials and electrodes specified in the WPS.
Apply preheat and control interpass temperature as the WPS requires.
Keep a copy of the WPS at the welding station for reference during work.
Record all welding parameters on the weld log for each joint completed.
Report to the welding supervisor if conditions prevent following the WPS.
Submit completed welds for the NDT inspection specified in the WPS.
Ask for clarification if any WPS parameter is unclear before welding.

DON'T weld structural or pressure joints without an approved WPS in place.
DON'T deviate from the WPS parameters without written approval from the welding engineer.
DON'T use filler materials or electrodes not specified in the approved WPS.
DON'T skip preheat or interpass temperature requirements stated in the WPS.
DON'T weld outside the range of your current welder qualification certificate.
DON'T assume one WPS covers all joints; different configurations need different procedures.
DON'T ignore the WPS because you have welded similar joints on previous projects.
DON'T submit welds for inspection without recording the parameters on the weld log.
DON'T continue welding if the equipment cannot deliver the WPS-specified parameters.
DON'T treat the WPS as a guideline; it is a mandatory specification for every weld.

See also: Welding Safety Awareness (Comprehensive) | Weld Inspection and NDT Safety

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