CWB makes weld testing easier

The CWB Group has had a busy year with many initiatives to help the welding industry prosper regardless of the global situation. As a company, we have recognized that now more than ever, the need for connectivity and engagement is essential to boost morale across all global organizations. In letting the industry know that we are there for them no matter the situation, we have noticed higher interactivity with our initiatives and an appreciation for the many programs that have been introduced throughout the year.

To help keep the momentum going, the CWB Group has released the CSA W47.1 S Classification Handbook, designed to prepare industry professionals for welder qualification testing for groove fillet test assemblies, and it is available for free on the CWB Group website.

What Is the CSA W47.1 Standard?

The CSA W47.1 standard (Certification of companies for fusion welding of steel) provides requirements for the certification of companies engaged in the fusion welding of steel, including qualification requirements for welders, welding procedures, and welding supervisory personnel. This highly respected standard necessitates that a certified company have particular quality system requirements to meet the weld quality expectations of the applicable standards or specifications.

CSA W47.1 is unique in that the quality system requirements include qualification of the company’s welding personnel—sspecifically its welding engineers, welding supervisors, and welders/welding operators. One of the best features of the standard is the flexibility to work with other standards and codes. For example, welding personnel who are qualified to other standards that meet the same requirements may be able to get qualified to the W47.1 standard.

Why Are We Doing This for the Industry?

Any governing body understands the difficulties associated with being tested. What the CWB Group hopes to accomplish with this highly researched and detailed handbook is to prepare welders and welding personnel for their qualification exams effectively. Some of the resources offered to students are:

• Tips on how to prepare for testing.
• Joint design templates to record parameters.
• Description of test-day expectations.
• Information on common errors and causes of failures.
• Description of test evaluation.
• Next steps if re-testing is required.
• Information regarding qualifications, such as renewals and qualification expiry.

Since all structural welders in Canada must qualify through the CWB Group for each welding process, with each position performed as a separate test, the handbook is a useful resource. It gives professionals free access to a document designed to prepare them to succeed and take advantage of the opportunities available to them throughout their careers.

The handbook outlines the test day sequence of events and what to expect when you arrive at the examination centre. It provides a detailed account of the day, plus images of test assemblies and time limitations per test. There is an FAQ section in the handbook, along with some best practices to consider when taking the test. Plus, we understand that some people have test-performance anxiety, so the manual shares some tips and tricks to overcome any hesitance around taking an examination.

“Working with education, training, and test centres across Canada, we identified a need to have a descriptive, illustrated handbook to support people who are new to CSA 47.1 S classification testing,” said Trent Konrad, manager, Acorn Education and Development. “This document is designed to provide learners with a resource to help them prepare for a successful welder testing experience and to refer to over the duration of their welding career.“

The CWB Group maintains its unwavering commitment to the well-being and prosperity of the industry. Through this manual, we are confident that industry professionals have the guidance they need to ensure success on their qualification examinations and a helpful resource to answer questions about test assemblies or the CSA W47.1 standard.

Beth Peck is learning and development manager, CWB Group, beth.peck@cwbgroup.org, 800-844-6790, www.cwbgroup.org.