Welding safety by using a new model of welders' recertification in the oil and gas industry

Abstract

The paper presents a solution applied for determining the quality of the welding process in oil and gas industrial plants, as well as reliable verification of professional qualification of welding personnel. By applying the solution, welded joint quality can increase and thus the safety (especially in the field of high-pressure gas plants) and the reliability of the process in oil and gas-, petrochemical and nuclear plants, as a whole. The paper analyses safety aspects in the welding process, depending on the competence in welding and an appropriate qualification, taking into account that high levels of skill and competence are required where safety-critical items are fabricated. The results in the application of the new recertification model are presented and analysed, and it is emphasized that the areas of application of the new solution are wide, mainly applied in the oil and gas-, petrochemical industry, and the construction of nuclear plants. The application of the new model of Welders Recertification enables project savings, but also safety at work since the employer has a constant insight into the qualifications and welding capabilities of each welder.