Welder Performance Qualification Records (WPQR’s) expire periodically, which often occurs without proper continuity documentation. Depending on which welding codes you utilize, ASME, AWS, API, NAVSEA, MILSPEC, and others, employer-based qualifications usually follow industry-based certifications and can expire between 3 months and up to 3 years, even though the industry norm is 6 months.

As you probably already know, a welder’s qualification continuity log must have an entry made periodically that specifies the process the welder has made a weld to and the date the weld was made. With so many welders working for your company, maintaining each welder’s continuity log can quickly become overwhelming.

It’s important to document a welders continuity to the processes they are qualified for prior to the expiration date of that process. Once the Continuity Record is updated the welder’s qualification for that process is extended to another 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, or 3 years. If expired, the welder should not be available to perform welding on projects that require qualification and if allowed, there could be costly ramifications.

Below, we will address four main issues commonly faced by large enterprises that must maintain welder performance qualification records and their continuity:

1. Tracking hundreds or even thousands of welder’s qualification continuity with timely and actionable notification

2. Expired welders are not available at critical times

3. The expense of recertification

4. Company-wide access to welding documentation
   
   

We have compiled a logbook for the Welder, young and old, veteran or novice. Visit our store for this tool of documentation.