Welding Procedure Qualification

Do you need a preliminory Welding Procedure Specification (pWPS) and an approved Welding Procedure Qualification Record (PQR)?

For qualified welding work, the law requires a valid Welding Procedure Specification (PWPS) and an approved Welding Procedure Qualification Record (PQR).

ECH-Groep is authorized to approve welding procedure qualifications.

What is required for an approved Welding Procedure Qualification?

First, a preliminary Welding Procedure Specification (pWPS) is drafted in advance of making a test weld. This document accurately records the essential variables of the welding process.
If the test weld meets the requirements set by the relevant welding standard, a Welding Procedure Qualification Record (PQR) is drawn up and issued.

Based on this, a final Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) is created, which serves as the basis for making a similor welded joint successfully in the future.

The PQR and WPS are issued in the name of your company and do not have an expiration date.

In addition to a Welding Procedure Qualification Record, it is important that your company’s welders are also qualified.
The test weld made by a welder is described in the PQR, which is linked to the company.
With a WPQR, a welder can demonstrate that they are capable of welding in accordance with the company’s Welding Procedure Qualification Record.

Note: The welder qualification has a limited validity period.
The welder must confirm every six months that he or she has continued to work within the scope of the qualification.
Depending on the chosen standard and section, periodic revalidation or recertification is required either by a Certification Body (ECH-Groep) or by making a new test weld.