Information

Backing Britain Live 2020

Exhibiting at the Industry’s First Virtual Expo

Many exhibition organisers were forced to cancel their events due to the global Covid-19 crisis, however, Made in Group were determined to keep the industry connected and came up with an alternative. Originally scheduled to be held at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, this event has now been transformed into a first of its kind virtual exhibition, which Varlowe Industrial Services will be exhibiting at.

Backing Britain Live 2020 is a two week business festival run by the Made in Group. Launched in 2009, Made in Group is a private manufacturing network for the UK, which now contains 600 UK manufacturers ranging from the likes of Jaguar Land Rover, Liberty, Atlas Copco, Moog, Mazak, Siemens, Fanuc, etc.

This groundbreaking event will include keynote speeches from industry leaders such as CEO of Gardner Aerospace Dominic Cartwright and CCO of Brompton Bicycle Stephen Loftus, alongside networking areas and over 150 manufacturing exhibitors. The group’s aim is to promote, inspire and share best practice within UK manufacturing.

Chief Executive of the Made in Group, Jason Pitt, has said: “Made in exhibitions are significant events that many members and visitors look forward to, but like many aspects of our way of life, we have had to make considerable adjustments. We are an innovative organisation when it comes to technology. We do more than many realise. As a business, we have developed a digital platform that allows members to create their own social media microsite, upload news, attend virtual webinars and soon to include virtual mastermind groups, question-and-answer sessions and panel discussions.”

Varlowe Industrial Services is a team of engineers, technicians, and operatives specialising in industrial engineering. With technological innovation being something that we value most, Varlowe Industrial Services are extremely proud to be taking part in this event.

A spokesperson for Varlowe Industrial Services (Steve Varden – Contracts Manager) has said: “We place a lot of value on building relationships and networking with like minded businesses throughout the sector, therefore, we were delighted to see that Made had came up with an alternative event to keep the UK connected.”

The footfall target set by Made in the Midlands for this event is 5,000 delegates and they have made it so manufacturing companies are able to get a free ticket. We’d love to virtually connect with you on the day and have as many of our customers and supply chain as possible involved in this, click the following link to book your place and discover more: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/backing-britain-live-2020-tickets-101480914146?aff=VarloweIndustrialServices

Why Do We Need Liability Insurance

As a company, being properly insured is one of the first aspects of running a viable business, and for many companies this can include Employers’ Liability insurance.

It is a legal requirement for any company in the UK to have Employers’ Liability insurance in place if they employ staff, whether that be a lone secretary or thousands of nationwide employees.

If you are found not complying with the law, it can have severe financial penalties. If you aren’t properly covered, which means having a minimum of £5m worth of cover, then you could be fined up to £2,500 for every day that you aren’t covered – this can also be backdated, meaning you could be fined up to nearly £1m if you go a whole year without Employers’ Liability insurance!

It’s important for us to have a good Employers’ Liability insurance policy, as many of the projects we undertake can be dangerous environments due to the nature of our work. Although all the necessary safety precautions are taken, accidents in the workplace or at a third party site are still a possibility.

Liability Insurance = Peace Of Mind

A comprehensive Employers’ Liability insurance policy doesn’t just offer peace of mind to the owners of the business, but it should also give peace of mind to the employees too, knowing that in the unfortunate event there is an incident in the workplace and an employee receives an injury, both parties can rest assured that the financial costs could be taken care off.

Employers’ Liability insurance is not the only type of Liability cover that can be taken out.

Many businesses across the UK will find that Public Liability insurance is also needed for their business. Whilst it isn’t a legal requirement, it offers many of the benefits of an Employers’ Liability insurance policy does, but aimed at members of the public instead of the people working within the business.

Whilst Employers’ Liability helps protect the employees and the employer, a Public Liability insurance policy will protect both the business and the general public, should anything happen to cause personal injury or damage to personal property.

Many businesses need a Public Liability insurance policy due to customers frequently visiting their premises or where a member of the public is in close proximity to work being undertaken.

It could cover something like a person tripping over on a wet floor, to them hurting or injuring themselves whilst on your premises.

Other examples of where a Public Liability insurance policy could come in to play can be seen in the Part Time Motor Trade industry, beauty salons, and retail outlets.

A Public Liability insurance policy isn’t just used to protect the insured against claims resulting from an incident on their premises; it can also be used to insure the business when working on projects at third party sites.

A lot of the work Varlowe takes on includes working on projects in various locations around the Midlands and even the country, so having the right insurance in place to protect the company, our employees and members of the public is a top priority for us.

Having the right insurance product for the business can be just as important as having the right machinery, tools and transportation.

Light Up Wednesfield

Getting together for the community

Tis’ the season to be jolly, Fa la la la laa, la laa laaa laaaa….

Ok, so it’s a little bit early to be thinking about Christmas songs. There are still four months before radio playlists become flooded with the regular seasonal hits, Christmas trees in every window, and the optimistic forecasts for snow on the big day.

However, it’s never too early to get involved with a local community group thinking about Christmas for the local town.

Due to the many council budget cuts around the country, Wolverhampton City Council is no exception. The focus lies with providing essential services, so budgets for Christmas lights in local towns are slashed.

Hands-On Wednesfield

Hands-on Wednesfield is a community group looking to make their local area a better place to live, work and play.

This year, with the help of residents, businesses, schools and so forth, they are looking to transform the town centre’s high street Christmas light attempt to a new level.

Hands-on Wednesfield is looking to raise £4000 to:

Double the amount of lights along the high street
Add more lights to the trees around St Thomas’ Church
Work towards their long-term goal of bringing back a live tree to the heart of the village.

What’s more, Hands-on Wednesfield offers a wide variety of sponsorship packages, from mentions in the Christmas brochures to being featured in the Wednesfield Magazine.

Varlowe is always looking for ways to help our local community, from getting involved with the local speedway cyclists club to sponsoring the mighty Wednesfield FC football team!

For us, this is just another opportunity to give something back to our humble town.

We have pledged….have you?

To make a donation, please visit http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/light-up-wednesfield or click the “Pledge Now” button below.

For more information, visit the Hands-on Wednesfield website.

What is NDT Testing?

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is a way of testing and evaluating welds without destroying the component.

Using various testing methods, we can determine the physical properties of the materials.

The testing can show the material characteristics of its – strength, toughness, resistance, discontinuities and differences.

Here we will look at some of the testing methods used today.

Visual Inspection

A visual inspection is the cheapest, quickest and easiest method of testing done by a qualified inspector.

It involves looking at the weld to determine its quality, discontinuities and imperfections. However, this method is unable to detect internal weld defects.

Dye Penetrant Inspection

Also called Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI). A cost-effective method used to detect surface defects on all non-porous materials.

The Inspection starts by spraying the surface with the Penetrant. The penetrant dries before applying the developer.

The developer draws into any cracks/defects by capillary action. In other words, it will present cracks, lack of penetration in welds/welding surface defects and surface porosity.

Dye Penetrant Inspection can be done on-site.

Ultra-Sonic Inspection

Ultra-Sonic Inspection uses high-frequency sound waves to detect discontinuities or changes in material characteristics.

Sound transmitted onto the object, which gets bounced back when a flaw gets found.

The flaw is then shown on the monitor for the technician to view.

Radiographic Inspection

This method uses the same principles as you would get when a doctor looks for fractured bones in a hospital.

Radiographic Inspection uses Gamma or X-rays on materials to detect flaws in welds and welded structures.

The flaws are projected onto film, which the qualified Radiographer can examine.

Fillet break test

This test is a mechanical testing process for examining the root penetration. The test includes the potential failure points of the weld, which are the stop and restart of the weld.

To pass the test, the weld must bend without fracturing. However, should a crack occur, it must never go beyond 10 mm.

Macro etch testing

Macro etch testing allows the tester to see a cross-section of the weld. Firstly, a sample from the weld needs to be taken. The piece is then polished and applied to an acid solution (10% Nitric Acid, 90% Water).

The Acid solution draws out distinctive colours. These colours allow you to examine your macro-structural integrity by showing –

Cracks
Centre Voices
Unsoundness
Pinholes
Inclusions
Porosity
Grain Size
Hydrogen Flakes and more

Magnetic Partial Inspection

Magnetic Particle Inspection uses a magnetic field that applies ferrous particles to the item’s surface under test.

Surface and near-surface defects affect the flow of the magnetic field. The disruption in flow causes the applied particles to attract to that area.

The attraction gives a visible sign of weakness found.

Bend test

The main aim of bending tests is to define the rigidity of that material, and the example is usually bent 180 degrees.

The bend test defines the quality of a weld at the face and root of a welded joint by forcing pressure on them.

For more information on NDT, visit the Non-Destructive Testing article on Wikipedia.

Welding Services At Varlowe

If the project requires NDT, we arrange this through a third party company.

For more information about our coded welding services, please visit our Welding Services and Coded Welding page.

You can also call us on 01902 861042 or email info@varlowe.co.uk.

Fixed Wire Test

Maintaining a safe and healthy work environment is a top priority for employers, and electrical safety plays a crucial role in that.

Although the risk of electric shock is well known, other potential hazards, such as skin burns and fire risks, are often overlooked.

To prevent these hazards, it is essential to conduct Fixed Wire Testing as part of your planned preventive maintenance strategy.

This type of testing is also known by other names, such as:

Electrical Testing
Periodic Inspection & Testing
EICR Testing
EICR Report
Electrical Installation Condition Reporting
Hardwire Testing

This testing aims to thoroughly examine all electrical system parts to detect potential or current faults.

What Is Fixed Wire Testing?

Fixed Wire Testing, also known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) or Periodic Inspection, is a crucial part of your planned maintenance program.

The Fixed Wire Test is a total evaluation of an existing electrical installation, and its purpose is to ensure the safety and proper functioning of the electrical system. Moreover, it is a mandatory process designed to guarantee that all electrical installations in buildings are safe to use.

The regulations for fixed wire testing are outlined in the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, which state that electrical systems and equipment must be maintained appropriately, and a competent individual must perform the maintenance.

It is important to note that Fixed Wire Testing and the Electrical Installation Condition Report are two distinct elements. The former is the procedure, and the latter is the result of the procedure.

Thorough Examination

The Fixed Wire Testing thoroughly examines your electrical installation, including the wiring and circuit systems, to detect any potential hazards. It aims to identify any electrical defects that could pose a risk to individuals using the building and to prevent accidents, such as fires, from occurring.

A qualified electrician typically carries out the testing, which includes various checks such as earth continuity tests, insulation resistance tests, and polarity tests.

These tests examine the condition of the electrical wiring and components within a building, including lighting, power, and control circuits.

Any electrical faults or defects discovered during the testing process must be promptly repaired to ensure the electrical installation is safe.

It is important to distinguish Fixed Wire Testing from Portable Appliance Testing (PAT).

While Fixed Wire Testing examines the overall electrical installation, PAT Testing focuses on maintaining electrical appliances and equipment plugged into the installation.

In simpler terms, Fixed Wire Testing assesses the circuit and wiring integrity, while PAT Testing assesses the integrity of the devices powered by the electrical installation.

Fixed Wire Testing Procedure

The Fixed Wire Test is a comprehensive evaluation of an existing electrical installation, carried out for the purpose of ensuring the safety and proper functioning of the electrical system.

During the test, the inspection focuses on examining various components of the electrical circuits in the building, including hardwiring, distribution boards, switchboards, fuses, circuit breakers, RCDs, air conditioning, lighting socket outlets, and more.

The objective of the test is to identify potential safety risks, damages, or defects and to determine if the electrical circuits or equipment have been overloaded. The test helps in ensuring that the electrical system is functioning properly and meets all safety requirements, thereby providing a safe and secure environment.

Identify Risks and Resolve Issues

The testing process begins with a visual inspection of the equipment to see if anything is clearly in need of repair or replacement. The qualified electrician will isolate and lock off the electrical circuit or equipment from the mains power supply and perform a series of inspections and electrical tests, such as dead testing and live electrical testing.

The live electrical testing is especially important as it checks if the components are in good working condition and can disconnect within the required time limit in case of a fault. The test should be carried out by a competent specialist who is equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge and who can issue a certificate/report as evidence of the maintenance.

In the event of any issues being identified, the specialist will also be able to assist in rectifying them. Overall, the Fixed Wire Test is essential to maintaining the electrical safety and proper functioning of your building.

Who Can Carry Out A Fixed Wire Test?

A competent and qualified electrician must carry out a fixed wire test. This individual must have the necessary training and experience to understand the correct procedures and be able to identify any potential dangers.

In the UK, various organisations offer certification and training for electricians, such as the National Inspection Council for Electrical Installation Contracting (NICEIC) and the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA).

To be deemed competent and qualified, an electrician must hold a recognised certification from one of these organisations such as –

City & Guilds 2360 Parts 1 & 2
City & Guilds 2391/2394 and 2395 combined
British Standard 7671 18th edition

Verifying the registration of the electrician conducting the Fixed Wire Test with a reputable organization is critical in ensuring the accuracy and high standard execution of the EICR. This gives you peace of mind that the electrical installation in your building underwent a thorough inspection and that any potential hazards have been recognized and addressed.

Is Fixed Wire Testing A Legal Requirement?

As an employer or building manager, you are legally required to meet specific regulations to prevent electrical-related injuries to occupants such as employees, customers, and visitors.

These regulations are monitored by the government’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Key regulations include:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 outlines the responsibilities and duties of employers and employees to minimise health and safety risks, which involves ensuring that all electrical equipment and installations are safe to use.
The Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 outlines the best practices for assessing and managing risks in the workplace.
The Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 has the primary goal of preventing death or injury caused by electricity, and maintenance is touched upon to achieve this goal.
The Workplace (Health, Safety & Welfare) Regulations 1992 emphasises the importance of maintaining systems and equipment, stating they must be “in good repair, efficient and in working order.”

Additionally, the British Standard BS 7671 (also known as the IET Wiring Regulations) specifies the standards of electrical installations for design and installation, which is the responsibility of an accredited electrical contractor to adhere to.

To ensure you have qualified electrical technicians and comply with these regulations, look for companies with the NICEIC logo.

Who Is Responsible For Fixed Wire Testing?

As a business owner or landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure your employees’ and tenants’ safety and well-being.

This includes ensuring all electrical installations in the building are safe to use and free from potential hazards.

To fulfil this responsibility, you must have an EICR conducted by a qualified engineer.

Before letting a property, landlords are required by law to have an EICR carried out to ensure that it is safe for future tenants.

Once a registered engineer has performed the EICR, it is their responsibility to identify any hazards and report them to you.

If any issues are found, it is your responsibility as the owner or landlord to arrange for necessary repairs to be made on time.

In conclusion, as a business owner or landlord, it is important to understand your legal obligation to maintain a safe electrical environment for your employees and tenants.

By arranging for an EICR to be conducted by a qualified engineer, you can fulfil your legal duty of care and ensure that your building is a safe place to work or live.

How Often Should Fixed Wire Be Tested?

There’s yet to be a final answer here, as it all depends on the type of building, the environment and the type of electrical installation.

For example, Offices, Schools And Care Homes would need less frequent testing – once every five years. However, a higher risk environment would be every three years, as an industrial unit with heavy machinery.

Above all, regular fixed wire testing could prevent future problems by significantly reducing the risk of harm if an incident happens.

Fixed Wire Testing Frequency Table

The table below is from the BS 7671 IET Wiring Regulations 18th Edition (2018). It represents how often you should have Fixed Wire Testing according to your building type.

General Installations

Type of Installation	Routine check	Testing Period
Domestic Accommodation – General	1 Year	Change Of Occupancy Or 10 Years
Domestic Accommodation – Rented Houses And Flats	1 Year	Change Of Occupancy Or 5 Years
Residential Accommodation (Houses of Multiple Occupation) – Halls Of Residence, Nurses’ accommodation, etc.	1 Year	Change Of Occupancy Or 5 Years
Educational Establishments	6 months	5 Years
Industrial	1 Year	3 Years
Commercial	1 Year	Change Of Occupancy Or 5 Years
Offices	1 Year	5 Years
Shops	1 Year	5 Years
Laboratories	1 Year	5 Years

Hospitals And Clinics

Type of Installation	Routine check	Testing Period
Hospitals And Medical Clinics – General Areas	1 Year	5 Years
Hospitals And Medical Clinics – Medical Locations	6 Months	1 Year

Buildings Open To The Public

Type of Installation	Routine check	Testing Period
Cinemas	1 Year	1-3 Years
Church Installations	1 Year	5 Years
Leisure Complexes (Excluding Swimming Pools)	1 Year	3 Years
Places Of Public Entertainment	1 Year	3 Years
Restaurants And Hotels	1 Year	5 Years
Theatres	1 Year	3 Years
Public Houses	1 Year	3 Years
Village Halls/Community Centres	1 Year	3 Years

Special And Specific Installations

Type of Installation	Routine check	Testing Period
Agricultural & Horticultural	1 Year	3 Years
Swimming Pools	4 Months	1 Year
Caravans	1 Year	3 Years
Caravan Parks	6 Months	1 Year
Highway Power Supplies	As Convenient	6-8 Years
Marinas	4 Months	1 Year
Fish Farms	4 Months	1 Year
Emergency Lighting	Daily/Monthly	3 Years
Fire Alarms	Daily/Monthly	1 Year
Launderettes	Monthly	1 Year
Petrol Stations	1 Year	1 Year
Construction Site Installations	3 Months	3 Months

Do You Get A Certificate For Fixed Wire Testing?

Upon completion of the Fixed Wire Testing, you will receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) certificate from your electrical contractor. This certificate will outline any issues or observations that have been identified during the testing process and will be coded based on the level of risk they pose.

It is important to keep this report in a secure and accessible place as your insurance provider may request it.

Failure to produce this evidence, even if the maintenance was carried out, can lead to prosecution if an electrical-related injury occurs.

What Does An EICR Report Show?

Upon completing the testing, your electrical contractor will present you with an EICR that lists any issues or observations that they have coded according to the level of risk they pose. The report provides an assessment of the installation’s safety and compliance with current regulations, including the IET Wiring Regulations.

The EICR report typically includes the following information:

Identification of the electrical installation and the building or premises it is in.
Details of the electrical testing process that was carried out, including the date, equipment used, and the qualifications of the person who conducted the test.
A description of any defects, issues, or areas of non-compliance found during the testing.
A categorization of the issues found, with a code assigned to each issue based on its level of risk.
Recommendations for any necessary repairs or improvements that need to be made to the electrical installation.
A conclusion and overall assessment of the condition of the electrical installation and its compliance with current regulations.

The EICR report serves as a record of the electrical installation’s condition and provides valuable information for building owners, landlords, and electrical contractors.

What Do The EICR Observation Codes Mean?

Any queries about the electrical installation will be listed as ‘observations’ on the report. Observation codes C1, C2, C3 and FI are given to items based on the risk levels.

However, what exactly do these codes signify?

Code C1

A Code 1 observation signifies a dangerous situation that poses a risk of harm and requires immediate attention. This code highlights a current threat to the safety of people on the premises, and it must be addressed without delay. An instance of a Code 1 defect is exposed live wires resulting from damage, enclosures that have been poorly modified, or missing panels for maintenance. In addition, incorrect polarity that can cause parts not meant to be live to become so will also be considered a Code 1 issue.

In the event of a Code 1 observation, your electrical contractor will notify the person in charge of the installation verbally and in writing about the potential danger. They may even disconnect access to the faulty circuit or shut it down until the problem is resolved to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

Code C2

A Code 2 (C2) is a warning that there is a potential risk to safety, which requires prompt attention. Although not as severe as Code 1 (C1), a C2 defect can lead to harm if left unattended. The fault is considered “potentially dangerous” and requires urgent remedial action.

Examples of C2 issues include missing equipment covers, faulty switchgear, and damaged insulation. Your electrical contractor will immediately notify the person responsible for the installation and provide written documentation of the potential hazard and suggested solutions for rectifying the problem.

Code C3

Code 3 is labelled as “Suggested Improvement.” This code indicates non-hazardous non-compliance with the latest regulations. It may be due to outdated regulations or damaged fixtures that don’t have live parts exposed. A Code 3 observation, by itself, should not result in an unsatisfactory overall report.

Code FI

The final code is FI, meaning “Further investigation required immediately.” This occurs when the person conducting the electrical inspection spots something that needs to be in compliance with the BS 7671 regulations, such as an unverified circuit. This code requires immediate attention and could potentially result in an unsatisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if a significant number of circuits are unverified.

Unsatisfactory EICR Report

An EICR is considered unsatisfactory when there are Code 1 (C1) and Code 2 (C2) observations, indicating a danger to the safety and requiring immediate rectification.

Additionally, if there are many observations with “Further Investigation” (FI) codes, the report may also be considered unsatisfactory as it cannot be determined if the electrical installation is safe.

To comply with electrical safety regulations, all C1, C2, and FI faults must be addressed. While it’s always recommended to rectify all defects, it’s not necessary to use the same electrical contractor for testing and repairs.

Once repairs have been made, a certificate should be obtained for the changed elements, but it is not necessary to have the entire installation re-tested.

Who Regulates The Fixed Wire Test Procedure?

The IET Wiring Regulations oversee the Fixed Wire Testing process, with the latest edition, BS 7671 18th Edition, becoming effective on January 1, 2019.

FAQ’s

Is EICR the same as fixed wire testing?

An Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), also referred to as fixed wire testing or an electrical inspection, entails the examination and testing of electrical components such as light fittings, fuse boxes, and plug sockets. When it comes to distinguishing an EICR from Fixed Wire Testing, the reality is that there’s no distinction.

Is fixed wire testing a legal requirement?

Although it’s not a direct legal mandate, having an up-to-date EICR shows your adherence to the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and Electricity at Work Regulations (1989), ensuring the safety of your premises for employees, customers, and other visitors.

How long does a fixed wire test take?

The duration of a fixed wire test can vary depending on the size and complexity of the electrical installation being examined. In a typical residential setting or a small business, the testing process may take a few hours to half a day. However, for larger and more complex installations, such as industrial facilities or large commercial buildings, the testing can take several days or even longer to complete.

How often should fixed wire testing be done?

Fixed wire testing frequency varies by property type:

Commercial/Industrial: Every 5 years
Residential: Every 10 years (or 5 for rentals)
Special Environments: May be more frequent
Change of Ownership/Tenancy: Recommended
After Alterations: Advisable Compliance with local regulations is crucial.

Electrical Services At Varlowe

Varlowe offers a comprehensive industrial electrical service across the country.

Our electricians, who have years of experience, are based in the West Midlands and provide a high-quality service.

Whether it’s maintenance to prevent issues or complete factory electrical installations, we will collaborate with you to find the best solutions to meet your needs.

To learn more, contact us at 01902 861042 or email us at info@varlowe.co.uk.

What is the meaning of “Coded Welder”

What Is A Coded Welder?

To put it simply, a coded welder is someone who has completed a Welder Approval Test in a specific welding configuration.

The welding code system is created to demonstrate a welder has the knowledge and skills to carry out work to industry standard requirements.

Some codes can vary, but most of the time, they are particular and need individual parameters allocated via a weld test inspector.

Welder Coding

Codes manage and regulate the various welding processes and procedures that exist.

In the U.K., welder approval codes are to BS EN ISO standards. The USA uses the ASME IX and AWS standards.

A welding specification requires testing to that specification. The welder will offer a welding sample that mirrors the position as closely as possible.

You will produce a weld following written instructions. An approved CSWIP examiner will then perform a:

Visual Or Surface Inspection
Destructive Bend Test
Nick Break Fracture Test
Macro Etch

Approval tests examine a welder’s skill and ability under pressure.

Testing demonstrates that a welding procedures design is fit for purpose, producing a welded joint that will meet the mechanical and quality requirements for the job. If the welder passes, they are Coded to that specification.

Being Coded in a particular specification does not mean you are qualified in another, even though you are Coded.

Each specification requires training, tests and examination, becoming a multi-coded welder.

As a coded welder, you will possess the skills required to work in some of the most highly regulated sectors. You will work on various safety-critical applications, such as vessels and high-pressure pipework.

BS EN ISO 9606, ASME Section IX are appropriate for welders working on pressure vessels, piping, off-shore structures and for other products where the consequences of failure are catastrophic such as structural steel.

How Long Do Welding Codings Last?

For qualifications to remain valid, certificates must be signed by either their employer/welding coordinator or an examiner every six months. ISO 9606 requires welders to retest every three years.

List Of Codes For Welding

The goal of welding codes is to facilitate a safe work environment and enforce proper procedures by improving welder skills and processes.

Some unique coding systems come from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Welding Society (AWS).

The AWS issues over 240 codes, recommended methods and principles written under the American National Standards Institute practices (The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) administers and coordinates the U.S. voluntary standards and conformity assessment system).

The International Organization For Standardisation is an organisation that consists of various national standards bodies. As of 2022, there are 167 members representing ISO in their country.

Other know standards are the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), British Standards (B.S.) and Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

For a complete list of Welding Codes, follow this link – Https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_welding_codes.

Common Welding Codes

In welding, documents known as codes set a standard of practice that ensures quality is maintained throughout.

Developed by a mixture of associations, Welding codes set the conditions for:

Inspection
Testing
Repair
Approved Materials
Fabrication
Design Specifications
Welding

As a coded welder in the U.K., you will be operating under one of the following:

B.S. – National British Standard
BS EN – European British Standard European Standard
AWS – U.S. American Welding Society
ASME – American Society of Mechanical Engineers
ISO – International Standards Organisation

Some common codes:

BS EN ISO 9606
BS 4872
BS EN ISO 15614 -1
AWS D1.1/ D1.2/ D1.6
ASME Section IX

Welding Qualification Forms

There are three fundamental forms used to track welding codes. These are:

Welding Procedure Specification (WPS)

A WPS sets out the approved procedure for a specific type of weld.

It sets a guide for effectively creating a weld that meets all applicable code requirements.

The WPS provides information that is specific to the type of welding and the type of materials, such as:

metal grade
filler metal classification
amperage range
shielding gas composition
Preheat and interpass temperatures

It also shows the welder’s overall direction, joint design, code requirements, techniques and parameters.

Weld Procedure Qualification Record (WPQR)

The procedures for creating and testing are documented on a Weld Procedure Qualification Record or WPQR.

A PQR is a record that’s used in producing the WPS. It serves as evidence that a WPS will create an acceptable weld.

If the test results are good, the PQR is approved and used as the foundation for drafting one or more WPS.

Welder Qualification Test Certificate (WQTC)

A Welder Qualification Test Certificate shows whether a welder possesses the skill to perform the specs of the Welding Procedure.

Key Terms Summary

WPS: A WPS is the welding procedure specification.
WPQR: The PQR is the procedure qualification report
WQTC: The WQTR or welder qualification test certificate describes the results of a test
Code: A set of rules adopted by one or more governmental bodies and enforceable by law.

How To Become A Coded Welder

To become a Coded Welded, you must take a welder coding test for the code you want to earn your certification.

You can familiarise yourself with the code by obtaining the WPS, allowing you to practice that specific type of weld.

Once you successfully pass the test, which will typically include a written and a hands-on section, you will be approved to perform welding jobs that fall under that code.

What Qualifications Does A Welder Need?

Many welders have been welding for 20 years without qualifications.

But with the industry pushing towards more regulation, welders seek qualifications to confirm competence.

There are lots of ways to study and become certified to prove your competence, such as:

Apprenticeship
City and Guilds Level 1 Award in Introductory Welding Skills
City and Guilds Level 2 Award in Welding Skills
City and Guilds Level 2 Award in Welding Techniques and Skills
City and Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Fabrication and Welding Engineering Technology
T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Welder Competence Certification
British Standard 4872 Class 2 Welder Coding Qualification
ASME IX Class 1 Welder Coding Qualification
ISO 9606 Class 1 Welder Coding Qualification

Most colleges will require you to have the following requirements:

Two or more GCSEs in grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
4 or 5 GCSEs in grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

A qualified welder means they have met a given standard’s requirements to become eligible to perform welding within the scope of that standard.

The Difference Between Coded Welders And Certified Welders?

The distinction between certified welders and coded welders is all down to the demonstrated ability over specific welding methods.

It is possible to be both a coded and certified welder, yet they do not mean the same thing, so it is vital to keep this in mind.

While a certified welder can produce their credentials, a coded welder has passed practical tests which indicate their skill. I.e. If they refer to a standard welding code, they are talking about a welder with a code qualification.

While these terms are represented differently, they are sometimes used interchangeably within the industry, whether rightly or wrongly.

What Is 6g Coded Welding?

6G Coded Welding refers to welding pipe in the 6g position.

The number “6” represents the position of the pipes, while the letter “G” stands for the type of weld, in this case, a groove weld.

A groove weld is a joint in two metal pipes where the space between them is filled with the welding material.

6g is a challenging welding position requiring one pipe to be positioned at a 45-degree angle to the other. It also involves accomplishing the most challenging weld in the 6G join: the overhead weld.

You can be coded in 6g using BS 4872, ASME IX or ISO 9606 standards.

As we use ISO 9606, you can read more about the standard in our post “ISO 9606: What Is It?”.

What are the different types of welding?

There are many different welding types that are available today, from high-tech processes to traditional approaches.

Here’s a look at the four most commonly used welding processes we use here at Varlowe:

TIG – Also Known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). TIG leaves no splatter and minimises potential defects during the welding process. We use TIG when weld integrity is critical and requires high-quality welds.

MIG – Also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). MIG is the most common industrial welding process. It produces high-quality welds much quicker. It also covers a wide variety of metals and alloys.

MMA – Also known as Stick Welding or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW). MMA is a low-cost technique and is very versatile. Once mastered, the engineer can use it on various materials in almost any environment and position.

Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) – Like MIG welding, flux-cored arc welding is based on the continuous wire feed process. It typically uses an external shielding gas to protect the weld pool, but it can also be performed without making the process extremely portable and versatile.

You can find out more about Welding types on our blog post “Welding Types“.

If you want to read more about welding in general, please visit our post “What Is Welding“.

FAQ’S

What does coded mean in welding?

In welding, “coded” means a welder is certified to meet specific industry standards or codes through training and testing. This certification ensures weld quality and safety for specialised applications.

How long does it take to become a Coded Welder?

Becoming a coded welder can take several months to a few years. It depends on your starting skill level, the specific code or standard you aim to meet, and the training path you choose. Formal programs typically last a few months, but self-study may take longer. Gaining practical experience is essential for success.

What is the difference between a coded welder and a qualified welder?

The distinction between certified welders and coded welders comes down to their level of expertise in specific welding techniques. A certified welder can provide credentials, whereas a coded welder has demonstrated their skills through practical testing.

What are the duties of a coded welder?

Coded welders primarily perform welding operations, ensuring the quality and integrity of welds while following specific procedures. They also handle material preparation, maintain equipment, and document their work. Safety compliance and adherence to industry standards are paramount. Additionally, they may collaborate with teams, troubleshoot welding issues, and stay updated on welding advancements.

Coded Welders at Varlowe Industrial Services

Here at Varlowe Industrial Services, we have a team of multi-coded welders who can cover an extensive range of specifications, materials, diameters and thicknesses.

Our coded welders can work from our fully equipped mobile welding vehicles, allowing us to offer support at your site, even in remote locations, nationwide. Take a look at our mobile welding service.

Visit our Coded Welding page for more information on our Coded Welding services.

If you wish to speak to somebody, please call 01902 861042 or email info@varlowe.co.uk.

For more on the different welding types, please visit this post from Cromweld.

You can also find more information on Wikipedia.