How Would you Handle
These Ethical Problems
by J. P. Kane
Everyone certified by the American Welding Society — Senior Certified Welding Inspectors, Certified Welding Inspectors, and Certified Associate Welding Inspectors — is obligated to adhere to the Code of Ethics printed in AWS QC1, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors. It’s one
thing, however, to agree to follow the Code of Ethics in the abstract; it’s quite another to know what to do when faced with a real ethics-related dilemma out in the field.

The following scenarios describe situations you could be
faced with and offer some tips on how to respond to them. While
all are based on my own experiences and observations, many
facts have been changed. They are offered here as examples of
situations you could be faced with during your career. I also suggest
you read the latest version of the Code of Ethics, which can
be found in the Just the Facts section on page XX of this issue of
Inspection Trends.

Are You Rolling the Moral Dice?
by R. V. Johnson
In the structural inspection field, operating independently is more of a common occurrence than an exception to the rule.  From visual welding inspection to ultrasonic or magnetic particle testing, shop and field inspections typically occur with minimal, if any, personnel duplication or direct supervisory oversight. Although testing personnel may work concurrently with visual inspection
personnel, it is not uncommon for a visual inspector to double up and also perform nondestructive examination duties.

Lack of oversight presents opportunities for an inspector to become complacent, careless, or to cut corners. This is the first issue I shall address.

AWS Celebrates 30 Years of the CWI
Program with a New Standard
by R. K. Wiswesser
This year marks the thirtieth year in operation of the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) program. Since 1976, more than 50,000 inspectors have received this certification, and it has become literally the ticket to a very valuable career.

This year also marks the latest revision of the governing standard for the program, AWS QC1:2006, Standard for AWS Certification of Welding Inspectors. This revision supercedes the 1996 version and is significant in many ways. The AWS Certification Committee, which oversees the technical requirements for the program, has been sensitive to changes in the industry since 1996 and has introduced some new opportunities for welding inspectors who have found value in the AWS program.

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