GB/Z 44526-2024 Non-destructive testing - Performance-based qualification
1 Scope
This Technical Specification provides a method for qualification of non-destructive testing (NDT) personnel, procedures, and equipment for specific non-destructive tests conducted in accordance with documented procedures established within a performance-based qualification programme.
Implementation of this Technical Specification requires cooperation between applicable industry sector committees (ISC) and qualification bodies to ensure that specific performance expectations are addressed.
The qualification methodology described in this Technical Specification is based upon the ability of a candidate to demonstrate capability in detecting and sizing critical discontinuities equivalent to those to be detected and sized in the performance-based qualification programme as established by the ISC.
It is possible that second party (employer-based) qualification and approval (e.g. in accordance with ANSI/ASNT CP-189) or qualification and third party certification (e.g. in accordance with ISO 9712 or EN 473), followed by on-the-job training does not provide the required degree of confidence for safety critical inspections, and this Technical Specification provides criteria to assist in preparing an individual for performance-based qualification examinations.
Qualification to this Technical Specification is limited to the specific applications, using the specific documented procedure in the performance-based qualification programme.
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO/IEC 17024, Conformity assessment - General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
candidate
individual seeking qualification under a qualification procedure who has satisfied all prerequisites detailed in the qualification document
Note: The qualification document is a description of the qualification system, including all applicable conditions, agreed between the parties to the qualification.
3.2
certification body
body that administers procedures for certification according to the requirements of this Technical Specification and which fulfils the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024
3.3
employer
legal entity for which the candidate for qualification or the qualified individual works on a regular basis
3.4
essential parameter
parameter of the NDT method, technique, the component, and defects that the test is intended to detect or characterize
3.5
false call
reporting a defect when none exists
3.6
grading unit
section of a qualification specimen
Note: Grading units can be of unequal lengths and spacing, and either with or without discontinuities.
3.7
industry sector committee; ISC
body comprised of individuals representative of the interests in the inspection to be qualified
3.8
NDT qualification examiner
impartial individual who is certified to NDT level 3 within a scheme recognized by the qualification body, and who is qualified in the specific NDT application
3.9
NDT procedure
written description of all essential parameters and precautions to be applied when non-destructively testing products in accordance with standard(s), code(s) or specification(s)
3.10
performance-based qualification programme
methodology for establishing the ability of a specific qualification system (for equipment, procedures, and personnel) to achieve a required level of performance
3.11
qualification body
independent entity that administers qualification of NDT personnel, NDT equipment and NDT procedures
3.12
qualification certificate
document issued under the rules of a qualification system indicating that adequate confidence is provided that NDT procedures, equipment and personnel or any combination of these are capable, for a specific non-destructive test, of achieving the stated objectives
3.13
qualification procedure
orderly sequence of rules describing how a specific non-destructive test on a specific component is qualified
3.14
qualification specimen
example or a simulation of the component for which the non-destructive test is qualified which, as appropriate, replicates size, geometry, material properties and containing discontinuities to be encountered on site
4 Responsibilities
4.1 Qualification body
A qualification body shall develop and administer the qualification process, in accordance with the qualification procedure, and issue certificates of qualification upon compliance with this Technical Specification and ISC specific requirements.
4.2 Employer
An employer is responsible for authorizing employees to perform NDT for which they are qualified in compliance with this Technical Specification and ISC specific requirements.
4.3 Industry sector committee
An ISC establishes qualification requirements for specific industry applications, and advises the qualification body on all technical and procedural matters concerning the qualification.
