Why do I need a Welding Supervisor?
Welding Supervisors play an integral part in the hierarchy of welding projects to ensure the quality, compliance, and success of the build. Typically, they are the first port of call in the technical management of the project and the liaison between senior management, 3rd party inspectors, client’s representatives, and any other relevant parties. Their primary role is to interpret, understand and apply the technical requirements of the client’s specifications, standards and drawings.
A Welding Supervisor should be considering the most appropriate welding process, consumables, and opportunities for mechanisation to make the welding process as efficient and repeatable as possible. Utilising their skills and knowledge to optimise the coordination of processes, personnel and materials, assisting in keeping projects on time and on budget.
Many businesses only require a Welding Supervisor for certain projects making the financial cost for the business to employ an in-house supervisor often not viable. The AS/NZS 1554 suite of structural standards and pressure equipment standards require the use of a Welding Supervisor to manage welding operations. Therefore, the ability and convenience of being able to engage Technoweld’s experienced team on an adhoc and as-needed basis, they find, is of huge ongoing cost benefit.
What is a Welding Supervisor?
There is often confusion around Welding Supervisors. There are two types of Welding Supervisors in Australia – they are streamed into pressure equipment and structural steel. AS 1796 Certification 10 is a pressure equipment supervisor and AS 2214 is for structural steel. Both qualifications have a common theory element that covers the advanced theory of welding, welding equipment, welding documentation etc, and the difference comes in the standards that are studied and examined upon.
The term Welding Coordinator has been introduced into the Australian industry by the introduction of AS/NZS/ISO 3834 welding management standards and ISO 14731 Welding Coordination. Welding Supervisors satisfy the role of Welding Coordinator in a lot of cases.
A Welding Supervisor is a trained and experienced individual whose skills include high-level knowledge of:
• Processes and procedures
• Welding
• Compliance
• Coordination of personnel
• Production
• Welding Safety
• Welding Standards
• Welding documentation (incl welding procedures)
What does a Welding Supervisor do?
They are responsible for directing and advising your team, utilising these skills to meet the requirements of your project whilst maintaining compliance and cost efficiency.
Some of their duties may include:
• Identifying, sourcing or qualifying the correct weld procedures
• Reviewing, revalidating and arranging welder qualifications
• Ensure weld, material and consumables are traceable when required
• Efficient use of welding processes, equipment and consumables
• Ensuring the correct type and amount of non-destructive examination (NDE) is performed as required
• In-progress inspection and visual examination
• Technical liaising
• Management of welding safety
• Material and equipment selection
• Record keeping of required documents
• Relationships with operators, senior management and key personnel
How can the Technoweld team help you?
At Technoweld, welding is our number one passion and top priority. We have dedicated the last 25 years to helping Australian welders succeed in the industry, whether it be through thorough supervision, optimisation of operations, inspections, welding management consulting or training.
Our Welding Supervisors are highly trained and skilled professionals who can assist you in the success of your project. To find out more about how our team can assist you with improving productivity within your business through the engagement of our Welding Supervisors, please call 1300 00 WELD or get in touch online