NDE-01-WRITTEN PRACTICE FOR NDE PERSONNEL TRAINING, QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION

W r i t t e n P r a c t i c e f o r N D E P e r s o n n e l T r a i n i n g，Q u a l i f i c a t i o n a n d

C e r t i f i c a t i o n

1.Scope and Applicability

1.1This document defines the practice in TianDa for the control and administration of

training, examination, qualification and certification of personnel performing nondestructive examination for the pressure vessels conforming to the ASME B & PV Code Section Ⅷ, Div.1.

1.2This written practice has been developed based upon SNT-TC-1A (2006 Edition)

satisfying the requirement of the ASME B & PV Code Section Ⅷ Div.1.

1.3Qualification and certification of nondestructive examination personnel in accordance

with this written practice shall be applicable to each of the following methods:

1.3.1Radiographic Examination (RT).

1.3.2Magnetic Particle Examination (MT).

1.3.3Liquid Penetrant Examination (PT).

2.Responsibility and Levels of Qualification

2.1The NDE Level II shall prepare this written practice and develop an adequate NDE

training program, which are approved by the Chief Engineer.

2.2The levels of qualification are divided into three levels ( Level Ⅰ，Ⅱ and Ⅲ) for each

NDE method as specified in Para 1.3.

2.3The responsibilities of three levels of certifications are as follows.

2.3.1NDE LevelⅠ

An NDE LevelⅠindividual shall be qualified to properly perform specific calibrations, specific NDE and specific evaluations for acceptance or rejection determinations according to written instructions and to record examination results. The NDE LevelⅠindividual shall receive the necessary instruction or supervision from a certified NDE Level Ⅱ or Ⅲ individual.

2.3.2NDE LevelⅡ

An NDE Level Ⅱ individual shall be qualified to set up and calibrate equipment and to interpret and evaluate results with respect to the applicable Code section, standards, and specifications. The NDE Level Ⅱ individual shall be thoroughly familiar with the scope and limitations of the NDE methods for which qualified and shall exercise assigned responsibility for on-the-job training and guidance of trainees and NDE Level Ⅰpersonnel. The NDE Level Ⅱ personnel shall be able to organize and report the results of NDE.

2.3.3NDE Level Ⅲ

An NDE Level Ⅲ individual shall be capable of developing, qualifying, and approving procedures, establishing and approving techniques，interpreting codes, standards, specifications and procedures; and designating the particular NDE methods, techniques and procedures to be used. The NDE Level Ⅲ individual shall be responsible for the NDE operations for which qualified and assigned and shall be capable of interpreting and evaluating results in terms of existing codes, standards and specifications. The NDE Level Ⅲ individual shall have sufficient practical background in applicable materials, fabrication and product technology to establish techniques and to assist in establishing acceptance criteria when none are otherwise available. The NDE Level Ⅲindividual shall have general familiarity with other appropriate NDE methods. The NDE Level Ⅲindividual, in the methods in which certified shall be capable of training and examining NDE Level Ⅰand Ⅱ personnel for certification in those methods.

2.4While in the process of being initially trained, qualified, and certified, an individual

shall be considered as a trainee. A trainee shall work with a certified individual. The trainee shall not independently conduct, interpret, evaluate, or report the results of any NDE.

3.Qualification Requirements For NDE Personnel

3.1 Candidates for certification in NDE shall have sufficient education, training, and

experience to ensure qualification in those NDE methods in which they are being considered for certification. Documentation of prior certification may be used as evidence of qualification for comparable levels of certification.

3.2 Documented training and/or experience gained in positions and activities comparable to

those of Levels Ⅰ, Ⅱ and/or Ⅲ prior to establishment of this written practice may be considered in satisfying the criteria of Par 4.1 and 5.1. The Chief Engineer shall verify these records.

4.Initial Qualification Of Level Ⅲ Personnel

4.1Educational Background and Experience

To be considered for certification, a candidate for Level Ⅲshall satisfy one of the following criteria:

4.1.1Have graduated from a minimum four-year college or university curriculum with a

degree in engineering or science, plus one additional year of experience beyond the Level Ⅱrequirements in NDE in an assignment at least comparable to that of an NDE Level Ⅱ(such as Chinese Level Ⅱ) in the applicable NDE method(s), or:

4.1.2Have completed with passing grades of at least two years of engineering or science

study at a university, college or technical school, plus two additional years of experience beyond the Level Ⅱrequirements in NDE in an assignment at least comparable to that of NDE Level Ⅱ(such as Chinese Level Ⅱ) in the applicable NDE method(s),or:

4.1.3Have four years of experience beyond the Level Ⅱrequirements in NDE in an

assignment at least comparable to that of an NDE Level Ⅱin the applicable NDE method(s).

4.1.4For Level Ⅲ Certification, the required experience shall consist of the sum of the time

required for Level Ⅰand Level Ⅱas described in 5.1, and additional requirements listed in 4.1.1 through 4.1.3 above.

4.1.5The above Level Ⅲ requirements may be partially replaced by experience as a certified

NDE Level Ⅱ or by assignments at least comparable to NDE Level Ⅱ in other methods as defined in this written practice.

4.1.6For Level Ⅲ Certification, the required formal training shall consist of the Level Ⅰ and

Level Ⅱ training, plus Level Ⅲ training as defined in Training Program.

4.2Examination

4.2.1Basic Examination (required only once when more than one method examination is

taken) The minimum number of questions that shall be given is as follows:

4.2.1.1Fifteen (15) questions relating to understanding the SNT-TC-1A document.

4.2.1.2Twenty (20) questions relating to applicable materials, fabrication, and product

technology.

4.2.1.3Twenty (20) questions that are similar to published Level Ⅱquestions for other

appropriate NDE methods.

4.2.2Method Examination (for each method)

4.2.2.1Thirty (30) questions relating to fundamentals and principles that are similar to

published ASNT Level Ⅲ questions for each method, and

4.2.2.2Fifteen (15) questions relating to application and establishment of techniques and

procedures that are similar to the published ASNT Level Ⅲ questions for each method, and

4.2.2.3Twenty (20) questions relating to capability for interpreting codes, standards, and

specifications relating to the method.

4.2.3Specific Examination (for each method)

4.2.3.1Twenty (20) questions relating to specifications, equipment, techniques, and procedures

applicable to this Company’s product(s) and methods employed and to the administration of this Written Practice.

4.2.3.2The specific examination may be deleted if the candidate has a valid ASNT NDE Level

Ⅲ or ACCP Professional Level Ⅲ certificate in the method and if documented evidence of experience exists, including the preparation of NDE procedures to codes, standards, or specifications and the evaluation of test results.

4.3 A valid endorsement on an ASNT Level Ⅲ certificate fulfills the examination criteria

described in Par 4.2.1 and 4.2.2 for each applicable method.

4.4The candidate shall be given a vision examination by chief engineer his designee in

accordance with Par 7, and the results shall be acceptable.

5.Initial Qualification of LevelⅠandⅡPersonnel

5.1Work Experience.

To be considered for certification as a Level I and Level II, the candidate shall satisfy the experience requirements for the applicable NDE level as specified in Table 1.

Table 1 Experience for Level I and II

Note:

(1) Table 1 applies to all educational levels of applicants.

(2) For Level Ⅱ certification, the experience shall consist of time at Level Ⅰor equivalent.

If a person is being qualified directly to Level Ⅱ with no time at LevelⅠ, the required experience shall consist of the sum of the times required for Level Ⅰ and Level Ⅱ. (3) Initial experience may be gained simultaneously in two or more methods if (a) the

candidate spends a minimum of 25％of work time on each method for which certification is sought, and (b) the remainder of the work time claimed as experience is spent in NDE-related activities defined in this written practice.

5.2Training

5.2.1Personnel being considered for initial certification shall complete sufficient organized

training, as specified in Table 2, to become thoroughly familiar with the principles and practices of the specified NDE method related to the level of certification desired and applicable to the processes to be used and the products to be examined.

Table 2 Initial training hours for Level I and II

Note:

(1) If a person is being qualified directly to NDE Level Ⅱ with no time at NDE Level Ⅰ,

the required training shall consist of the sum of the hours required for Level Ⅰand Level Ⅱ.

(2) The NDE Level Ⅲ personnel shall prepare the training program for each Level of NDE

method, which specifies the detail and required hours to be used in training.

5.2.2The training program shall include sufficient examination to ensure that the necessary

information has been comprehended. The training course outlines for NDE personnel and recommended references which may be used as technical source material to follow are described in the Training Program.

5.3Examination of Technical Competence

5.3.1General Examination ( Written for NDE Levels Ⅰ and Ⅱ)

The general examination shall address the basic principles of the applicable method.

In preparing the examinations, the NDE Level Ⅲpersonnel shall select or devise appropriate questions covering the applicable method to the degree required by this written practice.

The minimum number of question which shall be given is as follows.

5.3.2Specific Examination ( written for NDE LevelsⅠandⅡ)

5.3.2.1The specific examination shall address the equipment, operating procedures, and NDE

techniques that the individual may encounter during specific assignments to the degree required by this written practice.

5.3.2.2The specific examination shall also cover the specifications or codes and acceptance

criteria used in the Company’s NDE procedures.

5.3.2.3The minimum number of questions which shall be given is as follows:

5.3.3Practical Examination ( for NDE LevelⅠandⅡ)

5.3.3.1The candidate shall demonstrate familiarity with and ability to operate the necessary

NDE equipment, record and analyze the resultant information to the degree required. 5.3.3.2At least one flawed specimen or component shall be examined and the results of the

NDE analyzed by the candidate.

5.3.3.3The description of the specimen, the NDE procedure, including check points, and the

results of the examination shall be documented.

(1) NDE Level Ⅰpractical Examination: Proficiency shall be demonstrated in

performing the applicable NDE on one or more samples approved by the NDE

Level Ⅲ personnel and in evaluating the results to the degree of responsibility as

described in this written practice. At least ten (10) different checkpoints requiring

an understanding of examination variables and the Company’s procedural

requirements shall be included in this practical examination.

(2) NDE Level ⅡPractical Examination: Proficiency shall be demonstrated in

selecting and performing the applicable NDE technique within the method and

interpreting and evaluating the results on one or more samples approved by the

NDE Level Ⅲpersonnel. At least ten (10) different checkpoints requiring an

understanding of NDE variables and the Company’s procedural requirements

shall be included in this practical examination.

5.4Healthy Examination

The candidate shall be given a vision examination by chief engineer or his designee in accordance with Para.7 and the results shall be acceptable.

6.Administration and Grading of Examination

6.1All Level Ⅰ, Ⅱ and Ⅲ written examination shall be closed-book except that necessary

data, such as graphs, tables, specifications, procedures, codes, etc., may be provided with or in the examination. Questions utilizing such reference materials shall require an understanding of the information rather than merely locating the appropriate answer. All questions used for Level I and Level II examinations shall be approved by the Level III.

6.2The Level Ⅲpersonnel shall be responsible for the administration and grading of

examination specified for NDE LevelⅠandⅡpersonnel. The NDE Level Ⅲis responsible for the administration and grading of examinations specified for other Level Ⅲ personnel. The actual administration and grading of examination for Level Ⅲ may be performed by a qualified representative designated by the Chief Engineer.

6.3For Level Ⅰand Ⅱpersonnel, a composite grade shall be determined by simple

averaging of the results of the general, specific, and practical examinations. For Level Ⅲpersonnel, the composite grade shall be determined by simply averaging of the results of the basic, method, and specific examinations.

6.4Examinations administered for qualification shall result in a passing composite grade of

at least 80 percent, with no individual examination having a passing grade less than 70 percent.

6.5Reexamination

Those failing to attain the required grades shall wait at least thirty (30) days or receive suitable additional training as determined by the NDE Level Ⅲfor Level Ⅰand Level Ⅱ personnel and by the Chief Engineer for Level Ⅲ before reexamination.

7.Vision Examinations

7.1Near-Vision Acuity. The examination shall assure natural or corrected near-distance

acuity in at least one eye such that the applicant is capable of reading a minimum of Jaeger Number 2 at a distance of not less than 12 inches (30.5cm). This examination shall be administered annually.

7.2Color Contrast and Shade of Gray Differentiation. The examination shall demonstrate

the capability of distinguishing and differentiating contrast among colors or shades of gray used in the method as determined by the company. This shall be conducted upon initial certification and at one year intervals thereafter.

8.Certification

8.1The NDE Examiner Qualification Record (Sample Form08-01 A, B) shall be certified

by the NDE Level III for Level I & II and by the Chief Engineer for Level III. The NDE Examiner certificate shall be signed and issued by the Q.A.Manager for Level Is and IIs and the Chief Engineer for Level IIIs.

8.2Certification of NDE personnel shall be based on demonstration of satisfactory

qualification in accordance with this written practice.

8.3Personnel certification records shall be maintained on file by the NDE Level III and

shall include the following:

(1) Name of certified individual.

(2) Level of certification and NDE method.

(3) Educational background and experience of certified individuals.

(4) Statement indicating satisfactory completion of training in accordance with this

Company’s written practice.

(5) Results of the vision examinations, including near-vision acuity ( Jaeger test

chart ), color contrast differentiation ( Colour Vision Text group 1 to 5 and shades

of the gray chart ).

(6) Current examination copy(ies) or evidence of successful completion of

examinations.

(7) Other suitable evidence of satisfactory qualifications when such qualifications are

used in lieu of the specific examination or as prescribed in this written practice.

(8) Composite grade(s)or suitable evidence of grades.

(9) Signature of the Level Ⅲor Chief Engineer that verified qualifications of

candidate for certification.

(10) Dates of certification and/or recertification and the dates of assignments to NDE.

(11) Certification expiration date.

(12) Signature of the Q.A. Manager or the Chief Engineer.

9.Technical Performance Evaluation

9.1NDE personnel may be reexamined any time at the discretion of the Q.A. Manager or

the Chief Engineer and have their certificates extended or revoked.

9.2Every one year, the technical performance of LevelⅠand Ⅱpersonnel shall be

evaluated and documented by an NDE Level Ⅲin the same format as described in

5.3.3.

10.Recertification

10.1All levels of NDE personnel shall be recertified periodically in accordance with one of

the following criteria.

10.1.1Evidence of continuing satisfactory technical performance.

10.1.2Reexamination according to Par 4.2 or 5.3 as applicable when deemed necessary by the

Chief Engineer.

10.2The maximum recertification intervals are:Level Ⅰ,ⅡandⅢ-5 years.

10.3When a certified NDE individual has not worked in the certified NDE method for 6

months or more, he shall be reexamined according to Para.4.2 or 5.3 as applicable in order to be recertified.

11.Termination

11.1The certification shall be automatically terminated when the holder leaves TianDa.

12.Initial Training and Examination of NDE Personnel

For initial training and examination of NDE personnel, TianDa may employ a qualified NDE individual to provide NDE Level Ⅲ services. The subcontracted NDE Level Ⅲshall perform training, preparation of questions, grading examinations according to this practice. In this case, the questions shall be approved by the Q.A. Manager or Chief Engineer. TianDa retains the responsibility and authority in certification of his own NDE personnel. The Chief Engineer shall be responsible for obtaining and reviewing qualification of NDE Level Ⅲto assure he is properly qualified and competent to provide this service.