AWS QC17:2015 pdf download.Specification for AWS Accreditation of Certified Welding Fabricators
1. Scope
This specification establishes the procedure by which a welding fabricator may seek, obtain, and maintain accreditation from AWS to participate in the AWS Certified Welding Fabricator Program. This standard also defines the requirements for a company s compliance with welding-related functions as described in AWS B5.17, Specification for the Qualification of Welding Fabricators.
5. Application
5.1 Copies of the application to become a CWF and the Quality Manual & Audit Checklist will be provided to the applicant along with this standard.
5.2 An application for accreditation shall be completed and submitted to AWS. The application must specify which nationally or internationally recognized code(s) or specifications the welding fabricator' 's quality manual encompasses, as specified in AWS B5.17.
5.2.1 AWS Certification Department will review and accept (if permissible) applications requesting the use of other codes and specifications not published by AWS.
5.2.2 The fabricator shall include a copy of their quality manual with the application.
5.3 After the auditor has reviewed the fabricator's quality manual and application for accreditation, the auditor shall notify the fabricator and AWS as to the date of the audit.
6. Audit Requirements
6.1 Objectives. An audit establishes whether or not the welding fabricator complies with the accreditation criteria.Auditors may provide advice in responses to questions or on the basis of observations to provide help to improve the welding fabricator' s potential of being in compliance. The AWS auditor shall not be the same individual or entity providing consulting services to the applicant seeking certification as an AWS Certified Welding Fabricator.
6.5 Shop Review. Auditors are given a Quality Manual & Audit Checklist to follow in performing an audit. The checklist is intended to ensure that audits are conducted uniformly and completely as possible while verifying the implementation of the quality manual.
6.6.1 At the conclusion of an audit, the auditor shall review the Quality Manual & Audit Checklist with the fabricator,identifying all nonconformances that must be corrected before the auditor can recommend certification. Nonconformances can be corrected at the time of the audit.
6.6.2 Nonconformances that cannot be corrected at the time of the audit shall be noted on the nonconformance report form. Nonconformances shall be corrected within 30 days of the date of the closing meeting. The nonconformance report (NCR), listing the corrective action resolution, will be forwarded to the AWS Certification Department by the auditor. The NCR may be reviewed upon any subsequent audit. All nonconformances, including those corrected at the time of audit,shall be included in the auditor's final Audit Report.AWS QC17 pdf download