What should be included in a post-weld inspection checklist?

• A. Visual weld acceptance criteria, dimensions and tolerances, cleanliness, presence of defects, NDE requirements, and documentation.
• B. Visual appearance only.
• C. Only NDE results.
• D. Only dimensions.

Answer: (A)

A post-weld inspection checklist should be comprehensive because weld quality is judged on multiple attributes, not just how the weld looks. Visual acceptance criteria catch surface and finish issues that could indicate improper welding or preparation, such as misruns, undercut, or surface cracks. Checking dimensions and tolerances ensures the weld geometry and fit-up meet the drawing and service requirements, preventing interference, misalignment, or overstressed areas. Cleanliness matters because oil, scale, or other contaminants can affect corrosion resistance and coating adhesion. Noting the presence or absence of defects is essential for deciding whether remediation is needed before the part goes into service. NDE requirements are included when the project or code calls for hidden or internal flaws to be detected, providing assurance beyond what a visual check can reveal. Documentation ties all of this together, offering traceability for quality records, inspection dates, reference welds, and any corrective actions taken.

In short, the best checklist captures how the weld should look, how it should measure, how clean it must be, what flaws are unacceptable, which nondestructive exams are required, and how everything is recorded for accountability.