Inspectors should be dedicated to work ethics which will support working often in dirty environments, being available daily throughout the year for emergencies. They should also realize that they are at times auditors and could be unpopular. This resistance can often be overcome by openly communicating the purpose of the inspection and looking for what is at fault, not who is at fault. The metals industry that used to be the back bone of our nation has been ailing and diminishing during the past few decades due to multiple factors. Enormous complexes are either totally abandoned or dismantled and shipped overseas for re-use or scrap.
Remnants however are still in use, mixed with new facilities and are flourishing.
The management of these facilities needs to be told by ASNT the merits of NDT and the justification of the inspection cost followed by proper correction. This will ultimately result in lower workmen s compensation rates, lower insurance premiums, fewer lawsuits, less downtime, decreased OSHA penalties. Most importantly, this will save lives and will undoubtedly result in an increase in employee morale and corporate profits.