There are four classes of welded joints. A selection may be made among various levels of perfection of welded joints. The latter depends on the distance from settlements, energy facilities and traffic routes. Among the methods for testing welds, the radiographic method is preferred. In older regulations other methods are not mentioned.
More recent regulations permit application of ultrasonic methods instead of radiography.
Other methods are applied only as a complement. Table I gives a survey of obligatory application of NDT methods in Slovenia. When selecting the extent of testing, the level of quality assurance achieved should be taken into account. This has not been taken into account in Slovenia till now. Also some foreign regulations known in Slovenia do not take quality assurance into account.